Just how impactful would Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker be if Todd Monken played him in the slot with the starters?
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker is showing himself to be ready throughout the preseason and training camp. Yet, Walker may have trouble getting playing time over veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins this season.
Walker totaled six receptions for 61 yards in Saturday’s 31-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Primarily, Walker has been playing on special teams and excelling in exhibition reps with the reserves, but just how impactful would Walker be if offensive coordinator Todd Monken played him in the slot with the starters? Well, fans might not get a chance to find out.
Hopkins is riding the renown of his name at the point in his career, and whether NFL fans realize it or not, stats show Hopkins is only a shadow of the player he once was. Nevertheless, the Ravens won’t need him to be Jerry Rice; they need a serviceable pass catcher at the No. 3 spot on their depth chart. Plus, with two pass-catching tight-ends on the roster, Monken and the Ravens aren't likely to frequent a ton of three & four-wide receiver personnel packages. In an offense built primarily on the running game, neither Hopkins nor Walker should be the focal point for Monken.
Ultimately, Walker’s footwork and speed exceed those of Hopkins, which would make him more of a deep threat to opposing defenses. That fact, however, cannot nullify the merited acclaim and wisdom Hopkins brings to the Ravens' offense. Walker may end up getting his chances, but fans, we’ll have to see how the season progresses.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Devontez Walker is a player to watch in Ravens lineup
Category: Football
