Tag: Devontez Walker

Devontez Walker has a bone to pick with Bengals after not being drafted by Cincinnati

Devontez Walker thought he’d be drafted by the Bengals

Ravens rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker has circled two dates on the season schedule. Baltimore travels to the Cincinnati Bengals on October 6.

The reverse fixture is a nationally televised Sunday night affair on November 7. Walker will be especially amped for both games as he feels the Bengals snubbed him.

“I got a bone to pick with Cincy,” he said on the team’s official podcast The Lounge.

“That’s where I thought I was going but they took another receiver at that spot. … Cincinnati, that game is going to get rough.”

“I thought it was going to be the Bengals; I thought it was going to be me. I met with them the most pre-draft…The Bills and the Bengals [are who] I had a real good feeling about, but the Ravens were not on my mind at all.”

The Ravens drafted Walker out of North Carolina in the fourth round with the 113th overall pick.

The Bengals WR draft pick he’s referring to is likely Jermaine Burton of  Alabama. Cincy took Burton with the 80th overall pick in the 3rd round.

The Charlotte native took the Bengals, passing him up extra hard because of who his player role model was.

Walker grew up modeling his game after A.J. Green, arguably the greatest wideout in Cincy history. So you can see why he’ll bring extra juice to these two divisional games this season.

Baltimore Ravens’ WR Devontez Walker impresses in OTAs

Tar Heel Devontez Walker receives more praise for his quick learning abilities during the Baltimore Ravens OTA’s

Another day of OTA’s, equalling more praise for Tar Heel [autotag]Devontez Walker[/autotag], as he establishes himself with the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver group. 

Walker seems to be fitting in nicely with the Ravens, becoming a great addition to their roster. To make matters better for Baltimore, he was selected 113th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, arguably already being a steal of a selection. 

A week ago, it was Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken who spoke highly of Walker’s fast learning ability, and wide receiver coach Greg Lewis echoed that sentiment Tuesday. Lewis spoke about Walker’s learning style, calling him a “sponge“, listen below to hear the coach’s comments on the Tar Heel. 

UNC fans already knew what Walker could do in a short span. After missing time due to an eligibility ruling from the NCAA, that quickly backfired, Walker was dominant. In eight games, Walker finished with 41 receptions for 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Walker became New England Patriots third overall draft pick Drake Maye’s favorite target down the stretch putting on a show for Tar Heel fans in attendance. If he can make even an ounce of impact with Baltimore that he did with UNC, then the Ravens are in a good spot for years to come.

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Ravens WR coach Greg Lewis calls rookie Devontez Walker a ‘sponge’

Ravens wide receivers coach Greg Lewis calls rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker a ‘sponge’

The Baltimore Ravens selected wide receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. It was unclear when or if Baltimore was going to add another wideout to their roster at any point over draft weekend, but decided to go with the former North Carolina Tar Heels star with their first pick on Day 3.

Walker could have some sort of a role in the Baltimore offense during his first NFL season, and is already making a good impression on his coaches. Ravens wide receivers coach Greg Lewis called Walker a “sponge”, saying he wants to know everything.

“[Devontez Walker] is a sponge. He wants to know everything, and he’s doing a great job with that. You see his length and his speed out there on the field and [him] making big-bodied catches but then he can take the top off coverages. He’s doing a great job as far as the offense is concerned, learning and understanding what we’re trying to do is different than what he did in college. It’s a lot of nuances, and he’s picking them up seamlessly, so I’m excited [for] where he’s at now and where he can go in the future.”

Walker is a big-bodied receiver that excels in jump ball and contested catch situations. Add in his 4.36 speed and Baltimore potentially got a player that could play in specific packages despite being a mid-round pick.

Todd Monken excited about Ravens rookie WR Devontez Walker

Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is excited about rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker

The Baltimore Ravens added several playmakers to their roster during the 2024 NFL draft. There was always a question of whether the team would address the wide receiver position throughout draft weekend, and they did with their first pick on Day 3 of the festivities.

In the fourth round, Baltimore selected North Carolina pass-catcher Devontez Walker to bolster its offense. When asked about Walker’s abilities, offensive coordinator Todd Monken praised the rookie’s potential contributions.

“[Devontez Walker is a] quick learner. Let’s start with that. That’s impressive, to show up and be able to play multiple spots. And it’s not just knowing your assignment, but I think he’s done a great job of executing a technique – does that make sense – because there are nuances to routes. It’s not just a drawing. There are other nuances with coverage and adjustments. That was something I wasn’t expecting, so that was what I’m excited about. Obviously, his speed shows up and his length, so that’s been exciting. I will just continue to work with him, and that’s what you do with your young players. This is a great time to develop, and that’s what you love about this time of year, because after a couple weeks of the preseason, it’s go time. It’s who are we [and] who plays, but at this point, how do we develop them – our skills – and then how do we drill it to get the most out of our players and create the best version of them.”

Walker stands around 6 feet 1 inches and has 4.36 speed and contested catch ability. Baltimore has needed a receiver with that type of skillset on its roster, and although the rookie might not have the biggest role in his first year, he could be used in spot duty if the opportunity presents itself.

Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken gives high praise to Tez Walker

Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken gives high praise to Tez Walker, crediting the Tar Heel as a quick learner.

It’s looking like [autotag]Devontez Walker[/autotag] has adapted well to the NFL, with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken praising the Tar Heel to the media on Thursday.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Walker 113th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, giving two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson a new target. Walker appears to be excelling, with Monken calling him a quick learner while pointing out his ability to play multiple spots on the field.

Walker’s height and speed are the perfect combination for Baltimore, a team that has played wide receiver shuffle the past few seasons as they looked to strengthen the receiver position group.

Watch a short snippet below of Monken praising Walker.

This is not surprising considering the immediate impact Walker brought to the University of North Carolina football program last season. After being sidelined for weeks due to a flawed ruling of ineligibility by the NCAA, Walker joined the team and created an instant spark.

In eight games for UNC, Walker finished with 41 receptions for 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Walker had multiple 130+ yards games, one where he finished with 162 yards on seven receptions. 

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Ravens sign WR Devontez Walker to rookie deal

Baltimore Ravens sign Devontez Walker to 4-year rookie deal

The Ravens have their deep threat under contract after signing former UNC star Devontez Walker to his four-year rookie deal.

Walker exited the ACC with a career average of 16.8 yards per catch over his college career, and he offers quarterback Lamar Jackson big play potential.

Walker will compete for snaps behind Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman.

Eric DeCosta liked WR Xavier Worthy but says Ravens were looking for an ‘outside big-bodied guy’

After veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s departure this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens entered the 2024 NFL Draft with the possibility of adding another player at the position, even as early as the first round. Instead, the Ravens ended up …

After veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.’s departure this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens entered the 2024 NFL Draft with the possibility of adding another player at the position, even as early as the first round.

Instead, the Ravens ended up taking Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick, waiting until the fourth round to address wide receiver with the selection of North Carolina’s Devontez Walker.

While speaking on The Ravens Lounge, general manager Eric DeCosta talked about the possibility of drafting Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round.

“Worthy is a heck of a player, an explosive guy, a guy that I liked a lot as a prospect,” DeCosta said. “But looking at him, he’s a little bit like a Zay [Flowers]/[Marquise]Hollywood Brown type of guy. We have a Zay. For us, we were looking for a different body type this year. We were looking for an outside big-bodied guy. I subscribe to the theory that it’s like a restaurant. You go to a restaurant, you want a lot of different things on the menu. You don’t want all the same thing on the menu. At the receiver position, it is smart to have different types of receivers.”

Worthy broke the record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, clocking in at 4.21 seconds. The Ravens did not even have the chance to take the Longhorn receiver as the Kansas City Chiefs traded with the Buffalo Bills to jump two spots ahead of Baltimore and select Worthy with the No. 28 overall pick.

John Harbaugh is excited about the Ravens wide receiver group

The Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver corps has largely remained intact from last season’s much-improved unit. The biggest exception is losing veteran Odell Beckham Jr. and adding Devontez Walker in the fourth round of the draft. Ravens head coach …

The Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver corps has largely remained intact from last season’s much-improved unit. The biggest exception is losing veteran Odell Beckham Jr. and adding Devontez Walker in the fourth round of the draft. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed excitement over the group’s potential this season when speaking with the media following the draft.

“I’m excited about the wide receiver position,” Harbaugh said. “I’m looking forward to seeing this offense come together, and we’ve been working the personnel side of it; we’ve been working the scheme side of it; we’ve been working with the individual players – developmentally. You put all those things together, and you get out there, and you start practicing, and you get ready to play games. This is a very talented group, and anybody that wants to challenge that, bring it on; you’ve got to line up and play against us, and we’ll see if we don’t have playmakers out there running around [and] making plays. I’m personally very excited about this group. Obviously, ‘Tez’ [Devontez Walker] is a great addition, and the guys that are already there are going to really have good seasons. So, we’re ready to go.”

Baltimore signed 2021 first-round wide receiver Rashod Bateman to an extension before the draft to keep him in Baltimore through the 2026 season. The team re-signed veteran Nelson Agholor to a one-year deal just before the start of free agency while later signing wide receiver and All-Pro returner Deonte Harty. Other returning players at the position include Zay Flowers, Tylan Wallace, and Sean Ryan.

 

Devontez Walker’s dream of playing with Lamar Jackson has come to fruition

The Baltimore Ravens selected speedy wide receiver Devontez Walker with the No. 113 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The North Carolina wideout will join an offense helmed by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Walker …

The Baltimore Ravens selected speedy wide receiver Devontez Walker with the No. 113 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The North Carolina wideout will join an offense helmed by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Walker was asked what he thought about catching passes from Jackson when speaking with the media following his selection in the draft.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Walker said. “I’ve been watching Lamar since he came out of high school, watched him at Louisville. I think he’s a great football player. He’s somebody that I wished I was on his team, and now that wish is coming true. He’s a great player. I love watching him, so I’m looking forward to being alongside of him.”

Walker brings a downfield threat that the Ravens have lacked since trading away wide receiver Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2022 NFL Draft. With veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. no longer on the team, Baltimore will need another receiver to step up and replace his production. Walker will have the chance to earn playing time as a rookie in a wide receiver corps headlined by Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor.

 

Eric DeCosta talks about exceptional value from Ravens 2024 draft class

The Baltimore Ravens were able to draft a number of players much later than many expected them to come off the board during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Ravens selected cornerback, Nate Wiggins, outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, wide receiver Devontez …

The Baltimore Ravens were able to draft a number of players much later than many expected them to come off the board during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Ravens selected cornerback, Nate Wiggins, outside linebacker Adisa Isaac, wide receiver Devontez Walker, and cornerback T.J. Tampa later than their position on the consensus big board put together by Wide Left Football’s Arif Hasan.

Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta was asked if he felt the Ravens got exceptional value with their 2024 draft class.

“I do. I think that this was one year that the board – you’ll often hear me say, ‘Oh man, we had a chance; we missed out on some guys,’ but this year, we were patient,” DeCosta said. “And the board – more often than not, not in every single case – but the best player was at a position of need. So, we basically started just checking off boxes, working our way down through each pick. We were basically able to just cross them off, cross them off, cross them off with a really good player. So, from that standpoint, I think it was good. It was really good. I think the coaches and the scouts – we did a good job communicating. One of the things that we have is a dialogue throughout the Draft – this guy or that guy, what do we think and how does this guy fit? You might have two players at different positions, and they’re graded the same. And, you’re trying to figure out, how do you split hairs between these two players, and you do it with talking to your coaches. You do it looking at the analytics, but you also do it looking at the players that you might get in the next round or moving back. And what does that pool of players look like at those positions? This year, I think it worked out really well.”

Baltimore needs their rookie class to contribute early on after losing several quality players to free agency this offseason.