5 players Washington Football Team should draft in the first round

1. Rashod Bateman

With all due respect to the slot receivers on this list, Washington could still benefit more from adding an outside guy in Round 1. If they want to pursue that option, they should lock in on Bateman as a guy who can make a huge impact during his rookie year.

He’s not currently being mentioned as an elite prospect in this year’s wideout class, but every organization looking for wide receiver help outside the top 10 should take note of his tape. He made every play Minnesota needed during his prolific collegiate career.

Bateman may not have exceptional straight-line speed, but that doesn’t stop him from creating outstanding separation against opposing corners. That combined with his ability to pluck the ball away from defenders down the field makes him impossible to stop.

Washington’s passing attack can best be unlocked by giving opposing defenses a wide receiver to worry about on the other side of the field. That puts more pressure on safeties than a slot guy can. That’s why nabbing Bateman in Round 1 is the best-case scenario for Washington at No. 19.