As minicamp gets underway, dozens of undrafted free agents will try everything they can to show the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff that they are worth taking a chance on. The offensive side of the ball, in particular, could be a fertile proving ground for many of these neophyte Ravens.
The first four wide receiver spots are seemingly set in stone, with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman penciled in as starters while Nelson Agholor and rookie Devontez Walker battle it out for the No. 3 wide receiver job. Beyond that, it's a free-for-all featuring special teamers and undrafted youngsters.
One of Baltimore's best undrafted free agents, and perhaps the one with the highest chance of making the final 53-man roster, is former Ole Miss star Dayton Wade. In an appearance on Chris Long's Green Light podcast. Ravens starting fullback Pat Ricard did everything he could to get the hype train going.
Ricard singled out Wade as a player he has been very impressed with, saying he "flashes" everyday. Ricard was complementary of Wade's route-running, string hands, and quiet demeanor on the field. Even with the improvements in the last few years, Baltimore can never have enough quality wide receivers.
#Ravens fullback @PRic508 likes what he's seeing from undrafted (formerly of Ole Miss) WR Dayton Wade 👀
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) June 11, 2024
"I'm just seeing everyday this man's flashing. He's looking really crisp when he runs his route, he's catching all the balls, he has strong hands. He doesn't say too much. He… pic.twitter.com/t86bbDkBIo
Baltimore Ravens FB Pat Ricard hypes up UDFA WR Dayton Wade
Wade is competing with disappointing former fourth-rounder Tylan Wallace, return specialist Deonte Harty, quarterback turned wide receiver Malik Cunningham, and the son of a Ravens great in Qadir Ismail. Wade has to be hoping his speed and crisp route-running help him win out.
Wade was a Western Kentucky transfer who didn't become a star in college until he linked up with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. In his final season with the Rebels, Wade caught 55 passes for 830 yards and four touchdowns. His playmaking as a ball-carrier and a precise route-runner will be his meal tickets to success in the pros.
Wade is never going to be an overly physical receiver, as his 5-9 and 176-pound frame could cause some issues in the NFL. He will also need to adjust from Kiffin's Rebels offense, which is nowhere close to as complex as a professional playbook, to Todd Monken's thick and diverse playbook.
The Ravens have seen multiple seldom-heralded undrafted players wiggle their way into a more expansive role on the 53-man roster by making a name for themselves in minicamp. If things keep doing as planned, Wade could be the next preseason star fans fall in love with.