The Baltimore Ravens loaded up in this year’s draft when it came to wide receivers. The team added Elijah Sarratt and Ja’Kobi Lane to booster the Ravens’ wide receiver room.
According to the Baltimore Ravens website, wide receiver Devontez Walker could have a breakout year in 2026. Walker went to the University of North Carolina and Kent State University before being drafted by the Ravens in 2024. Devontez Walker was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round.
“Among the breakout candidates is wide receiver Devontez Walker. Sure, the Ravens drafted two wideouts in Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Walker has flashed enough to warrant starting reps. He could even challenge Rashod Bateman for snaps, who was perhaps the team’s most disappointing starter last season.” Connor Burke wrote in an Ebony Bird article.
Some Say Rashod Bateman Has Been ‘Disappointing’
Many expected Rashod Bateman to have a breakout year in 2025, but he fell short of expectation. As a result, the Ravens were limited in their pass game. Crucial drops and injuries are the main reasons why many fans want the Baltimore Ravens to release or trade Bateman.
Bateman played all 17 games for the Ravens in 2024. The Ravens wideout recorded nine touchdowns and racked up 756 yards during the 2024 season. Bateman only had 19 receptions for 224 yards in the 2025 season. While injuries played a role, he played in 13 of the Ravens’ 17 games in 2025.
It’s clear Bateman will have much to prove in the 2026 season. The question mark has never been his talent, but it’s his availability and consistency.
“Rashod Bateman is going to get every chance to return to form in 2026. Baltimore simply invested too much in him to take him off the field. The 26-year-old signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension last offseason.” Connor Burke wrote in an Ebony Bird article.
Devontez Walker’s Career so Far
Walker played two seasons at Kent State University before transferring to the University of North Carolina. At Kent State, he recorded 58 catches, 921 yards and 11 touchdowns. At North Carolina, he recorded 41 catches, 699 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Devontez Walker seems to catch a touchdown every time he catches the ball. It’s clear that Walker could show up Bateman before Week 1.
“Walker has needed patience over his first two seasons, but the wait may be over.” Ryan Mink wrote in the Baltimore Ravens article.
“His first three NFL catches all went for touchdowns, including two in Week 2 versus the Cleveland Browns last year. But after that game, Walker only saw four targets over the next nine games. He ended on a high note, however, catching a 38-yard touchdown in Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale.”
The fight for playing time won’t be easy now that the team has added Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. Sarratt is known for his great hands and contested catches. Likewise, Lane is another big-body wide receiver known for his contested catches.
When it comes to stepping up, Zay Flowers has faith in Devontez Walker.
“Oh, Tez is ready. Tez is going to step up this year,” Zay Flowers said in the Baltimore Ravens article. “He’s attacking everything,” Flowers said. “He knows there’s a fire under him. We have to go now. You’re up.”
Training camp cannot come soon enough for the Baltimore Ravens.
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