5 college opt-outs who would be good fits for the Vikings in 2021
By Zack Patraw
Rashod Bateman – Minnesota (WR)
Vikings fans are likely familiar with this name. Rashod Bateman was arguably the best player for the Minnesota Golden Gophers last year.
He caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.3 yards per catch and he was a tremendous deep threat for quarterback Tanner Morgan.
A deep threat is precisely what the Vikings are missing now that Stefon Diggs is with the Buffalo Bills.
Adam Thielen probably isn’t going to be that type of deep threat Diggs was and rookie receiver Justin Jefferson doesn’t normally play that role either. 2021 appears to be a time for Minnesota to look at acquiring a deep threat asset.
Bateman fits that mold perfectly. He has the size and the arm length to be a contested-catch machine deep down the field.
He has a good catch radius and excellent body control in the air. He’s not necessarily going to be the fastest guy on the field, but his short-area quickness and his ability to create space are going to be what gets him open downfield.