The 2024 NFL Draft saw the AFC North teams addressing key needs with varying success. The Steelers and Ravens had standout drafts, focusing on the trenches and secondary, respectively. Cincinnati bolstered its roster with depth, while Cleveland, with fewer picks, made strategic selections. The Steelers’ pick of Troy Fautanu and the Ravens’ addition of Nate Wiggins were highlights. Baltimore and Pittsburgh were the most active, while Cincinnati quietly improved. The draft’s surprise was Cleveland’s minimal activity due to previous trades.
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Walker began at North Carolina Central in 2020 but didn’t play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He transferred to Kent State in 2021, finishing the 2022 season with 58 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning first team All-MAC honors. After transferring to North Carolina, Walker was initially denied eligibility but returned mid-season, catching 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. He declared for the NFL draft after the 2023 season, skipping the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Devontez Walker, drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, fits their scheme as a potent deep threat with elite speed and acceleration. The Ravens needed a dynamic receiver to stretch the field, and Walker’s ability to outrun defenders addresses this gap. While he needs to improve his route-running and press coverage skills, his explosiveness can immediately impact Baltimore’s passing game. Walker’s speed complements the Ravens’ offensive strategy, adding a critical vertical dimension.
Devontez Walker is impressing at Ravens rookie minicamp, showcasing his speed and agility. With a 6’2 frame and 4.36-second 40 time, he has the potential to seize a significant role behind Zay Flowers in Baltimore’s WR corps. Walker’s standout performance and opportunity for snaps make him a late-round target in early best-ball drafts. His speed and athleticism hint at future spike weeks and a potential long-term role as a field-stretching No. 2 WR for Lamar Jackson.
Devontez Walker needs to leverage his elite speed and acceleration to become a key deep threat for the Ravens. Improving his route-running consistency and ability to handle press coverage will be crucial. Developing stronger hands to secure catches through contact will also enhance his reliability. With focused coaching and experience, Walker can evolve into a versatile and dynamic receiver for Baltimore.
The Ravens are excited about Devontez Walker’s potential, citing his vertical explosiveness and ability to make contested catches, according to director of college scouting David Blackburn. Blackburn praised Walker’s size, mental toughness, and perseverance through athletic adversity. Although Walker may have limited playing time initially behind Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, and Rashod Bateman, the Ravens are optimistic about his development. Coach Jeremy Brener highlights Walker’s strong work ethic and team spirit.
Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall
Ali played six games as a freshman in 2020, gaining 22 rushing yards and 76 kick return yards. In 2021, he emerged as a top running back with 1,401 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning multiple accolades including All-Conference USA First Team and FWAA Freshman All-American honors. He redshirted most of 2022 due to injury but returned to finish the season with 273 yards and a Myrtle Beach Bowl MVP award. Ali was listed on the Doak Walker and Maxwell Award Watch Lists. In 2023, he ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia Tech, earning Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Rasheen Ali is a quick, explosive runner with good flexibility, making him a fit for an outside-zone scheme. He struggles with balance and decisiveness between the tackles. Ali is best suited as a change-of-pace back. The Baltimore Ravens can use him to complement their stronger lead backs, filling a need for perimeter speed and quickness.
Rasheen Ali offers fantasy potential despite past injury setbacks. His standout 2021 season showcased his versatility with 1,734 scrimmage yards and 24 TDs, though concerns linger about fumbling issues. With room to grow and regain peak form, Ali projects as a valuable rotational asset for fantasy teams, poised to contribute in Baltimore’s backfield.
Ali’s path to NFL success lies in harnessing his explosive agility to excel in a specialized role, focusing on outside runs and contributing as a versatile option in backfield rotations. Developing better inside running instincts and contact balance will be crucial for him to carve out a significant role in the league.
Known for his one-cut running style and ability to read blocks, Ali excels in creating yards despite inconsistent blocking. Analyst Lance Zierlein notes Ali’s potential as an RB3 due to his instinctive play and third-down skills, despite average top-end speed and limited elusiveness after the catch.
Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky
Devin Leary redshirted his first year at NC State in 2018. In 2019, he started the final five games, completing 101 of 210 passes for 1,219 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. In 2020, he played only four games before breaking his fibula, completing 66 of 110 passes for 890 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. Leary became the starting quarterback in 2021. After a pectoral muscle injury in 2022, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Kentucky on December 20.
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Devin Leary as a backup quarterback in the sixth round, pick No. 218. Leary, known for his strong arm and quick release, fits well as a developmental backup for Lamar Jackson. With veteran Josh Johnson aging, Leary addresses the need for a reliable long-term backup. Leary’s experience in a pro-style offense at Kentucky and his arm talent make him a promising addition to the Ravens’ quarterback room.
Leary had a strong 2023 season at Kentucky, throwing for 2,746 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 13 games. He will compete for a backup role behind Lamar Jackson and will have minimal fantasy value unless Jackson gets injured.
Leary needs to develop his skills under veterans Lamar Jackson and Josh Johnson. His experience in a pro-style offense at Kentucky and ability to make off-schedule throws position him well. Leary can become a reliable backup and succeed in the NFL by learning from seasoned players and leveraging his arm talent.
Analyst Lance Zierlein highlights Devin Leary’s NFL arm strength but notes inconsistency and developmental needs. Dane Brugler praises his explosive play potential but stresses the need for better timing and accuracy.
Comparative Analysis
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Bears prioritized bolstering their offense around quarterback Caleb Williams. With Williams as the No. 1 overall pick and Rome Odunze as the No. 9 pick, they aim to create a potent passing attack alongside established receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Adding offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie in the third round underscores their commitment to fortifying protection for Williams, potentially enhancing the team’s depth and talent in key fantasy positions compared to previous years.
Conclusion
The 2024 Baltimore Ravens draft featured potential stars like Roger Rosengarten (OT, Washington) and Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina) as immediate impact players. Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall) emerged as a sleeper pick with big-play ability but ball security concerns. Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky) offers long-term backup potential despite accuracy issues, aiming to develop behind Lamar Jackson.