ClutchPoints
The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for developing talent on both sides of the ball and building through the draft. Each offseason brings fresh faces fighting for roster spots. Every once in a while, however, one of those players makes an early impression that forces everyone to take notice. This year, rookie wide receiver LaJohntay Wester is making that kind of noise. After just one week of organized team activities (OTAs), Wester has gone from late-round hopeful to legitimate candidate for a roster spot—and potentially much more.
Baltimore entered the 2025 offseason with a clear plan. They needed to keep the core intact, supplement depth across the roster, and give Lamar Jackson as many weapons as possible for another Super Bowl push. Step one was bringing back star left tackle Ronnie Stanley. He remains one of the league’s premier blindside protectors when healthy. Stanley’s return was essential for maintaining stability along the offensive line and giving Jackson the time he needs to operate the Ravens’ high-powered attack.
The Ravens front office also delivered a strong showing during the 2025 NFL Draft. They added impact players on all three days, addressing needs and shoring up depth across both sides of the ball. Their draft class was widely praised for its balance and potential long-term value.
However, one area Baltimore only marginally addressed was wide receiver. Outside of taking a flyer on veteran DeAndre Hopkins, the Ravens largely opted to run it back with last year’s receiving corps. Zay Flowers remains the centerpiece after a breakout 2024 season. Meanwhile, Rashod Bateman returns to provide a steady presence opposite Flowers. Hopkins brings experience and playmaking potential. At age 33, though, his durability remains a question mark.
That left room for lesser-known receivers to make a name for themselves during OTAs—and that’s exactly what LaJohntay Wester is doing.
When Baltimore selected Wester in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, few outside of the Ravens’ war room expected him to immediately contend for meaningful snaps. At 5’9 and 170 pounds, Wester doesn’t fit the prototypical mold of an NFL wide receiver. What he lacks in size, however, he makes up for in pure speed and quickness. That’s a skill set that’s translating beautifully so far at OTAs.
Wester wasted no time putting his athleticism on display. During one of the opening OTA sessions, he flashed his big-play ability by hauling in a deep touchdown pass. His ability to adjust mid-play and secure the catch showed both his concentration and athletic instincts.
Of course, Wester didn’t stop there. Later in the session, he made another eye-opening play, snagging a tough catch over the middle after the ball was tipped by undrafted linebacker Jay Higgins. These types of difficult, contested catches are exactly what will earn a young receiver credibility with coaches and teammates alike.
Yes, Wester is still fighting for a role in...
