2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Super Bowl LV

Trevor Lawrence (from left), Justin Fields, Zach WilsonNflqbdraft
Trevor Lawrence (from left), Justin Fields, Zach WilsonNflqbdraft /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 32
Next
Nov 9, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

WR. Rashod Bateman. player. 58. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Minnesota. 19

Word on the street is that the Washington Football Team is a favorite to land Allen Robinson in free agency this offseason, but right now that’s not a guarantee.

And for that reason, I have Washington taking a receiver with its No. 19 overall pick. Rashod Bateman is my No. 4 receiver in this class behind DeVonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle and if he falls into Washington’s lap at No. 19, it would have to jump at the opportunity to scoop him up.

Washington also needs a quarterback after getting rid of Dwayne Haskins this past season and even though Alex Smith had a decent comeback season, but there won’t be a top-three gunslinger on the board still at this point. They also need an offensive lineman but receiver might be a bigger need depending on the Robinson development.

Terry McLaurin was one of the better receivers in the NFL last season with  1,118 yards and four touchdowns on 87 receptions, but the next two leading receivers were a tight end (Logan Thomas) and a running back (JD McKissic). Not ideal for a receiving corps.

The 6-2, 210-pound receiver from Minnesota should help with that after an impressive three-year career in which he had 147 catches, 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns in 31 games.