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NFL analyst says he ‘beginning to have a crush’ on Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Bucky Brooks is a huge fan of former Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman. He thinks the ex-Gopher has the chance to be a spectacular player at the next level.

Speaking recently with Pro Football Focus (PFF), Brooks said that he’s “beginning to have a bit of a crush” on Bateman because of the skills he brings to the field. He then compared the receiver to NFL greats like Michael Thomas and AJ Brown — favorable comps, to say the least.

“I think I’m beginning to have a bit of a crush on him,” Brooks told PFF. “When I look at him, I see flashes of Michael Thomas. I see AJ Brown. I see the classic, traditional No. 1 receiver that may not necessarily be the burner, but they get open, they catch 50/50 balls, they have enough physicality and running skills to make things happen when they get in the open field. And that is traditionally what you want from your No. 1 receiver.”

Bateman certainly demonstrated his incredible ability to do it all at the receiver position, particularly as a sophomore in 2019. He caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games for the Golden Gophers during an 11-2 year.

Even in Minnesota’s shortened season in 2020, Bateman tallied 36 receptions for 472 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He ended his career in the Twin Cities with 147 catches for 2,395 yards, maintaining a 16.3 yards per reception average. Bateman also hauled in 19 touchdowns catches.

Bateman is considered one of the best receivers available in this year’s NFL Draft.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB