The Baltimore Ravens had a litany of draft picks this past May, and many already made their names known to Ravens fans during mini-camp. While it’s just a brief start to their young careers, some are drawing high praise from the little that has been seen from them thus far.
Rookies like Malaki Starks and Mike Green are hogging all the spotlight, and rightfully so. Two highly touted draft prospects hitting the NFL field in pads for the first time were bound to garner attention. Rookie Tyler Loop has also been the talk of the town due to high expectations following the release of Justin Tucker. However, this has allowed late-round picks to sneak under the radar. One of those–LaJohntay Wester.
LaJohntay Wester is a name to watch this offseason
Baltimore’s sixth-round pick, selected at 203rd overall, became a media darling in 2024. After a 1,168-yard and eight-touchdown season at Florida Atlantic in 2023, Wester transferred to Colorado. There, he forged a strong connection with quarterback Shadeur Sanders, finishing his college career with 931 yards, 10 touchdowns, and a bowl invite for the Buffaloes.
As he landed in Baltimore, everyone knew about his blazing speed and big-play potential. His knack for making highlight reel plays and coming up clutch in the big moments should make him a fan favorite in Baltimore. It also adds another gear to the Ravens' offense that they could use behind the duo of Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
In camp, Wester is already flashing his potential. The 23-year-old showed off his crafty route running, snapping off routes with great quickness and body control. Of course, it’s just rookie mini-camp, but the ability is there. He has a ton of experience making defenders look foolish during his time in college, and he’ll immediately join the competition with backups like Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace for the wide receiver four and five spots on the depth chart.
Baltimore plans to utilize his ability as a returner as well. In practice, he fielded punts and was getting adjusted to Baltimore's special teams operations. Throughout college, Wester had experience returning kicks and punts, making splash plays there, too. He was one of the most dangerous players in college in the open field over the past two years, showcasing his shiftiness every chance he got.
With four years of legit starting experience at the college level, Wester is more experienced than most rookies. He should be ready to compete as offseason activities continue to roll on. With the future in the return game and the wide receiver three spot uncertain for the Ravens, Wester will be looking to seize the opportunity.