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.