Baltimore Ravens WR Devontez Walker Focused on Making the Most of 2025 Opportunity Amid Deep Receiver Room and High Expectations

When Devontez Walker arrived in Baltimore, he brought with him the size, speed, and explosiveness that made him a standout at North Carolina. Now, heading into his first full NFL season, the Ravens’ rookie wide receiver knows that opportunities in a talent-packed offense don’t come easily — but he’s determined to seize his moment and prove he belongs on the field.

“I just want to show I can be that guy,” Walker said following a recent training camp practice. “I’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s about showing I can be trusted to make plays when it counts.”

Walker, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver with track speed and deep-ball ability, was drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A projected Day 2 talent before an NCAA eligibility issue disrupted his final college season, Walker fell further than expected on draft night — but he’s using that slide as fuel for his NFL journey.

From College Star to NFL Rookie

Walker made a name for himself as a vertical threat during his college career, first at Kent State and then at North Carolina. With 11 touchdowns and over 900 yards in his breakout 2022 season, followed by flashes of elite potential at UNC despite a delayed eligibility ruling in 2023, he earned the reputation of being one of the fastest risers among receiver prospects.

But injuries, uncertainty around his college transfer, and the deep 2024 receiver class pushed him down the board. For the Ravens, it was a risk worth taking.

“We saw a guy who could stretch the field, make tough catches, and compete with physical corners,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. “He’s got the size-speed combo we like, and we think he can grow into a big-time contributor in our offense.”

A Crowded Receiver Room

Walker enters a receiver room that already features big names and big personalities. With Zay Flowers emerging as the team’s primary weapon, and Rashod Bateman looking to rebound from injuries, Walker faces stiff competition for snaps. Veteran additions and depth players like Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, and new signing Tyler Boyd make the competition even more intense.

But Walker sees the crowd not as a blockade, but a challenge.

“It pushes me every day,” he said. “I’m learning from guys who’ve been in the league and watching how they move, how they prepare, how they work. It’s making me better.”

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken agrees. “You can see the speed, you can see the explosiveness,” Monken said. “But what’s impressed us most is how coachable he is. He’s asking questions, he’s staying late after meetings, and he’s really focused on earning his place.”

Chemistry With Lamar Jackson

One of the most important components of any young receiver’s development is building trust with the quarterback. For Walker, that means forging a bond with 2023 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson — something that’s beginning to take shape during camp.

“Lamar is a leader, and he expects you to be ready,” Walker said. “You’ve got to be precise with your routes, quick with your reads, and locked in. If he trusts you, he’ll give you chances — and I’m trying to earn that trust every rep.”

Jackson, for his part, has been impressed by Walker’s work ethic.

“Tez is hungry,” Jackson said. “He’s got that fire in him, and you can tell he wants to be great. He’s made some plays that make you go, ‘Yeah, we can work with that.’”

Special Teams Could Be the Key

With so much competition at receiver, one pathway to playing time could come via special teams — and Walker isn’t turning his nose up at it. He’s been working on kickoff returns and gunner drills throughout camp and sees it as another way to contribute.

“Whatever the team needs, I’ll do it,” he said. “That’s part of being a pro. You’ve got to earn your spot.”

Special teams coordinator Chris Horton praised Walker’s attitude. “He’s got the right mindset. He’s fast, he’s physical, and he’s eager to learn. That’s what we’re looking for.”

If Walker can carve out a role as a returner or special teams ace early in the season, it could allow him to stay active on game days and gradually earn more offensive snaps.

Staying Healthy, Staying Focused

The biggest key for Walker, as with any rookie, is staying healthy. He dealt with nagging injuries in college and understands that consistency is the currency of the NFL.

“I’ve learned how to take care of my body — eating right, sleeping, doing the little things,” he said. “You can’t make plays if you’re not on the field. That’s my focus right now.”

Walker’s maturity has stood out to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

“He’s a young guy, but he’s got a veteran mindset,” Harbaugh said. “He’s quiet, he listens, and when it’s time to work, he’s all business. That’s what you want from a young receiver trying to find his role.”

Looking Ahead

While it remains unclear what kind of statistical impact Walker will make as a rookie, the Ravens believe they’ve found a long-term piece for their receiving corps — someone who can develop into a vertical threat, red-zone option, and reliable route-runner over time.

“We’re not putting pressure on him to be something he’s not right now,” Monken said. “But the potential is there. And if he keeps grinding the way he is, his time will come.”

For Walker, that’s all he’s asking for — an opportunity.

“I didn’t come here to sit around,” he said. “I know there are vets ahead of me, but I also know what I bring to the table. I want to make plays, I want to win, and I want to be part of something special in Baltimore.”

He paused for a moment and added, “Every time I step on that field, I’m playing like it’s my last shot — because that’s how you get better. That’s how you make it in this league.”

Devontez Walker’s path to NFL success may not be instant, but the ingredients are there — size, speed, humility, and hunger. On a Baltimore Ravens team with Super Bowl aspirations and no room for complacency, he’s embracing the challenge, pushing through the noise, and positioning himself for a breakout down the road.

In a league where windows open and close quickly, Walker knows the clock is ticking. But if the early signs are any indication, the former college star turned fourth-round gem is ready to capitalize when the moment arrives.