Young Ravens Teammates Expect Breakout Seasons from Three Players

Wide receiver Devontez Walker, outside linebacker Mike Green, and safety Malaki Starks have big opportunities ahead and critical offseasons.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Ravens' team colors of purple, black, and gold, conceptually representing the dynamic movements and potential of the team's young players on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Ravens' young stars poised for breakout seasons, their dynamic movements and potential captured in a fractured, geometric composition.Today in Pittsburgh

As the Baltimore Ravens kicked off their voluntary strength and conditioning program, eyes are on three young players who their teammates believe are poised for breakout seasons: wide receiver Devontez Walker, outside linebacker Mike Green, and safety Malaki Starks. The three players, who are entering their second or third NFL seasons, have shown promise and are expected to take major steps forward this year.

Why it matters

The development of these young players is crucial for the Ravens as they look to build on last season and contend for a Super Bowl. If Walker, Green, and Starks can live up to their potential, it would provide a major boost to the team's offense, defense, and secondary.

The details

Walker, a wide receiver, had a strong finish to his rookie season, catching a 38-yard touchdown in the regular-season finale. With the Ravens' No. 3 receiver spot open, Walker is the favorite to claim that role. Teammate Zay Flowers said Walker is "willing to learn everything" and is "attacking everything" this offseason. Green, an outside linebacker, played 63% of the Ravens' defensive snaps as a rookie and made 3.5 sacks. The Ravens believe he can take a big leap in his second season, especially playing opposite veteran Trey Hendrickson. Starks, a safety, was immediately thrust into a starting role as a rookie, playing 94% of the defensive snaps. While he made some plays, the Ravens believe he will take a "huge jump" in his second year, especially with the addition of veteran Jaylinn Hawkins.

  • The Ravens kicked off their voluntary strength and conditioning program in April 2026.
  • Walker had a strong finish to his rookie season in 2025, catching a 38-yard touchdown in the regular-season finale.

The players

Devontez Walker

A wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who is expected to take on a bigger role in his third NFL season.

Mike Green

An outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens who the team believes can take a big leap in his second NFL season.

Malaki Starks

A safety for the Baltimore Ravens who was a full-time starter as a rookie and is expected to make a "huge jump" in his second year.

Zay Flowers

A wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who said teammate Devontez Walker is "ready" and "going to step up this year".

Trey Hendrickson

A veteran defensive end who the Ravens signed in free agency, and whose presence is expected to benefit young outside linebacker Mike Green.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh, Tez is ready. Tez is going to step up this year.”

— Zay Flowers, Wide receiver

“He's attacking everything. He knows there's a fire under him. We have to go now. You're up.”

— Zay Flowers, Wide receiver

“The opportunity for Mike Green is it's hard to put into words because we all saw him take the steps, and what you don't see is how hard he works at his craft, in terms of obviously on field, [but also] his skillset in the weight room and taking care of his body.”

— Scott Elliott, Director of Strength & Conditioning

“Sometimes, when you have a guy on one side, it creates even more opportunities for the guy on the other side. And so, Mike should be very excited, because I feel like he's going to have a lot of opportunities to impact the game, and we're excited about him.”

— Jesse Minter, Head Coach

“I think he's going to take a huge jump [in] Year Two. He kind of just got his feet wet last year and made some great plays, but I think he's still got so much left to prove in the show, and I'm sure he's going to do it this year.”

— Kyle Hamilton, Safety

What’s next

The Ravens will continue their offseason program, including OTAs and minicamp, as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. The development of Walker, Green, and Starks will be a key storyline to watch as the team looks to build on last year's success.

The takeaway

The Ravens are counting on several young players to take a big leap forward this season, which could provide a major boost to the team's offense, defense, and secondary. If Walker, Green, and Starks can live up to their potential, it would be a significant step in the Ravens' quest to contend for a Super Bowl title.