Ryan Mink

Devontez Walker ran one of the fastest 40-yard dash times (4.36) at the 2024 Combine. He has long known he's fast.

But when Walker took the field as an NFL rookie, he didn't always feel fast.

As Walker heads into his second season, he stands as one of the Ravens' most visibly improved players through organized team activities and minicamp.

"Every day, all he does is show up and go 100 miles an hour," Head Coach John Harbaugh said at the conclusion of minicamp. "He's got a chance to be really good."

Harbaugh has been a believer in Walker's talent after the Ravens drafted him in the fourth round last year. Harbaugh was the person who proposed the play designed for Walker to get his one and only catch last year. The rookie then delivered with an impressive toe-tapping 21-yard touchdown catch in New England.

The play stuck with Walker this offseason, serving as a tasty appetizer for what he hopes is a bigger order to come.

"I think [that touchdown] meant a lot, especially to the staff," Walker said. "You know, drafting a guy you believe in and finally get out there and showcase it. I think it kind of turned heads a little bit. It was a real big deal for me."

Walker's improvement has been twofold. First, it was getting more comfortable with his assignments and the offensive scheme.

"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."

Walker has the size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and speed to be a matchup problem, and he showcased it in minicamp.

On one play, he caught a short crosser and turned on the burners to pick up significant yardage after the catch down the sideline. On another play, he took second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa deep and made a "spectacular" leaping catch, using Harbaugh's description.

The other thing Walker has been working on is his route-running, particularly getting in and out of his breaks faster. He was surprised that cornerbacks would stick in his rear pocket last season, so Walker studied the route-running of teammates Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman to pick up details on how to shake defenders instead of relying on burning them.

"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."

The only issue is Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken and the Ravens also have to find enough targets for Flowers, Bateman, new veteran DeAndre Hopkins, the trio of tight ends, and more. With so many weapons in Baltimore's arsenal, it will still be tough for Walker to carve out a consistent offensive role.

He's squarely in the competition to be the Ravens' No. 4 wide receiver in 2025, competing with re-signed veteran Tylan Wallace, rookie LaJohntay Wester, and others. Walker is eager, but not impatient.

"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."

Clifton Brown