Rookie Profile: Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
Welcome to the Rookie Profile for Devontez Walker, a Wide Receiver from North Carolina. He is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and was not recruited out of West Charlotte High School.
In 2021, as a freshman, Walker appeared in 8 games for Kent State. During that season he recorded only 5 receptions for 124 receiving yards and 1 touchdown and was almost non-existent on the prospect radar.
He took a step forward as a sophomore in 2022 where he appeared in 12 games for Kent State on his way to hauling in 58 receptions for 921 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
After that breakout season, he transferred to North Carolina where his numbers took a step back. He recorded 41 catches for 699 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns in 8 games for UNC and despite the slight dip in numbers, it should be seen as progression given the step-up in competition.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 4 Pick 13
- Walker was widely viewed as a day three dart throw and that’s exactly how he was drafted. He heard his name called during the early part of round four and that’s no surprise.
- There isn’t a whole lot you can say about the draft capital. He’s a case of confirmation bias. if you believe in Walker, this is a chance to ride his as your sleeper. If you didn’t believe in Walker, it’s an opportunity to say you were right with the NFL letting him fall.
Landing Spot- Baltimore Ravens
- The landing spot for Walker is far better than his draft capital. He lands with a Baltimore squad that is in desperate need of a proven X-receiver. Zay Flowers operated well as a slot receiver in his rookie season, while the big slot role goes to tight end Mark Andrews. What the Ravens are really in need of, is a big and strong deep threat.
- Walker is extremely raw as a talent, but if the Ravens can develop him properly he can be the missing piece to their offensive puzzle.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Potential X Receiver
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Walker is a dart throw at this point but is a worthwhile one. He is available at the cost of only a round-three rookie pick and if things break his way he will be worth triple that amount.
He is yet another day three dart throw, so you won’t want to head in the season relying on him to contribute. He can, however, become a winning lottery ticket in the long term if he wins the X receiver role in Baltimore.
Not only is he a worthwhile selection in rookie drafts, but he also has good sleeper appeal in the later rounds of redraft leagues.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Devontez Walker
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
