Former First-Rounder Set to Breakout for Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are one of the teams who can consider themselves true contenders heading into 2024. After finishing with the best record in the NFL in 2023 and earning home-field advantage in 2023, they will be looking to get over the hump this upcoming season.

Despite hosting the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, the Baltimore Ravens were unable to advance to the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs went into M&T Bank Stadium and defeated the hosts.

A big reason that the Ravens fell short against the Chiefs was their offense being stifled. They lost the game 17-10, as their defense did everything you could ask to slow down Mahomes and the Kansas City offense.

Looking for more production offensively in 2024, one player who could provide the Baltimore Ravens with some if wide receiver Rashod Bateman. Tight end Mark Andrews has predicted that a breakout is coming for the Minnesota product.

“I think he looks incredible,” Andrews said . “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.”

A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bateman has not lived up to expectations through the first three seasons of his career. He has caught 93 passes for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns in 34 games.

Injuries have been a major part of Bateman’s inability to consistently produce on the field. This offseason is the first time that he has been healthy and he has some security moving forward.

Because he missed the start of training camp last year, he was not eligible for a fifth-year option first-round picks normally get. But, the Baltimore Ravens put him at ease, surprising him with a two-year, $12.871 contract extension.

“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 one of the least productive first-round wide receivers over the last 25 seasons. Only Bryant Johnson, who was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in 2003, had fewer touchdown receptions through three seasons than Bateman’s four.

But, things are pointing in the right direction heading into 2024. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken believes a breakout is on the horizon as well, praising his work and hinting at a larger role being available.

“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.”

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