The Baltimore Ravens had a great day three for the 2024 NFL Draft. I would say this is mostly due to their two fourth-round picks, addressing cornerback again as a BPA approach and wide receiver, getting another target for Lamar Jackson.
This was after taking Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round with the 30th overall pick. Baltimore has thrived on the best player available approach historically, among other teams, as many draft consensus had Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa going on day two at the very least.
North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker was fitting for the fourth round and complements the rest of the Ravens’ current receivers on the roster. I wouldn’t rule out them signing a veteran at the position, but as it stands, Tez Walker can be the serious threat on the team as the fourth option on the depth chart currently.
I wouldn’t be surprised if both start as rookies for the Ravens at some point this coming season, as they were value picks by consensus even before stepping on the NFL field for the first time. Baltimore has lacked depth at receiver and corner, so both additions in the draft were plus acquisitions where they were taken.
Baltimore Ravens: Steal Iowa State Cornerback
https://gty.im/1805045521
All-Pro Marlon Humphrey missed multiple games last year, and although Brandon Stephens had a breakout season, having corner depth is a good problem. The Ravens re-signed veteran Arthur Maulet in the nickel spot, but they could have rotated Humphrey or Stephens there.
The 26-year-old Stephens is also in the last year of his rookie deal, so Baltimore getting two cornerbacks in this year’s draft was insurance for salary cap and injury potential. Humphrey is 27 and both have the versatility to play all over the secondary.
First-rounder Nate Wiggins has the size-speed combination and coverage skills to play outside or inside. Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa can pair with the Clemson corner on the perimeter of the secondary. But I wouldn’t rule them out being in the mix at Nickel Corner also to cover slot receivers.
With their second fourth-round pick at 130th overall, the Baltimore Ravens selected a corner that didn’t test that athletically, kinda opposite of the former Tiger Wiggins. Tampa did not give up many big plays for the Cyclones, and with his length and frame, he can be an impact player on a stacked defense.
Both he and Wiggins were roommates at the NFL Scouting Combine, so both joined forces together with the Ravens is fitting. Tampa was a top player on many draft boards at the end of the fourth round.
According to PFF, the 22-year-old senior at 6’1″ and 189 pounds only gave up one touchdown in 411 coverage snaps last season. Tampa was First-team All-Big 12 in 2023 and second-team All-Big 12 in 2022. For Iowa State, he had three career interceptions and 19 pass deflections in four seasons.
Welcome to Baltimore T.J. Tampa ‼️
He allowed only one touchdown in over 900 defensive snaps played. pic.twitter.com/t1mnDH5jRE
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) April 27, 2024
Baltimore Ravens: Great Value at Wide Receiver
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At 6’1″ and 193 pounds, the 22-year-old senior played this past season at North Carolina and was drafted appropriately in the fourth round. Although Devontez Walker didn’t have the best Senior Bowl, Tez ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine and profiles as a volatile deep threat with some build with his arm length.
Walker initially was at North Carolina Central before the school voided the football season in 2020. He then transferred to Kent State and played two seasons there. In 2022, he was First-Team All-Mac and had 58 catches, 921 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
The talented pass catcher transferred to North Carolina last year but only was able to play eight games with six starts and was Third-team All-ACC. The NCAA initially denied his eligibility as a transfer, and after four games, he was reinstated for the rest of 2023.
Walker had 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns in his eight games this past season. He was Drake Maye’s go-to target once he was eligible in 2023, but he wasn’t the most reliable route runner or hands catcher.
The UNC receiver fits right in with former first-rounder Zay Flowers, veteran Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman, who they recently extended with the Ravens. Baltimore also signed return man Deonte Harty, but their receiving core could use another veteran free agent.
Walker was the second to last receiver taken in the fourth round by Baltimore, with a gap of picks from pick 113 till the San Franciso 49ers took Ariona’s Jacob Cowing at pick 135. The Tar Heels receiver was taken with the draft pick the Ravens received from the Morgan Moses trade to the New York Jets.
Now in Baltimore, Walker will go against Ravens corner Wiggins, who he has experience going against. Iron will sharpen iron between the rookies in mini-camp, and it will be fun to watch the one-on-one battles over the summer.
Devontez Walker vs Nate Wiggins in college 🍿👀
Now teammates🤩 #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/IfzKfebSYp
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) April 27, 2024
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