2021 NFL mock draft: Chiefs take wide receiver Rashod Bateman

In the latest 2021 mock draft from Bleacher Report, the Chiefs take receiver Rashod Bateman.

As we continue to periodically survey mock exercises in anticipation of the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s interesting to see the sorts of prospects linked with the Kansas City Chiefs. This time around, in a mock from Bleacher Report’s Jake Rill, the Chiefs are projected to take another offensive weapon early with the selection of wide receiver Rashod Bateman from the University of Minnesota.

Bateman has been a playmaker ever since he first arrived to play for the Golden Gophers and set all kinds of freshman records with 51 catches for 704 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. From there, he blossomed big time next to Tyler Johnson in P.J. Fleck‘s offense and put up 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns.

A big target at 6’2, 210 lbs., Bateman would give the Chiefs a physical target to potentially replace Sammy Watkins, who is in a contract year for the Chiefs. It was widely assumed that Watkins would be released this offseason, but both sides found a meeting point for a restructured deal that helped to keep a veteran Super Bowl core in place. However, it’s a true longshot to believe that Watkins could return for next season (although let’s not write off the idea completely).

The Chiefs already decided to pour gas on a fiery offense with this year’s first round pick of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, so it would be a bit surprising if they did so for a second straight year. The team will have tight end Travis Kelce and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman under contract in 2021 already, let alone whoever else begins to emerge in the next year. Then again, the potential losses of Watkins and Demarcus Robinson after 2020 could have Brett Veach searching for young help at the position.