John Harbaugh believes Rashod Bateman ‘is going to take a big step’ in 2024

When speaking to the media during the NFL Combine, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked which players he expects to take big steps next season. Harbaugh immediately pointed to former first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

“I think Rashod Bateman is going to take a big step, just off the top of my head,” Harbaugh said. “Rashod is going to get opportunities this year. He ran routes really well. He worked super hard. He was healthy for the first time – even as the year went on, he got healthier, and you could see it in his play. The ball got to him, [and] when it did, he made some great plays. The ball is going to get to him a lot more next year. He’s going to be ready to go.”

The talented receiver out of Minnesota is coming off a disappointing third season with the Ravens, in which he caught 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown. Bateman has dealt with various injuries throughout the first three years of his career. With a healthy offseason and the potential loss of veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Bateman could be in store for a breakout season after showing glimpses of his playmaking ability.

Baltimore will have to decide whether to pick up Bateman’s $14.345 million fifth-year option by May 2.