Lamar Jackson has identified a new primary wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. The two-time NFL MVP quarterback now sees Rashod Bateman, a fourth-year pro, as his top target.
When asked about Bateman, Jackson confidently stated, “I look at him as WR1,” according to Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner.
It’s a strong endorsement for Bateman, a former first-round draft pick whose career has been hindered by injuries. However, Bateman has been healthy and productive this season, earning the trust of the Ravens’ offensive leader.
Rashod Bateman Justifying Lamar Jackson’s Praise
The Ravens selected Bateman with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, expecting him to quickly develop into a true No. 1 receiver. Unfortunately, injuries, including groin, lisfranc, and hamstring issues, derailed his progress early on.
Despite these setbacks, Bateman has worked his way back into the lineup and is starting to deliver. Known for his vertical speed, Bateman was once seen as a poor fit for the Ravens’ run-heavy offense under former coordinator Greg Roman.
Things changed when Todd Monken replaced Roman as offensive coordinator in 2023, emphasizing a more pass-friendly system. Bateman has benefited significantly, emerging as a premier separator against press coverage.
He’s also shown growth against other defensive looks. Heading into Week 12’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Bateman was averaging “0.9 yards per route run versus man coverage and 2.4 against zone coverage,” per ESPN’s Seth Walder.
As Walder predicted, Bateman excelled against the Chargers’ zone-heavy defense, highlighted by a 40-yard touchdown catch.
On that play, Bateman made a tough grab under pressure, turning Jackson’s risky throw into a highlight-worthy score. It’s the type of play expected from a true WR1, though Bateman isn’t the only threat in the Ravens’ passing game.
Ravens Boast a Core of Playmakers in the Passing Game
For the first time in his career, Jackson has a strong group of playmakers to target. All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews remains a dependable option, while Isaiah Likely offers more big-play potential as a versatile understudy.
Among wide receivers, veteran Nelson Agholor provides reliability, excelling in intermediate routes and red-zone situations. Meanwhile, second-year standout Zay Flowers has emerged as a dynamic weapon, known for his ability to gain yards after the catch and win at all levels of the field.
Flowers leads all Ravens receivers with 87 targets and 57 catches. While Bateman’s numbers—55 targets and 35 receptions—are behind, he’s been a consistent part of the offense, logging at least four targets in all but two games this season, per Pro Football Reference.
With this diverse set of complementary pass-catchers, the Ravens have built an effective aerial attack. What the group needs, however, is a true Alpha—a receiver capable of winning one-on-one matchups against top-tier defenses.
While Bateman isn’t quite there yet, Jackson’s confidence suggests the 25-year-old is finally on his way to fulfilling that role.
