Devontez Walker thrived in limited opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens last season. He recorded three touchdowns and 136 yards on just eight targets. Playing in 24 percent of the team's snaps, fans couldn't believe he wasn't involved in the offense more, particularly since Rashod Bateman struggled.
However, it seems like the new coaching staff is set to take advantage of his explosive skill set. Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Walker's stock is up heading into training camp.
"I say [his stock is up] for two reasons. One, his stock is automatically up because the Ravens haven’t brought in a veteran receiver & don’t seem inclined to do so at this point. I’m not saying it won’t happen but it’s clearly not a priority … I also like what I saw [from him],’' Zrebiec said on an episode of Baltimore Collective.
The Ravens' wide receiver room was a clear flaw heading into the offseason. Zay Flowers is a highly productive player, but it was clear that Lamar Jackson needs more weapons. Now, Baltimore did draft Ja'Kobi Lane and Eljiah Sarratt in the third and fourth-rounds.
Still, to Zrebiec's point, they didn't sign an established veteran, something many folks expected. And while they did draft two receivers, head coach Jesse Minter made it sound like only one of them will be able to earn a role in the offense. As such, the stars appear to be aligning for Walker to be unleashed in his third season.
Devontez Walker could be a big part of the Baltimore Ravens' new offense
Declan Doyle's new-look offense puts explosive plays at a premium.
Given his stellar breakaway speed, Walker is a perfect match for this system. Last season, he averaged 22.7 yards per reception, which highlights his quickness.
Walker can be a legitimate deep threat thanks to his speed and hands. The Ravens have lacked this element of their offense in the past, especially last season. That's what made the past coaching staff's reluctance to give him snaps, so darn frustrating.
With the possibility of the Ravens giving one of their rookies a real role in the offense, they could have multiple deep threats, plus, what if Bateman has a bounce-back season? This, paired with the versatile and speedy Flowers, could give the Ravens a truly formidable receiving core -- even if they don't have star names. You also can't forget about tight end Mark Andrews, who has long been one of Jackson's favorite targets.
There's no doubt that the Ravens' offense should have more versatility and optionality in the passing game this season, despite not making any major splashes in free agency or the trade market.
With the team committing to a pass-heavy offense, having this extra optionality and explosiveness will be vital. Jackson having numerous dependable pass-catching options could help open things up for him and the Ravens in a big way.
All of this is to say the Ravens' offense should reach another gear and Walker should be a big part of this success.
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