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 against the New York Giants.
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."
Three members of the 2025 draft class, an undrafted rookie, and a veteran wide receiver were among the Ravens' standouts during OTAs.
RB Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell said he was fully recovered from the major knee injury he suffered as a rookie in 2023. He made sharp cuts without hesitation and showed breakaway speed when bouncing outside.
WR DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins and Lamar Jackson clicked during their only OTA practice together, with Hopkins running precise routes and making several impressive sideline catches. Hopkins' talent and experience made his adjustment to Baltimore's offense look seamless.
WR Anthony Miller
After catching four passes in Baltimore's two playoff games while Zay Flowers was sidelined, Miller picked up where he left off. He made a spectacular diving catch on Tuesday and followed with a strong Wednesday practice.
OLB Adisa Isaac
After an injury-plagued rookie season, Isaac reported with a chiseled look after putting in the work to avoid more hamstring issues. Isaac showed a skill set that could add depth to Baltimore's pass rush group this fall.
G Ben Cleveland
Cleveland is competing with Andrew Vorhees for the starting job at left guard, and the coaching staff wants someone to clearly win the job. That makes it another crucial summer for Cleveland, now in his fifth year with Baltimore.
OLB Mike Green
Green, who led the FBS in sacks at Marshall, had an interception Tuesday after dropping into coverage. The second-round pick was praised by coaches for his effort and showed his versatility and athleticism.
OLB Odafe Oweh
A more muscular Oweh has added 20 pounds since last season, which should help his pass rushing once the pads come on. Coming off a 10-sack campaign, Oweh reported to OTAs in great shape and clearly hungry for more.
S Malaki Starks
Showing leadership both on and off the field, Starks made plays and carried himself like a vet during OTAs. Starks looked very steady handling the high expectations that come with being a first-round pick.
WR LaJohntay Wester
Wester fielded punts cleanly as he began working to secure the No. 1 punt returner role. At wide receiver, Wester ran crisp routes and showed potential to take his playmaking ability to the NFL level.
WR Devontez Walker
The second-year wide receiver ran decisive routes and gained separation on a regular basis. Walker's obvious improvement made a very talented wide receiver group look even stronger.
CB Reuben Lowery
An undrafted rookie from Tennessee-Chattanooga, Lowery had interceptions on back-to-back days last week. Lowery is a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but he drew attention with his playmaking.
ILB Roquan Smith
Smith was at every OTA session, which speaks to his commitment and leadership. Calling out signals and directing his teammates in the middle of the defense, Smith appeared to be setting the table for another All-Pro year.
S Sanoussi Kane
Kane had a stellar practice Tuesday, making an interception and breaking up a pass intended for Isaiah Likely. With the No. 3 safety job open, Kane took a step towards claiming it.
CB T.J. Tampa
Healthy after being hampered by injuries as a rookie, Tampa put strong practices together and had an acrobatic interception on Monday. Tampa looked determined to earn more playing time in the cornerback rotation.
CB Nate Wiggins
Wiggins returned 10 pounds heavier after his strong rookie season and was just as sticky in coverage. He had an interception during the second week of OTAs and said his goal was to force at least 10 turnovers in 2025.
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."
