The Baltimore Ravens have poured a lot of money into developing quarterback Lamar Jackson, the MVP.
The Ravens’ acquisition of brutal running back Derrick Henry, a previous rushing champion, in free agency this winter could not have been a better fit. Rashod Bateman and rising second-year standout Zay Flowers lead the receiving corps, which also contains several explosive playmakers.
Despite the fact that Baltimore’s defense suffered severe losses this summer, one of the new players the Ravens added to Jackson’s supporting group might be just what the team needs to keep the AFC North crown intact.
Pro Football Focus’s Jim Wyman and Dalton Wasserman compiled a list of all the rookies on each club to watch this season, including Ravens fourth-round pick Devontez Walker.
Because of the Ravens’ cramped receiving room, Wyman and Wasserman write. “There’s a lot of room for someone to step up and take the starting gig, and Devontez Walker appears to be the most ready to do so.” Walker was formerly thought to be a first-round prospect, but after a mixed 2023 in which he missed time due to NCAA eligibility difficulties, he dropped to the fourth round. Walker has the speed to blow past defenses and create opportunities for this Ravens attack, as seen by his 4.36-second 40-yard dash time.
Given that Odell Beckham Jr. is now a Miami Dolphin, there is definitely a chance for Walker to push for a role with starter-quality snaps.
After all, last season at 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, Walker caught 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns, with the kind of breakaway speed to develop into a more than worthy complement on the perimeter to Flowers’ speed that can take the top off a secondary.
If Walker ultimately cracks the starting lineup as a rookie, he’ll be one of the bigger value selections to emerge from this year’s draft
