Ravens draft pick is already justifying his draft steal label at training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have mastered the art of the NFL Draft. It is one of the reasons they are often considered a top threat in the league every year. This past offseason, Eric DeCosta and the front office assembled another talented draft class, selecting 11 prospects in April. In training camp, the group is already stealing the spotlight.

Malaki Starks and Mike Green headline the class. The two rookies are seen as steals at their selection spots. Each is already making their mark in camp, but one under-the-radar rookie is enjoying a breakout showing of his own.

Wide receiver LaJohntay Wester has been the star of the show. Not much was expected from the sixth-round pick in his first NFL season, but he is proving he can already hang with the pros. Whenever he gets an opportunity, Wester impresses the coaching staff.

During Baltimore’s first week of padded practices, Wester truly introduced himself to his team and media and fans in attendance. Everyone knew about his playmaking ability as a wideout, as he made countless big plays at Florida Atlantic and Colorado. However, he is starting to make his name known as a punt returner.

Following Thursday’s practice, Ravens Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton praised Wester for his consistency and growth as a punt returner.

“What I’m seeing from LaJohntay is every day, the consistency and ball catching. He’s got great technique, he’s got great fundamentals,” Horton said. “The kid’s doing a heck of a job in what we’re asking him to do, getting to the spot, making sure he’s securing the ball, and get vertical.”

Wester is emerging as a big-time playmaker

Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, Wester already possessed many of the traits you want to see in dynamite threat wide receivers. He has the speed to leave anyone in the dust, shiftiness to make countless defenders miss, and hands and concentration that flashed in the biggest moments. His biggest concern was his size.

Wester is only 5-foot-9, 170 pounds. His frame causes issues in one-on-ones against physical coverage and limits his catch radius. However, his quickness allows him to slip through coverage, create separation, and beat the defense. He is showcasing that at camp.

Reports have mentioned Wester has been a player to watch. He has proven his ability as a deep threat and seems to be quickly taking over the punt return duties currently held by veteran Tylan Wallace. While it will be tough to see the field in the current receiver group, if he keeps doing what he is doing, he may demand snaps in time for the regular season.

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