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Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker
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Devontez "Tez" Walker (born June 19, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes and North Carolina Tar Heels.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Walker was born on June 19, 2001, in Charlotte, North Carolina, later attending West Charlotte High School.[1] In Walker's high school career, he brought in 48 receptions for 923 yards and 2 touchdowns. Walker also played on defense, racking up 36 tackles, ten pass deflections, and six interceptions.[2] Walker committed to play college football at North Carolina Central.[3]

College career

[edit]

North Carolina Central

[edit]

Enrolling at North Carolina Central in 2020, Walker did not play in any games as the FCS season had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]

Kent State

[edit]

Walker transferred to Kent State in 2021.[5] He made his collegiate debut in week one of the 2021 season, where he caught one pass for three yards, as Kent State was defeated by #6 Texas A&M 41–10.[6] In the team's bowl game, Walker caught one pass for 74 yards and a touchdown in Kent State's Golden Flashes' 52–38 loss against Wyoming.[7] Walker finished the 2021 season with five receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.[8]

The 2022 season was a strong one for Walker. Against reigning national champions Georgia, Walker had one of the best performances of his career, with seven receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, but Kent State lost to the Bulldogs 39–22.[9] Walker had good performances the following two weeks, catching six passes for 107 yards against Ohio,[10] and 11 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Miami (OH), 27–24.[11][12] In the team's season finale, Walker scored the game-winning touchdown, catching five passes for 84 yards, as Kent State ended the season with a win against Buffalo.[13][14]

Walker finished his 2022 season with 58 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also adding 29 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and was named first team All-MAC.[15][16][17]

Following the conclusion of the season and the departure of head coach Sean Lewis, Walker entered the transfer portal.[18]

North Carolina

[edit]

After departing Kent State, Walker returned to his home state, transferring to North Carolina.[19][20] Walker was named to the 2023 Preseason All ACC Team.[21][22] In a controversial and highly criticized decision, the NCAA ruled Walker a two-time transfer, and he was initially denied eligibility for 2023.[23][24] After missing four games due to the issue, Walker's eligibility was reinstated for the remainder of the 2023 season.[25]

Walker returned to action against Syracuse and played in eight games, catching 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. He caught six passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in his second game back against Miami.[26] Walker declared for the NFL draft after the conclusion of the regular season, opting out of the Duke's Mayo Bowl in the process.[27]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 1+1⁄2 in
(1.87 m) 		193 lb
(88 kg) 		33+1⁄4 in
(0.84 m) 		9+1⁄8 in
(0.23 m)		 4.36 s 1.54 s 2.52 s 4.30 s 40.5 in
(1.03 m)		 11 ft 2 in
(3.40 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[28][29]

Walker was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft.[30] The Ravens acquired the pick in a trade that sent Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.[31] On December 15, 2024, in a Week 15 game against the New York Giants, Walker caught his first NFL career reception and touchdown after Lamar Jackson threw a 21-yard pass on 3rd down. The Ravens would later defeat the Giants 35–14.[32] That would be the only offensive statistic Walker had during the regular season, as he spent most of his time on special teams when he was not made inactive.[33]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Devontez Walker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Devontez Walker (born June 19, 2001) is an for the of the (NFL). Selected by the Ravens in the fourth round (113th overall) of the out of the , Walker stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 198 pounds, bringing speed and deep-threat ability to the position. Walker's college career spanned multiple institutions, beginning at before transferring to , where he recorded 58 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022. He then moved to in spring 2023, but faced an initial denial of eligibility by the NCAA under transfer rules, as he had not competed at Kent State during the prior fall and had entered an NIL agreement with a Canadian football team. After appeals and submission of additional documentation—including evidence of his intent to transfer earlier—the NCAA reversed its decision in October 2023, allowing him to play the latter half of the season. In six games for the Tar Heels, he amassed 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns, earning third-team All-ACC honors. As a rookie with in 2024, Walker appeared in nine games without starting, logging limited snaps amid a crowded receiver room, though he scored his first touchdown on a 21-yard reception against the in December. Entering his second professional season in 2025, team officials have expressed optimism for expanded production, citing his athletic traits and practice performances.

Early life

High school career

Devontez Walker attended West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he competed in football, basketball, and track and field. As a junior in 2018, Walker recorded 91 receptions for 1,153 yards, earning all-conference honors and demonstrating early prowess as a wide receiver. His multi-sport participation underscored his athleticism, particularly speed honed in track events, which contributed to his reputation as a versatile prospect. Walker's senior season was curtailed by an ACL tear, limiting his recruitment opportunities despite prior interest from higher-division programs. Rated as a three-star recruit by and two-star by , he received a offer from , an FCS program, which he accepted for the class of 2020. This decision reflected the impact of his injury on traditional Power Five pursuits, as several offering schools withdrew support post-injury.

College career

North Carolina Central University

Devontez Walker enrolled at (NCCU), a historically black university and member of the , in the fall of 2020 following a to recover from an ACL injury sustained in high school. As a , he joined the Eagles' football roster but did not participate in any competitive games. The 2020 NCAA Division I FCS football season for NCCU was canceled due to the , with the MEAC opting out of both fall and spring play to prioritize health and safety. This external factor limited Walker's on-field involvement, though he remained integrated with the team during the period. Walker focused on academic requirements as a full-time while preserving his four seasons of eligibility, as the absence of did not count toward NCAA participation limits. Specific records of preparatory training or practice participation are not detailed in available athletic department documentation, but his roster status indicates team affiliation throughout the disrupted year.

Kent State University

Walker transferred to in spring 2021 after North Carolina Central's 2020 season was canceled due to the . In his first season with the Golden Flashes, he played in eight games, primarily as a reserve, recording five receptions for 124 yards and one touchdown, with an average of 24.8 yards per catch that underscored his potential as a vertical threat. During the 2022 season, Walker transitioned to a starting role, appearing in all 12 games and emerging as the team's primary deep-ball option. He finished with 58 receptions for 921 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in yards and ranking third in Kent State program history for single-season receiving yards. His efficiency metrics included 15.9 yards per catch and a longest reception of 56 yards for a touchdown, with notable games such as four catches for 56 yards—including a 47-yard score—in the opener against Washington and contributions against ranked opponents like Oklahoma. This output reflected marked growth in route-running precision and the ability to exploit his speed against MAC defenses. Walker's breakout year garnered first-team All-MAC recognition and the conference's of the Year honor, affirming his contributions to Kent State's passing attack amid a season where he and teammate were among the MAC's top producers in yards per catch.

Devontez Walker transferred to the from Kent State ahead of the 2023 season, drawn by the program's status in the Atlantic Coast Conference and its location near his hometown of Charlotte. Walker debuted for the Tar Heels on October 7, 2023, against , and went on to appear in eight games while starting six. In that span, he amassed 41 receptions for 699 yards, averaging 17.0 yards per catch, and scored seven receiving touchdowns. His production positioned him as a key vertical threat in UNC's passing attack, leveraging his 6-foot-3 frame and speed to stretch defenses. For his contributions, Walker earned third-team All-ACC honors from the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Relations group. Entering the year, media outlets such as Phil Steele had tabbed him for preseason All-ACC recognition based on his prior college output.

NCAA eligibility dispute

In December 2022, Devontez Walker transferred from to the (UNC), prompting an NCAA review of his eligibility as a two-time undergraduate transfer under bylaws governing multiple moves via the transfer portal. Although Walker had enrolled at (NCCU) as a in 2020, he did not compete there due to cancellations of the 2020 fall and 2021 spring seasons, which UNC argued should exempt it from counting as a full transfer year; the NCAA, however, classified the NCCU enrollment as his initial transfer, followed by his move to Kent State, where he fulfilled a one-year sit-out requirement before playing in 2021 and 2022. The NCAA denied Walker's waiver request for immediate eligibility on August 8, 2023, applying tightened criteria from a January 2023 policy update that restricted approvals for second-time transfers to cases involving verifiable medical hardships or safety concerns, prioritizing competitive balance across programs over routine exceptions. Walker's camp contended that the pandemic disruptions at NCCU warranted a retroactive exception, supplemented by claims of mental health needs and proximity to his ailing grandmother in Charlotte, North Carolina, allowing family support and her attendance at games—personal factors Walker described as essential for his well-being. The NCAA upheld the denial in subsequent appeals, including on September 7, 2023, expressing skepticism over the timing and documentation of mental health assertions, which coincided with a coaching change at Kent State, and reiterating that prior enrollment triggered the rules regardless of gameplay. The ruling drew widespread criticism, with UNC head coach publicly denouncing the NCAA as "failed" and bureaucratic on September 7, 2023, while Governor and Attorney General urged reversal and threatened litigation, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in applying rules retroactively after Walker's enrollment at UNC. Media outlets and fan reactions amplified accusations of institutional rigidity, with some escalating to violent threats against NCAA officials, prompting the organization to decry such responses as unacceptable. UNC's advocacy included a push, which the NCAA later faulted for delaying resolution by withholding key details. On October 5, 2023—after Walker had missed UNC's first four games—the NCAA granted the , citing newly submitted information from UNC that met waiver standards, though the organization noted this data had been available earlier despite multiple review opportunities. The case exemplified tensions in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era, where increased player mobility via the portal has intensified scrutiny of NCAA transfer restrictions as potentially outdated and restrictive, favoring institutional control over autonomy, though proponents defend them as necessary to prevent talent poaching and maintain program stability.

Professional career

2024 NFL draft and rookie season

Walker impressed scouts at the with a 4.36-second , the fourth-fastest time among wide receivers, highlighting his elite speed and potential as a vertical threat despite limited college production. His 6-foot-1 frame and ability to track deep balls positioned him as a developmental option to stretch the field for quarterback in Baltimore's offense. The Ravens selected him in the fourth round, 113th overall, viewing him as a big-bodied complement to their existing receivers. Walker signed his four-year rookie contract worth $4,817,852, including a $797,852 , on May 13, 2024. However, his participation was hampered by a rib injury that limited his reps and preseason snaps, preventing full evaluation of his speed in game settings. In the 2024 regular season, Walker appeared in nine games without starting, logging one reception for 21 yards and one touchdown on his sole target. His minimal offensive role stemmed from a deep group featuring and , ongoing recovery from the rib injury, and the typical adjustment period for rookies facing sophisticated coverages. Primarily utilized on special teams, Walker's rookie year underscored the challenges of breaking into a veteran-laden unit.

2025 NFL season

In the early portion of the 2025 season, Walker appeared in five games for the , recording 3 receptions for 60 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 20.0 yards per catch. These scores demonstrated his big-play capability, with both touchdowns coming on deep targets that capitalized on his speed and contested-catch ability. He started one game during this stretch, reflecting a gradual expansion in his rotational role behind primary receivers. Walker's progress was interrupted by an oblique strain sustained in early October, which limited his practice participation starting October 1 and caused him to miss the Week 6 matchup against the . He had been questionable for Week 5 against the Houston Texans but played through the injury before sitting out subsequently; by mid-October, following the Ravens' bye week, he returned to full health and resumed light duties. This marked a new soft-tissue issue for Walker, who had seen his offensive snaps drop sharply in Week 4 against the prior to the diagnosis. During 2025 training camp, Walker emerged as a notable riser, earning votes from media observers as the session's top performer among skill-position reserves due to consistent highlight-reel catches and improved route precision. coaches praised his offseason development, noting enhanced confidence and a commitment to "playing full speed" after a limited rookie year, which positioned him for more downfield opportunities in preseason and early regular-season reps. Walker's role evolved amid a Ravens wide receiver group thinned by departures and injuries, affording him targeted snaps in three-receiver sets and against defenses, including matchups where his vertical speed exploited zone coverages. Todd Monken highlighted Walker's ability to separate from defenders in these scenarios, though production remained snap-dependent as he awaited further integration into the passing game. By late October, post-recovery, he was poised for expanded usage in divisional games, leveraging his chemistry with Lamar Jackson built through camp repetitions.

Playing style and attributes

Strengths and achievements

Walker exhibits elite straight-line speed, recording a 4.36-second at the 2024 , which enables him to separate from defenders on deep routes. His explosiveness and body control allow for effective contested catches, with scouting evaluations noting high-level ball-tracking instincts and hand-eye coordination on vertical plays. Walker demonstrates yards-after-catch potential through his elusiveness and ability to shed arm tackles post-reception, contributing to his efficiency as a . In college, particularly during his 2023 season at the , Walker averaged 17.0 yards per catch across 41 receptions for 699 yards, underscoring his deep-threat proficiency. This production highlights his role as a vertical receiver capable of stretching defenses, a trait that translated to the where he has maintained high , including a perfect touchdown conversion rate on his limited receptions through the 2025 season (3 s on 4 catches for 81 yards). Among his key achievements, Walker earned third-team All-ACC recognition in 2023 following his breakout performance at UNC. Despite NCAA eligibility disputes that delayed his collegiate debut, he was selected by the in the fourth round (113th overall) of the , affirming evaluators' confidence in his athletic upside. His rookie highlight included scoring on his first career reception, a 21-yard against the on December 15, 2024. In 2025, Walker continued this scoring efficiency with two touchdowns on three receptions through five games, further evidencing his red-zone reliability.

Criticisms and areas for improvement

Walker's limited role in his 2024 rookie season, with only 57 offensive snaps representing approximately 5% of the ' total, highlighted challenges in earning consistent playing time amid competition from established receivers like and , compounded by his raw inexperience transitioning from college production. Scouting evaluations noted his narrow skill set as primarily a vertical , raising concerns about bust potential for fourth-round speed-dependent wide receivers who struggle to diversify beyond deep routes. Technical deficiencies include inconsistent route precision, with analysts critiquing his lack of stem separation through hip drop, footwork, or throttle control, making him predictable and vulnerable to press coverage. Drops in contested situations stem from suboptimal hand-eye coordination and play strength against physical defenders, areas where his lighter frame at 200 pounds has been flagged as needing bulking for better adaptation to professional physicality. In the 2025 season, an oblique injury has further hampered availability, causing him to miss practices and games, including an outing against the on October 12, and limiting snaps even when active, underscoring durability concerns for a player reliant on speed. Overall, these factors contribute to debates on his long-term viability, with low career PFF grades signaling risks in expanding his limited route tree for intermediate and short-yardage reliability.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WalkDe01.htm
  2. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4696882/devontez-walker
  3. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/players-roster/devontez-walker/
  4. https://kentstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/devontez--walker/12966
  5. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38665274/tez-walker-ncaa-fight-eligibility-north-carolina
  6. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38575487/tez-walker-allowed-play-2023-ncaa-reverses-decision-wr
  7. https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-tar-heels-tez-walker-a6325ad9d90a8b87d5aa43f71d96b208
  8. https://goheels.com/sports/football/roster/devontez-tez-walker/24334
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  10. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/devontez-walker-first-career-touchdown-ravens-giants-rookie-2024
  11. https://nccueaglepride.com/sports/football/roster/devontez-walker/7126
  12. https://www.highschoolot.com/story/former-west-charlotte-multi-sport-athlete-tez-walker-drafted-by-the/21402146/
  13. https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/charlotte/west-charlotte-lions/athletes/devontez-walker/football/stats/?careerid=o0aop2ehvj288
  14. https://www.athletic.net/athlete/11138397/track-and-field
  15. https://www.nj.com/rutgers/2022/12/kent-state-wr-transfer-devontez-walker-the-playmaker-rutgers-offense-needs-recaps-official-visit.html
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  17. https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/longformarticle/devontez-tez-walker-unc-football-wide-receiver-longform-211819950/
  18. https://alumni.unc.edu/news/in-reversal-walker-granted-eligibility-for-23-season/
  19. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38156922/unc-devontez-walker-denied-ncaa-waiver-play-ailing-grandmother
  20. https://sports.yahoo.com/north-carolina-wr-tez-walker-ruled-eligible-after-ncaa-receives-new-information-from-unc-172117860.html
  21. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/devontez-walker-ncaa-ravens-fourth-round-rookie-minicamp
  22. https://www.footballdb.com/players/devontez-walker-walkede10
  23. https://247sports.com/player/devontez-walker-46054622/college-289530/
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  25. https://kentstatesports.com/news/2022/11/30/football-flashes-land-four-on-mac-first-team-nine-named-all-conference.aspx
  26. https://goheels.com/sports/football/roster/devontez--tez--walker/24334
  27. https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/devontez-walker-player-stats
  28. https://cfbstats.com/2023/player/457/1119003/receiving/situational.html
  29. https://goheels.com/news/2023/11/28/football-13-tar-heels-named-all-acc-including-three-first-team-picks
  30. https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina/article/unc-football-preseason-all-acc-phil-steele-211579003/
  31. https://www.ncaa.org/news/2023/10/5/media-center-ncaa-issues-statement-regarding-unc-transfer-case.aspx
  32. https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2023/08/09/governor-cooper-urges-ncaa-president-grant-devontez-tez-walkers-transfer-waiver
  33. https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/13/sport/devontez-walker-ncaa-transfer-threats-spt-intl
  34. https://www.nfl.com/videos/devontez-walker-runs-40-yard-dash-at-2024-combine
  35. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/devontez-walker-baltimore-ravens-news-nfl-draft-2024-wide-receiver-north-carolina
  36. https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2024/4/27/24142716/why-the-ravens-drafted-devontez-walker-zay-flowers-rashod-bateman-lamar-jackson
  37. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/draft/2024/devontez-walker
  38. https://www.nfl.com/videos/ravens-select-devontez-walker-with-no-113-pick-in-2024-draft
  39. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/90445/devontez-walker
  40. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/baltimore-ravens-news-rookie-contracts-adisa-isaac-devontez-walker-rasheen-ali-nick-leary
  41. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/devontez-walker-catches-long-touchdown-return-injury-practice-report
  42. https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ravens/2024/08/18/john-harbaugh-provides-a-reason-for-devontez-walkers-diminished-role-in-ravens-offense/74849134007/
  43. https://www.nfl.com/players/devontez-walker/stats/
  44. https://www.rotowire.com/football/player/devontez-walker-17728
  45. https://pressboxonline.com/2025/05/21/what-would-progress-in-year-two-mean-for-ravens-2024-draft-picks/
  46. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ravens-devontez-walker-dnp-with-oblique-injury/
  47. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ravens-devontez-walker-still-dealing-with-oblique-issue/
  48. https://www.fantasyalarm.com/player-news/3705125/devontez-walker-oblique-questionable-for-week-5
  49. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/players/26702084/devontez-walker/
  50. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/devontez-walker-ravens-training-camp-stock-up-riser-final-drive-2025
  51. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45706841/2025-nfl-training-camp-baltimore-ravens-updates-buzz-intel-position-battles
  52. https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-wr-devontez-walker-play-full-speed-2025-limited-rookie-campaign
  53. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ravens-coach-praises-offseason-improvement-162823560.html
  54. https://ebonybird.com/all-signs-point-breakout-year-underrated-baltimore-ravens-weapon
  55. https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ravens/2025/09/24/ravens-devontez-walker-todd-monken-production/86326020007/
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD4A61HrGVY
  57. https://primetimesportstalk.com/2024-nfl-draft-scouting-report-devontez-walker/
  58. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/devontez-walker-draft-scouting-2024/
  59. https://www.tarheelblog.com/2024/4/29/24143356/unc-tar-heels-nfl-draft-fit-selection-devontez-tez-walker-baltimore-ravens-lamar-jackson
  60. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/2024-snap-counts.htm
  61. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10097592-devontez-walker-nfl-draft-2024-scouting-report-for-north-carolina-wr
  62. https://www.fantasypros.com/2024/02/dynasty-rookie-draft-busts-keon-coleman-xavier-legette-devontez-walker-2024-fantasy-football/
  63. https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-2024-nfl-draft-scouting-205325752.html
  64. https://firstroundmock.com/2024/02/north-carolina-wide-receiver-devontez-walker-unreliable/
  65. https://www.bigblueview.com/2024/1/31/24056799/2024-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-devontez-walker-wr-north-carolina-scouting-report-ny-giants
  66. https://www.rotowire.com/football/headlines/devontez-walker-injury-wont-play-against-lar-610216
  67. https://www.reddit.com/r/NFL_Draft/comments/1bjihil/2024_prospect_analytical_profile_devontez_walker/
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