Devontez Walker has flashed rare burst and sharp footwork in Baltimore’s early camps, hinting at a legitimate field-stretching upside behind DeAndre Hopkins. Yet the veteran’s presence and Monken’s run-driven, tight-end-heavy scheme threaten to cap Walker’s playing time as the season begins. Walker’s preseason highlights—six catches for 61 yards against Dallas—signal he could be a swing-for-the-fences option in the right packages, but early on his role may be mostly special teams and reserve reps. Hopkins remains the safer target for Week 1, with Walker waiting for a crack in sub-packages or injuries to open a consistent stream of fantasy-friendly opportunities.

Hopkins’ name carries weight, but the data suggest a decline from his peak years. The Ravens don’t need Hopkins to be a Hall of Fame receiver; they want a competent No. 3 who can move the chains when called upon. With two pass-catching tight ends on the roster and a system built around the running game, Walker’s ceiling hinges on unusual usage: slot looks with starters or a sudden shift in personnel that creates three- and four-wide alignments. The season’s trajectory will hinge on how quickly Monken adapts the offense to leverage Walker’s speed without sacrificing Hopkins’ veteran savvy.