Pick by Travis Wakeman
Despite signing Sammy Watkins this offseason, the Ravens need more firepower in order to give Lamar Jackson a chance to make more plays with his arm. Rashod Bateman ends up being the fifth wide receiver taken in the first round, and he has great value at this spot in the draft.
Bateman caught 147 passes in just 31 games at Minnesota and scored 19 touchdowns, including 11 during his sophomore season. He is a tremendous route-runner, gains separation often and makes some incredible catches.
Aside from Watkins, the Ravens have Marquise Brown and several young wide receivers such as Devin Duvernay and Miles Boykin. Adding a player such as Bateman could open things up for all of these guys, especially when you add tight end Mark Andrews into the mix.
But you make this pick to add value to Jackson. In the RPO offense that the Ravens run, Jackson could benefit greatly by having a receiver who can get open quickly off the snap who also has the ability to stretch the field on deep routes, taking advantage of single coverage.
Bateman can do that.