The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings Draft 2021: Way-too-early watch list

By Luke Parrish

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs the ball after a reception during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs the ball after a reception during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Rashod Bateman /

Rashod Bateman – WR (Minnesota)

Kicking off this list is a player that Vikings fans should already be quite familiar with. Rashod Bateman was one of the most exciting players in college football last season as a true sophomore. With two years under his belt, Bateman has appeared in 26 games and racked up a ton of production for the Gophers.

Bateman has 111 career catches for 1,923 yards and 17 touchdowns. Not too shabby for the young wideout. His 2019 season saw him tally 1,219 yards on just 60 catches, good for an average of 20.3 yards per catch. There is no doubt that Bateman can stretch the field and provide big plays for his offense.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Bateman has an unfair pairing of size and speed. He is one of the best receivers in college football and he will be in a loaded class at the position. Despite being just a true junior entering the upcoming season, Bateman has shown a ton of pro potential.

The Vikings added some quality youth at wide receiver in the 2020 draft when they selected Justin Jefferson in the first round. Could a first-round receiver be in the cards for Minnesota once again in 2021? Bateman may be too hard to pass up if the opportunity presents itself in a year’s time.

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