Baltimore’s Forgotten First-Rounder Is Running Out of Time

Baltimore, MD – June 20, 2025

The clock is ticking for Rashod Bateman, and everyone in Baltimore knows it—even if no one is saying it aloud.

Drafted 27th overall in 2021, Bateman arrived with all the tools of a future star: crisp route-running, natural hands, and deceptive speed. He was supposed to be the reliable WR1 that Lamar Jackson had long been missing. But nearly four years into his NFL career, that promise has yet to materialize into production. And in a Ravens offense suddenly stacked with pass-catching options, Bateman is at risk of being left behind entirely.

While Zay Flowers continues his ascension and DeAndre Hopkins garners most of the headlines, Bateman has faded into the background. His 2024 campaign ended with just 38 receptions for 419 yards and two touchdowns—pedestrian numbers for a receiver who entered the league with such fanfare. Meanwhile, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely continue to dominate red zone targets, and rookie Devontez Walker has already started turning heads in OTAs.

“It feels like Bateman is always one game away from breaking out, but that game never fully arrives,” said one AFC scout. “He’s got the ability, but the consistency and health just haven’t been there.”

That inconsistency has clearly affected Baltimore’s long-term plans. The Ravens’ decision this offseason to exercise Bateman’s fifth-year option was seen more as a hedge than a vote of confidence. It gives him one more shot—but also signals that the franchise is no longer banking on his emergence.

Even Bateman seems to sense the urgency. During a recent media session, he reflected on the past three years with noticeable weight in his voice: “I know what I’m capable of. I’ve just got to stay healthy and lock in. That’s all I’m focused on.”

But staying healthy has proven to be a challenge. Since entering the league, Bateman has missed 16 games due to groin, foot, and hamstring injuries. And when he has played, the chemistry with Lamar Jackson has often looked lukewarm at best. That’s a problem in an offense that thrives on trust and timing, especially as Baltimore leans more heavily into a vertical passing game.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken hasn’t closed the door on Bateman yet, but his recent comments were telling: “We have a lot of weapons. It’s going to be about who makes the most of their opportunities.”

Translation: Produce, or sit.

And with Hopkins, Flowers, Likely, and Andrews likely to command the lion’s share of targets, Bateman’s opportunities may be limited—unless he forces the issue. Unless he becomes the kind of receiver he was drafted to be.

For now, Rashod Bateman remains a part of the Ravens’ puzzle. But in a league where patience is measured in catches, yards, and touchdowns—not in potential—the countdown has begun.

This isn’t just a make-or-break year for Bateman. It may be his final chance to prove he ever belonged in the first place.