Ravens Sixth-Round Pick Tabbed As Possible Surprise in 2025

The Baltimore Ravens were able to address a pressing need in this year's draft with sixth-round pick and former Colorado wideout LaJohntay Wester.

Punt returns were a struggle for the Ravens in 2025, and general manager Eric DeCosta hopes to have solved that with the drafting of Wester.

Wester was recently named by USA Today Ravens Wire as a possible surprise in 2025.

"While he could struggle to earn snaps on offense, the Ravens addressed their most under-the-radar need in return specialist LaJohntay Wester," ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote after the draft. "Baltimore was middle of the pack in punt return last season, ranking 16th with a 9.7-yard average and using four different players. Wester is a speedy returner who averaged 12.2 yards on punts in his final season at Colorado, including a 76-yard touchdown. At the Shrine Bowl, his acceleration was clocked at 6.2 yards per second squared, making him the second-fastest on offense since the Shrine Bowl partnered with Zebra Sports.

"Wester has a connection to Baltimore, having played under Ravens running backs coach Willie Taggart at Florida Atlantic.

The 5-10, 163-pound Wester was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Conference last season while playing in all 13 games for the Buffaloes with 12 starts. He caught at least one pass in his last 50 games at Colorado.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted his "speed and above-average production" in his NFL Draft Profile.

"Undersized slot target with good speed and above-average production. Wester is built for longer routes with softer angles, allowing him to build separation," Zierlein wrote. "He’s less effective with wiggle routes underneath. There are times his catch focus stands out but he has a very limited catch radius and drops were a major concern in 2023.

"Colorado’s scheme and surrounding talent created some easier looks for Wester, but his big-play potential from the slot and as a punt returner should give him a chance to make a roster."