Rookie locks in spot with Ravens but wants more than special teams duty
#Ravens OC Todd Monken foresees a larger role for rookie WR/PR LaJohntay Wester on offense:'I think down the road, this year and moving forward, he's going to be a heck of a weapon. … He kind of gives us another novelty for Zay Flowers.' pic.twitter.com/qBuUDt62Sa
In the end, it won't count. LaJohntay Wester's magical punt return during the Baltimore Ravens' first preseason game sent shockwaves through M&T Bank Stadium. It won't be tallied in his career highlights, nor will the win he helped produce be logged on the season's ledger.
Who are we kidding, though? We all felt a slight adrenaline rush as it became certain he was in the clear and no one was catching him from behind. The rookie described it as 'build-up' and 'emotion' pouring over.
A sixth-round pick during the most recent NFL Draft, there's just something about this guy. No one dedicates an enormous amount of time discussing this, but landing him that late in the selection meeting feels like a steal.
Ravens offensive coordinator raved about him recently. The initial 53-man roster hasn't been released yet, but if we were to read between the lines, we'd assume Wester has locked up the returner role with additional duties to be named later.
Again, we're going to assume Wester has ended Baltimore's search for a punt returner. Might he provide a Swiss-Army knife of sorts to the offensive attack? That remains to be seen.
Wester appeared in 58 games at the collegiate level, including four seasons with the Florida Atlantic Owls and his most recent with the Colorado Buffaloes, produced 326 receptions, 3,634 yards receiving, and 31 receiving touchdowns. He also racked up another 213 yards and a pair of TDs on 37 carries. There's some potential there. We'll see if the Ravens can find unique ways to deploy him this season.
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