Rashod Bateman Tipped for Role Change After New Ravens Contract

His new contract isn’t just set to change a narrative for the Baltimore Ravens, it can also prompt a new role for wide receiver Rashod Bateman. The 25-year-old is tipped to be used differently, thanks in part to the arrival of five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins.

The prediction came from The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer, who believes “If DeAndre Hopkins can reliably win outside, Bateman can line up more in the slot.”

Shaffer’s prediction is supported by some telling numbers. They include Bateman getting “just 109 snaps and 28 targets there last year (per SIS), low for any starting WR … but was a top-5 WR in yards per route run.”

Deploying Bateman inside more often is an intriguing way to unleash his vertical speed in more creative ways, but the Ravens have alternatives. Those other options include Hopkins and fellow wideout Zay Flowers, who plays like a more natural fit for the slot.

There’s also Bateman’s existing value at another key spot in this offense to consider.

Rashod Bateman Already Has Defined Role

Bateman didn’t line up in the slot too often last season because he had another clearly defined purpose for the Ravens. It involved playing on the perimeter, usually on the single-receiver side of formations.

As ESPN’s Mina Kimes explained, Bateman is the “traditional X receiver” in coordinator Todd Monken’s schemes. Kimes pointed out how Bateman “had 32 targets as an isolated receiver. No other Raven had more than five.”

Bateman also won on “go balls, corners, in the end zone, big plays, contested-catch ability.”

What Kimes outlined was the work of a receiver with a genuine talent for stretching the field, particularly outside the numbers. This role fits with Bateman’s career average of 13.9 yards per reception.

Being able to take the top off a defense so often doesn’t necessarily fit with playing from the slot. Yet, Monken could still take advantage of Bateman’s acceleration on deep crossing patterns, or as part of multiple post routes in combination with Hopkins, Flowers or second-year pro Devontez Walker.

The latter possesses starter-level speed able to change a game in an instant, but Walker is just one member of an evolving receiver corps sure to add greater versatility to how the Ravens attack defenses through the air.

Ravens Wide Receivers Don’t Need Distinct Roles

Bateman is getting used to making history for a Ravens franchise placing greater value on receivers, but he doesn’t need a distinct role in a more expansive offense. Nor does any other member of an improving depth chart.

Monken can use Hopkins, Flowers, Bateman and Walker in a myriad of ways. While Walker may be raw and one-dimensional this early in his career, the more high-profile trio at Monken’s disposal have the flexibility to line up anywhere.

Moving the headline targets for quarterback Lamar Jackson around more often won’t be a problem for Monken. He can put Flowers in the backfield, stack Hopkins and Bateman together on the outside and alternate all three in and out of the slot.

Shifting dynamic receivers into different sports and getting them more targets will be the defining features of the Ravens’ offense as Monken changes the playbook. Even with the presence of two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry, the bulk of the talent is on Jackson’s arm and among those set to catch passes.