As their newest draft class and batch of undrafted free agents arrived in Owings Mills for the start of rookie minicamp, general manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens wasted no time signing half of their 2021 draft class on Wednesday.
Headlining the list was first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who is projected to receive a four-year deal worth just under $12.6 million and $6.523 million guaranteed in the 2021 rookie pool. The 27th overall pick from Minnesota became the fifth wide receiver to be selected in the first round by Baltimore in the 26-year history of the franchise, joining Marquise Brown (2019), Breshad Perriman (2015), Mark Clayton (2005), and Travis Taylor (2000). All contracts for first-round picks include a team option for a fifth season.
Bateman was regarded by many as the fourth-best wide receiver in this year’s draft behind the trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith, who all went in the top 10 of the first round late last month. The 6-foot, 190-pound Bateman caught 147 passes for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns over 31 career games for the Golden Gophers.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be here,” Bateman told the team’s official Twitter account. “Let’s get this thing going.”
The Ravens also announced signed contracts for their three fifth-round picks in cornerback Shaun Wade (Ohio State), outside linebacker Daelin Hayes (Notre Dame), and fullback and tight end Ben Mason (Michigan). That leaves only first-round outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (Penn State), third-round guard Ben Cleveland (Georgia), third-round defensive back Brandon Stephens (SMU), and fourth-round wide receiver Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma State) unsigned.
Baltimore hasn’t yet announced its group of undrafted rookie signings, but that list is typically released for the start of rookie minicamp.
