The Baltimore Ravens begin their 2022 regular season on Sept. 11 against the New York Jets, and one of the questions asked by many leading up to it is how the team will look at the wide receiver position. Baltimore opted to not select a wide receiver after trading away wideout Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 draft, instead trusting their young players at the position such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche II, Tylan Wallace and others.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson spoke to the media following a training camp practice. When asked about building chemistry with Bateman, Jackson said the two have been working with each other and Bateman looks ready to be a No. 1 receiver.
.@Lj_era8 on his chemistry with @R_bateman2 : pic.twitter.com/ClI40Oqv1s
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 13, 2022
“Yes, he [Rashod Bateman] did [have a nice day today]. I feel it’s [the chemistry] is pretty good. Like I told you guys before, offseason, as soon as we got to working, he was looking pretty good then. And we had probably one hiccup day. When we were back out here, we had a little vet day, a mini-vet day, but other than that, he’s been looking pretty sharp. He’s been looking good – looking like a receiver [No.] 1, for sure.”
Bateman is entering his second season and is poised to have an increased role following the departure of Brown. Last season, Bateman had 46 receptions for 515 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. He showed his ability to move the chains as well as his route running prowess, impressing during his time on the field.
Jackson and Bateman didn’t have a lot of time together on the field in 2021, but they’ve clearly established a connection heading into the 2022 season. If both are healthy, they could prove to be an extremely dangerous duo for opposing defenses.