Ravens are projected to have top 5 NFL roster thanks in part to a rookie who’s being slept on
The Baltimore Ravens roster is oozing with talent on both sides of the ball. Headlined by a two-time MVP in the prime of his career, there is no reason to think the team can't contend for a Super Bowl. But with questions surrounding one position group in particular, an underrated rookie could be the missing […]
The Baltimore Ravens roster is oozing with talent on both sides of the ball.
Headlined by a two-time MVP in the prime of his career, there is no reason to think the team can't contend for a Super Bowl.
But with questions surrounding one position group in particular, an underrated rookie could be the missing piece to take Baltimore over the top:
PFF Ranks Ravens 5th in NFL Rosters
Biggest Weakness
Aside from second-year receiver Zay Flowers, the Ravens have zero playmakers at the wide receiver position. Rashod Bateman hasn’t developed the way the team hoped, and Deonte Harty is more of a return specialist than an actual receiving threat. While the Ravens will likely continue to rely on the ground game, having a receiver who can keep opposing defenses honest will make things run much more smoothly. Don’t rule out the team adding at the position before the season, though, as they added Odell Beckham Jr. late in the process last offseason. –PFF
Even an optimist would have to agree that the Ravens are a Zay Flowers sprained ankle away from arguably the worst WR corps in the NFL. And while Flowers was dynamic as a rookie, even he isn't a true WR #1. So it may be rich to assume rookie Devontez Walker can insert himself into that role, but he has the physical traits (height-weight-speed) to become that in Baltimore:
Rookie To Watch
Due to how thin the Ravens’ receiving room is, there is ample opportunity for someone to step up and steal a starting role and Devontez Walker seems most primed to make that leap. At one point considered a first-round prospect, Walker fell to the fourth round after an inconsistent 2023 that saw him miss time due to NCAA eligibility issues. Walker ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash so he has the speed to take the top off defenses and make plays for this Ravens offense. –PFF
Walker had an uncharacteristic week at the Senior Bowl where he was plagued by drops. He followed it up with an emphatic NFL Combine that included a 40 in the mid-4.3 and catching every pass that came his way, yet teams couldn't get that week in Mobile out of their mind.
So did Baltimore get a first-round caliber player on day three?
Time will tell.
