Devontez Walker
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A forgotten Baltimore Ravens wide receiver is predicted to do big things by head coach John Harbaugh.
The preseason is a time for overlooked and underutilized players to get their time to shine. Every year, a few players take advantage of the extra spotlight to impress their coaches in hopes of landing a more prominent role when the season begins. On the Baltimore Ravens this preseason, that player is Devontez Walker.
In theRavens’ second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Walker had a standout game. He led the Ravens with six receptions and 61 receiving yards. Walker got started early with a 17-yard catch from Cooper Rush on theRavens’ first play of the game.
Walker’s success against the Cowboys is helping make the case for him to move up the depth chart, but all Summer, he has been building that case as well.
Training Camp Standout
Devontez Walkerwas drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2024 draft out of the University of North Carolina. In his rookie season, Walker spent most of his time either inactive or on special teams duties. His biggest highlight of the season, though, came in Week 15 against the New York Giants when he got a21-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson. The touchdown wasWalker’s only reception of the season, but on this play, he showedoff his 4.3 speed getting separation, and his footwork with the toe tap touchdown. Walker has built on that touchdown this Summer.
Walker has been a big play machine in training camp. Justin Robertson ofRavens.com wrote aboutWalker’s strong performance in training camp in his July 26 training camp observations article.
“Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker had a strong showing in OTAs and minicamp, and he has continued to flash during training camp,”Robertson said. “Walker was a magnet when it came to finding the football Saturday, hauling in multiple grabs from different quarterbacks. He and Lamar Jackson had the play of the day early in 11-on-11 work, when Jackson heaved a pass down the middle of the field as Walker separated from Nate Wiggins and ran under the ball for an explosive play.”
Walker even got the best of former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander.
“In a one-on-one battle with Jaire Alexander, Walker made a nice play on a comeback route when he undercut Alexander to complete a catch from Jackson,”Robertson said. “Walker also had a few other sideline grabs, including a sliding catch, throughout the day.”
Walker is hoping that performances this Summer will be enough to find himself in theRavens’ wide receiver rotation.
Ravens WR Depth
After years of having little wide receiver depth, this year the Ravens are going into the season with the best wide receiver depth of the Lamar Jackson era. Despite throwing for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns last season, the addition of future Hall of Famer DeAndre Hopkins elevates the entire group. Even though he is in the latter portion of his career,Hopkins’ veteran savvy is a plus fortheyoung Ravens receiving room.
Rashod Bateman finally had a breakout year, puttingup career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.Zay Flowers continued to show why he can be a number one option, despite his size, and Devontez Walker is making the case to be the fourth wide receiver.
Wide receivers coach Greg Lewis had advice for Walker in his July 28 training camp press conference about how he could take the next step as a receiver (transcript viaRavens.com).
“Tez‘[Devontez Walker] is just continuing to do whathe’s been doing,”Lewis said. “He’s a young player. He showed some potential last year towards the end of the season, getting in and making a few plays. He had a touchdown against the Giants, andwe’re just trying to build off that.He’s a fast guy. He can make plays down the field, and he can make plays across the field.”
Walker has impressed with his ability this Summer and may seem himself emerge as a part of the Ravens offense in the regular season.