The Ravens’ 35-14 dismantling of the Giants may have been headlined by Lamar Jackson’s five-touchdown performance, but rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker stole his share of the spotlight.
On a third-and-1 play late in the third quarter, Walker hauled in his first career catch—and touchdown—on a beautifully executed 21-yard pass from Jackson. The toe-dragging masterpiece sent a message Walker is ready for more.
Walker’s impact wasn’t just limited to the touchdown. Playing a career-high 11 offensive snaps, the fourth-round pick also made his presence felt on special teams, where he delivered a critical tackle to prevent a big return. And now, with Diontae Johnson’s self-imposed drama still lingering, Walker is giving the Ravens every reason to trust him with more opportunities.
If Walker’s performance wasn’t enough proof of his rising stock, his teammate Zay Flowers made sure to hammer the point home. Speaking about Walker after the game, Flowers didn’t hold back on his praise:
"Tez improved a lot. Tez come out every day at practice and give a hundred against our first-team defense. And you see him get better each week. Like you’ll see him improve on something, then the next week he’ll improve on something else. He’s always asking questions, no matter what it is. And I’m glad he’s finally getting a chance to play and show .”
“You see him get better each week.” @ZayFlowers on @DevontezWalker pic.twitter.com/NooTr0xGij
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 17, 2024
Devontewz Walker is putting in the work and could be due for a larger role
Walker’s touchdown was a reflection of his preparation and execution. With an extra day of practice following the bye week, the Ravens installed the play on Monday. Walker said it was the only one with his number attached to it. Instead of being overwhelmed by the moment, the rookie locked in. “I made it my job to study it know it. That’s what I did all week,” Walker said after the game.
The play itself was perfectly designed. Jackson rolled to his right, selling the run, then turned and fired a strike to Walker in the back of the end zone. Walker’s smooth footwork—dragging both toes just inside the line—was so impressive it earned him a new nickname from Jackson: “Tez Toe Tap.” It’s a nickname Walker is living up to with his growing confidence and ability to capitalize on limited chances.
Despite only playing 19% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps, Walker’s contributions have been massive. His hustle, both on offense and special teams, sets him apart. He doesn’t just show flashes of potential—he’s proving he belongs.
With Zay Flowers praising his work ethic and Lamar Jackson trusting him in key moments, Walker’s role in the offense feels poised to expand. As the Ravens push toward the playoffs, his emergence couldn’t come at a better time. If Walker continues to show out, Baltimore’s receiving corps will have a new weapon defenses will have to account for.