Ravens HC expects former first-round pick 'to be a top receiver in the league'

The Ravens are deciding to run it back with almost the same wide receiver room from last season with key contributors such as Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor returning.

In fact, the most notable addition to the room this offseason was Devontez Walker, a fourth-round pick by Baltimore in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It was a bit of a surprising decision since the team didn't have a receiver eclipse 900 receiving yards in 2023, but head coach John Harbaugh believes it already has one of the best receivers in the NFL.

"Rashod's been working to make plays. To see him come out and make those catches, those are great catches," Harbaugh told reporters . "Traffic catches, one catch he plucked off the ground there. I was excited, everybody was fired up about it. That's what we expect from Rashod Bateman. He's expected to be a top receiver in the league for us. That's what we're planning on."

The Ravens showed their confidence in Bateman this offseason by signing him to a two-year, $12 million contract extension, but naming him a top player at his position is a stretch.

The No. 27 overall pick in 2021 has yet to live up to his first-round expectations with just 93 catches for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns through the first three years of his NFL career.

Bateman's lack of production has been due to his inability to stay healthy at times, but he played in 16 games last season and still only finished with 32 catches for 367 yards and one touchdown.

Harbaugh isn't the only one who has given Bateman a vote of confidence this season, either. Tight end Mark Andrews gave the 24-year-old a glowing review earlier this month.

"I think he looks incredible," Andrews said , 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."

Whether Bateman finally takes his game to another level in 2024 remains up for debate, but Baltimore's inactivity has put Bateman in position to play a key role once again this season.