Ravens' Harbaugh: Bateman to be 'top WR in the league for us'

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had high praise for wide receiver Rashod Bateman after he made highlight-reel receptions at Monday's practice.

"To see him come out and make those catches, those are great catches. You know, traffic catches, one catch he plucked off the ground," Harbaugh told reporters. "I was excited. Everybody was fired up about it, but that's what we expect from Rashod Bateman."

Harbaugh added: "He's expected to be a top receiver in the league for us. ... That's what we're planning on."

Bateman's NFL career has gotten off to a slow start since he was selected in the first round of the 2021 draft. The first two years of his Ravens tenure were riddled with injuries as he suited up in only 18 of a possible 34 regular-season contests.

The 24-year-old played in 16 games last year, racking up 32 receptions for 367 yards and one score. Bateman has failed to eclipse 520 yards in each of his first three seasons.

Baltimore showed faith in the Minnesota product this offseason, as the team locked up Bateman through the 2026 season with a two-year, $12-million extension.

Bateman has a chance at more playing time this season as Odell Beckham Jr. left in free agency to join the Miami Dolphins. The club made minor additions to the wide receiver room, selecting Devontez Walker in the fourth round and signing former Bills wideout Deonte Harty.