The Baltimore Ravens have a few position battles to sort out in this year’s training camp. Eric DeCosta and the front office have built a lethal team, but there are crucial roles that need filling. The position battles at left guard and middle linebacker have been well-documented, but one of the low-profile competitions resides on the special teams unit.
Baltimore certainly has one of the highest-pressure kicking situations this training camp, which has taken up most of the spotlight. However, following an offseason that included the selection of wide receiver LaJohntay Wester in the sixth round and electrifying running back Keaton Mitchell returning to full health, the return room could get crowded.
Both playmakers indicated interest in taking over the responsibilities on kick and punt returns. The two have as much speed and elusiveness as anyone on the Ravens’ roster, making them prime fits for the duties. This could spell bad news for wide receiver Tylan Wallace’s role with the team.
Tylan Wallace’s role could decrease in 2025
Wallace captured the attention of Ravens fans back in 2023 with his walk-off punt return touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He has brought a spark of energy to Baltimore when he has the ball in his hands, also going for an 84-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in a primetime game in 2024. However, his playmaking abilities have not been consistent, and he does not have the splash play potential that Wester and Mitchell could have.
Outside of that one house call against the Rams, Wallace has been lackluster on special teams. He was reliable as a ball carrier in 2024, holding onto the football unlike some of the other options put out on the field, but he was not a consistent threat. While the Ravens extended him this past offseason, his role could quickly diminish to being a rotational wide receiver.
The kick return job has been out of Wallace’s grasp for a season now. He has seen the occasional opportunity throughout his career, but has not been able to carve out a role. If Mitchell makes an appearance on the unit, that should be the nail in the coffin for the former Oklahoma State Cowboy's chances of being a kick returner.
On the punt return side, Wester was one of the better return men in the nation during his time at Florida Atlantic and Colorado. He has already been building a strong relationship with head coach John Harbaugh earlier this offseason, taking tips from him while fielding punts at rookie minicamp. If he continues to hone his craft and showcase his talents in training camp, he could become the runaway favorite for the job.
Regardless, Wallace still has a role in Baltimore. The 26-year-old is a necessary piece to the offense, but where that is and how often he is involved in 2025 could be in question.