Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Rashod Bateman feels like Declan Doyle is playing to his strengths.
Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Rashod Bateman is looking to shake off what he deemed as "one-dimensional" play from his past.
The 2026 season could be big for Bateman, and he feels like new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is putting him in the right spots to succeed.
"I'm moving around all over the place. I feel like in the past I've been a kind of a one-dimensional receiver," Bateman said.
"I feel like he's seen my talent; he sees everybody's talent. A lot of guys are moving around, and he's playing all strengths right now. So I think it's a lot that we all get to show. I'm excited to see that."
Bateman desperately needs to rebound after an inconsistent 2025 season. Granted, the 2025 season is not a great benchmark to judge the Ravens by; however, Bateman has not done himself any favors in that regard.
The 26-year-old is coming off a season in which he recorded only 19 receptions on 38 targets for 224 receiving yards, two touchdowns and averaged 11.8 yards per reception. Bateman was held to 13 games last season.
With past coaches, Bateman was deployed as an outside deep threat and a physical run blocker to support the run game of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Under Doyle, Bateman appears to be lining up all over and is being coached in ways he hasn’t. The receiver also spoke on what makes Doyle's tutelage work.
"Very detailed guy. High energy," Bateman said of Declan Doyle.
"He's pushing us to be the very best every day. I think that's the difference. In our offense right now, it's like chasing the small details right now, and he's on our ass a lot about that right now."
It’s a revamped offense for the Ravens and Bateman. Early indications show that Bateman will be working outside and in the slot. The promise and attitude are certainly there, but soon it will need to translate onto the football field.
Bateman faces immense pressure not only to perform but also to beat out ascending talent such as Devontez Walker, Ja'Kobi Lane, and Elijah Sarratt.
Walker and Lane have turned some heads early in camp. If Bateman can’t put the right foot forward due to sluggish performance or early injuries, it could cost him snaps.
Bateman’s best season came in 2024, when he recorded a career-high nine touchdowns and averaged 10.5 receiving yards per target.
The Ravens drafted Bateman with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He is set to enter his sixth season in the league.
