Ravens' Mark Andrews calls for 'big year' from former first-round WR

The Ravens didn't make any significant additions to their wide receiver room this offseason, with their most notable add coming in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft (Devontez Walker).

That hints Baltimore is expecting its young playmakers to take their games to another level this season, and tight end Mark Andrews believes it starts with fourth-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

"I think he looks incredible," Andrews said of Bateman, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. "Everything — his route running, catching the ball, being where he's supposed to be — he has it down to a science. I know he's worked really hard, but he looks about as put together as he's ever been. So, it's going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I'm calling it now."

Bateman has disappointed since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2021, recording just 93 catches for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns the past three years.

Part of the 24-year-old's lack of production is due to injuries. His 2022 season was cut short after suffering a season-ending foot injury.

However, when on the field, some have argued Bateman simply lacks chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson. That didn't stop the Ravens from signing him to a two-year, $12.871M contract extension in April.

"That extension definitely came out of nowhere," Bateman said. "But it shows that they believe in, believe in my work, my ethic, (and) the team believes in me, so it was a no-brainer. I love playing here. I love this organization. I love the fans. I feel like I still have a lot to do."

Bateman is still going to have to prove he is worthy of his new extension, but if he does have the breakout season Andrews thinks he will, his new deal will be considered a bargain for Baltimore.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken expects exactly that to happen.

"As the year went on, Rashod really came on, and I've seen tremendous growth," Monken said. "But again, (it's) growth just because he didn't have an offseason last year, in my mind; I didn't see that. But I expect a tremendous year (from) him."