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Cleveland Browns 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft as training camp is well underway

By Cory Kinnan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Gophers carries the ball against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Gophers carries the ball against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns land Rashod Bateman in 2021 NFL Mock Draft
Cleveland Browns land Rashod Bateman in 2021 NFL Mock Draft. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Round 1, Pick 17: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

One of many players to opt-out of the 2020 season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman looks like a first-round lock at this point despite his limited athletic ability. He is a crisp technician who wins not only at the catch point, but also in his route running savvy and release off the line of scrimmage.

After only two seasons at Minnesota, Bateman made a statement and racked up the recognition for the Golden Gophers. Last year, while splitting reps with fifth-rounder Tyler Johnson, Bateman still managed to tally over 1,200 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns on 60 catches from Tanner Morgan. He ends his collegiate career with nearly 2,000 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns on 111 catches in just two seasons.

The Browns have $31 million committed to their wide receiver room just between two wide receivers, and that may change for them as they have paid Myles Garrett and have the impending extensions of quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward. Given the lack of cap the Browns will be running into in 2021 and beyond, they could opt to move on from one of their high-paid wide receivers and replace them with a rookie contract.

Bateman was on the board with the 17th pick in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft, and was too talented to pass on. Besides, the Dallas Cowboys selected a similar receiver in CeeDee Lamb with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup already on their roster.

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