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Packers: 5 first-round sleepers in 2021 NFL Draft

By Brian Sampson

Nov 23, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) celebrates his sack on Western Carolina Catamounts quarterback Tyrie Adams (12) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Christian Barmore (58) celebrates his sack on Western Carolina Catamounts quarterback Tyrie Adams (12) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Rashod Bateman #0 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers warms up before a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Rashod Bateman #0 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers warms up before a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020 at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Packers’ first-round sleeper: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

At first glance, it may be difficult to see the Packers selecting a wide receiver with their top pick considering their needs at cornerback and on the defensive line. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst takes a pure best player available approach and that could lead them down this road. Besides, they don’t have a single wide receiver under contract past 2021.

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Rashod Bateman is much more of a Gutekunst type receiver considering he’s 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He’s the 40th overall prospect according to Todd McShay, eighth rated wide receiver on Kiper’s board, and ninth on NFL.com. That means he’ll have to jump up the Packers’ board quickly if he wants a chance to go on Day 1.

Although Bateman’s overall game is very solid, there are questions about his game speed and lack of focus. His 19 career drops are U-G-L-Y. However, he’s a good route-runner and can line up all over the field–something head coach Matt LaFleur would love. Depending on how teams have him ranked, he’s fairly likely to be available at 29.

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