The Cincinnati Bengals gained a new adversary due to their choices in the 2024 NFL Draft. Before the draft, the Bengals focused heavily on meeting with Devontez Walker, a promising young wide receiver from North Carolina, leading him to believe he might join their team. However, the Bengals surprised Walker by selecting Alabama’s Jermaine Burton instead, leaving Walker feeling snubbed. The Baltimore Ravens subsequently picked Walker in the fourth round, intensifying his disappointment and resentment toward Cincinnati, the team he had expected to start his career with.
“I have some unfinished business with Cincy,” Walker expressed. “That’s where I thought I was headed, but they went with another receiver at the last minute… Cincinnati, things are going to get heated when we meet.”
Fortunately for Walker, he won’t have to wait long for a chance at payback. Since both teams are in the AFC North, the Bengals and Ravens face each other twice each season. Their first clash of 2024 is set for Week 5 in Cincinnati (October 6), with a rematch in Baltimore on November 7.
Walker is undoubtedly eager to prove to the Bengals that they made a mistake by not selecting him, although his playing time as a rookie remains uncertain given the Ravens’ competitive roster and aspirations for a championship.
Jermaine Burton, on the other hand, faces his own challenges in Cincinnati, where fans are enthusiastic about his potential alongside Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the team’s top receivers. Burton will need to impress early to earn significant playing time.
It will be intriguing to see who between Burton and Walker has the more successful rookie season.
