The NFL draft process is a fascinating journey for rookies, where they meet with teams and receive varying levels of feedback—from no indication to assurances of potential selection at specific picks. For rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker, the process led to some surprises, particularly in his expectations within the AFC North.
Walker recently appeared on “The Lounge Podcast” with Ryan Mink and Garret Downing, discussing his experiences before and after the draft. He revealed that he initially thought he might be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals. Later, with a smile, he jokingly added, “I got a bone to pick with Cincy, I will say that.”
New Ravens WR Devontez Walker has it out for the Bengals 👀:
“I got a bone to pick with Cincy…That’s where I thought I was going but they took another receiver at that spot… Cincinnati, that game is gonna get rough that game.”
Via ‘The Lounge’ Podcast pic.twitter.com/MRqlPW0lM5
— Bengalscentre (@benga1scentre) June 29, 2024
Devontez Walker discussed his interactions with teams during the draft process, noting that he met multiple times with the Bengals. Reflecting on the draft, Walker shared, “Like I said, that’s where I thought I was going.”
In the 2023 draft, the Ravens selected Walker in the fourth round at pick 113, just two spots ahead of where the Bengals were slated to pick at 115. Walker mentioned that the Bengals passed on him twice earlier in the draft, opting to select Jermaine Burton from Alabama with pick 80.
“Cincinnati took another receiver at that spot,” Walker told Mink and Downing. Clearly expecting to be drafted by the Bengals, Walker hinted at a competitive future with Cincinnati, saying, “That game is gonna get rough.” The Ravens and Bengals are set to face off in Week 5, with their first meeting scheduled for October 6th.
The Ravens are banking on wide receiver Devontez Walker to be their big-play threat after selecting him in the fourth round, potentially securing a steal in the draft. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, covering the pick for Baltimore, highlighted Walker’s potential impact, noting, “The Ravens are hoping they found their vertical threat… Walker had nine receptions on passes thrown at least 20 yards, the most in the ACC since his season debut on Oct. 14.”
Baltimore targeted improvement in deep passing, despite quarterback Lamar Jackson’s stellar performance with a career-high in passing yards and his second MVP award. Walker’s ability to stretch the field addresses a key need for the Ravens’ offense.
Malik Cunningham is listed as a QB on #Ravens’ roster but continues to get reps w/ WRs. Also a look at Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman & rookie Devontez Walker among others #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/apv5wTIIyZ
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) May 22, 2024
“Baltimore wide receivers had 16 receptions on passes of 20 yards, which ranked 24th in the NFL,” Hensley pointed out. With his impressive 4.36 40-yard dash time, Walker brings speed to the position, capable of outrunning cornerbacks and becoming a deep threat for Lamar Jackson.
However, the rookie has areas to improve on, according to ESPN’s Steve Muench: “Walker has shown some drops on tape, lacks polish in route running, and has a lean build.” Despite being ranked as the 17th best receiver in a competitive draft class, Walker has the potential to become a game-changer for the Ravens’ offense if he can add size and refine his skills.
The Ravens’ 2024 offense is poised to be one of the most versatile and intriguing groups in the NFL, boasting talent across all positions.
With the addition of All-Pro running back Derrick Henry this offseason, the emphasis will likely be on the running game. Henry’s presence should draw defensive attention, potentially opening up opportunities in the passing game.
Despite losing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens have high hopes for Devontez Walker to fill the void as a deep threat. Alongside sophomore Zay Flowers and a motivated Rashod Bateman, the wide receiver group has the potential to be explosive.
Adding to the arsenal are tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who will also demand defensive focus depending on offensive packages orchestrated by coordinator Todd Monken. This wealth of offensive weapons promises to keep opposing defenses on edge throughout the season.