Devontez Walker is very familiar with the twists and turns that come with a life spent in football.
He changed schools twice in college, battled the NCAA for the right to participate, and saw limited playing time in his first NFL season.
Adversity often produces greatness, though, and after appearing in only nine games (zero starts) with the Ravens as a rookie, Baltimore believes Walker is on the verge of a breakout season.
"Every day, all he does is show up and go 100 miles an hour," coach John Harbaugh said at the conclusion of minicamp, via the team's official site. "He's got a chance to be really good."
Harbaugh is confident in Walker's outlook because of what he's seen this offseason from Walker, a player considered to be one of the most improved on Baltimore's roster. It begins with his understanding of his role in the pro game, which required a year's worth of experience to fully comprehend.
"Last year, early on, I felt like I wasn't able to play as fast," Walker said. "You know, I'm wondering what to do. I'm thinking so much, trying to do everything right, perfect everything. I wasn't able to go out there and run full speed. This year, I'm able to get lined up and go out there and play as fast as possible."
That's the other part of the equation: speed. Walker ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and finally feels as if he can use that ability to his advantage on the field.
"I feel really confident," Walker said. "I know what we're trying to get done in this offense, and I'm able to go out there and play full speed."
As Harbaugh said, Walker is moving at 100 miles per hour, running freely after shedding the restrictions imposed upon him by a number of adversaries over the last few years.
He began his collegiate career at mid-major Kent State, starring for the Golden Flashes and earning first-team all-conference honors before realizing his abilities were better suited for "Power Four" football, entering the transfer portal and landing at North Carolina as a highly touted addition. The NCAA's involvement in Walker's transfer, though, landed him on the sideline due to a controversial eligibility dispute.
Eventually, Walker and the Tar Heels won out, leading to his belated participation in eight games in North Carolina's 2023 season. His late start limited his exposure, however, and he fell into the fourth round of the draft before Baltimore turned in the card with his name on it.
With just nine games of participation and three total targets on the year, Walker's opportunities were limited. He caught one of those three targets, though, for a 21-yard touchdown that gave him the confidence he needed entering 2025.
Challenges remain for Walker. He's part of a roster that includes three more proven receivers ahead of him: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and offseason addition DeAndre Hopkins. But Walker is no stranger to a hurdle, and while offensive coordinator Todd Monken will be responsible for assembling their offensive puzzle, Walker sees nothing but good things ahead for him as part of the receiving corps.
"Honestly, I lean on those guys. I understand them being out there," he said. "I try to pick up every little thing off them. I feel like it helps me out, so when I get out there, I feel better and there's no drop-off when [coaches] throw me in there. I'm just being ready when my name is called."
