2021 NFL Draft: Top WR prospect Rashod Bateman opts out of 2020 season

NFL players aren't the only ones who are choosing to opt out of the 2020 football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. College players are too, including top prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.

First, it was Caleb Farley, the talented Virginia Tech cornerback who's projected to be a first-round pick. Now, it's Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who has a chance to be the first pass-catcher selected in next April's draft.

Bateman finished the 2019 season with 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns and was slated to be QB Tanner Morgan's top target in a year that he would've challenged LSU's Ja'marr Chase to be the most coveted wide receiver in the country.

Bateman's decision to opt out of the season shouldn't hurt his draft stock all that much. He doesn't have a significant injury history and with more time to train for the NFL Combine and his pro day (assuming he has one), he should test exceptionally well at an estimated 6'2 and 210 pounds.

2021 NFL Draft: Top WR prospect Rashod Bateman opts out of 2020 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

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