Ravens Wide Receiver Devontez Walker Says He Can’t Evolve Without More Involvement, Urges Coaches to Expand His Offensive Role

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker didn’t mince words when asked about his development entering his second NFL season.

“I can’t evolve if I’m not involved,” Walker said during a recent media session after practice. “I’ve got talent. I’ve got speed. I just need opportunities. If they want to see me grow, I’ve got to get the ball more.”

It was an honest, pointed declaration from a player who has all the physical tools but is still seeking his breakout moment. Walker’s words weren’t meant to stir controversy. Instead, they reflect the ambition of a young receiver who believes he’s ready to contribute far more than he did in his rookie campaign.

The Ravens are in the midst of a championship window, with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson at the helm and All-Pro talent on both sides of the ball. But amid all the talk about Super Bowl aspirations, Devontez Walker’s voice stands out—not as a complaint, but as a challenge to the coaching staff to take full advantage of a weapon they’ve barely tapped into.

A Quiet Rookie Season With Loud Potential

Walker, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, entered the league with the raw traits that excite scouts—long stride speed, vertical explosiveness, and strong hands. His college résumé was cut short by NCAA transfer eligibility battles, but his limited time with the Tar Heels proved enough. He racked up 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games, showcasing a knack for making big plays.

Baltimore drafted him to bring more vertical juice to a wide receiver room led by Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. But in a crowded offense that prioritized the run game and leaned on tight end Mark Andrews as a primary target, Walker struggled to find a consistent role.

He finished the 2024 season with just 21 receptions for 240 yards and a lone touchdown.

“It was frustrating at times,” Walker admitted. “You work all week, feel good in practice, and then only get one or two looks. That’s tough on any competitor.”

Still, Walker kept his head down, learning from veterans and focusing on what he could control.

Message to Coaches: “I’m Ready”

Now entering his second season, Walker says he’s no longer content with being a rotational player. He’s putting pressure on himself and, gently, on the Ravens’ coaching staff.

“I know I can help this team win. I’m not asking to be the No. 1 guy or take someone’s spot. I’m asking for a chance to show growth,” Walker said. “You can’t expect a player to develop if he’s not being used.”

His comments echo the sentiments of many young receivers across the league, but Walker’s message comes with a sharp sense of timing. With the Ravens losing veteran Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year deal, the opportunity for a more consistent role is there—if Walker can seize it.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has emphasized competition throughout training camp and hasn’t closed the door on anyone in the depth chart.

“We’ve got a room full of playmakers,” Monken said. “Devontez has flashed some things this offseason that we’re excited about. It’s on us as a staff to find ways to get the most out of everybody.”

Building Chemistry With Lamar Jackson

One of Walker’s major focuses this offseason has been strengthening his connection with Lamar Jackson. While their timing last season was inconsistent, the two have spent more time working together away from the facility, often in Jackson’s offseason workouts in South Florida.

“Lamar’s a special quarterback. I just want to be someone he trusts,” Walker said. “If he scrambles, I want him to know where I’m going to be. If he throws it deep, I want him to feel like I’m going to come down with it.”

Jackson, for his part, has praised Walker’s growth and hunger.

“He wants to be great,” Jackson said. “You can see it in how he trains, how he runs his routes, how he asks questions. He’s working hard to earn more chances.”

Walker knows trust is earned, not given—and especially in a high-stakes offense like Baltimore’s, that trust is critical.

Walker’s Skill Set: A Missing Element?

What makes Devontez Walker’s case particularly compelling is his unique skill set. While Flowers thrives underneath and Bateman brings route polish and possession skills, Walker is arguably the team’s best pure vertical threat. His straight-line speed can blow the top off a defense, creating space not only for himself but for teammates underneath.

When Walker was targeted last season on throws of 20+ air yards, Lamar Jackson had a passer rating of 112.5, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The sample size was small, but the impact was evident.

“When I’m on the field, I change how defenses play,” Walker said. “They’ve got to respect the deep ball. That opens things up for everyone.”

The Ravens have historically struggled to consistently generate explosive plays through the air, something that could limit their ability to compete with elite offenses like Kansas City or Cincinnati in the postseason. Walker believes he can be part of the solution.

“I’m not saying I’m Tyreek Hill or anything, but I know I can stretch the field and flip momentum,” he said. “Sometimes you just need one big play to break a game open.”

Ravens Coaches Respond

To their credit, the Ravens coaching staff hasn’t shied away from Walker’s comments. Head coach John Harbaugh responded diplomatically when asked if Walker’s call for more involvement was out of line.

“Not at all,” Harbaugh said. “I love the fact that he wants the ball. That’s what you want from your players. Now, it’s about putting in the work every day so that when your number is called, you make it count.”

Monken echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that opportunity is earned.

“Devontez has had a strong offseason. We’ve installed some things that should help get him more involved. But we’ve got a deep group, and every rep has to matter.”

Teammates Back Walker’s Plea

Walker’s push for more opportunity has the backing of teammates as well. Zay Flowers, last year’s breakout rookie, said he understands Walker’s hunger.

“I’ve been there, man,” Flowers said. “Last year, I was the new guy trying to prove myself. I see that same energy in Tez. He’s fast. He’s physical. He’s just waiting on his moment.”

Veteran Tyler Boyd, who joined the team this offseason, added that Walker’s physical traits stand out.

“I’ve been in this league a while. You can’t teach what he’s got,” Boyd said. “If he keeps grinding, his time will come.”

2025 Outlook: Boom or Bust?

The 2025 season will be pivotal for Devontez Walker. If he can translate his offseason work into consistent production, he has a chance to become a major part of Baltimore’s offensive future. But in a league where depth charts change quickly, and windows for young receivers can close just as fast as they open, Walker knows there’s urgency.

“This year is everything,” he said. “I’m treating it like it’s year three or four. Because in this league, you don’t always get five or six years to figure it out.”

The Ravens open their season with a tough three-game stretch that includes matchups against the Chiefs and Bills—two teams with aggressive secondaries and Super Bowl expectations. It’s in games like