There was a time where we didn’t know if we would get to see Tez Walker in a Tar Heel uniform. Now, just nine months after it appeared his career in Chapel Hill might be over before it starts, he is the second Tar Heel player off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Walker was selected with the 113th overall selection during Saturday’s 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He is just the second Tar Heel ever selected by the Ravens franchise, joining former offensive lineman Jason Brown who was picked by them in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
This is a really good landing spot for Walker with how explosive the Ravens offense has been. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are locked in as the starters, but with Bateman’s injury history, there is a chance that Walker could get on the field early if he impresses. Tylan Wallace, the team's primary backup receiver on the outside, will be the guy he will have to overtake, something that should be that difficult considering he has just seven receptions in his three year NFL career.
Walker had some really nice production in his lone season in Chapel Hill once he got on the field. He played in and started eight games after an eligibility battle with the NCAA that caught the attention of many around the country dragged into the season. Even though he missed those four games, he still finished with 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns on his way to third team All-ACC honors. Prior to his season with the Tar Heels, Walker played two years at Kent State where he caught 63 passes for 1,045 yards and three touchdowns.
With everything that Walker went through before last season, just seeing him get drafted feels so satisfying, but landing in a spot where he could contribute early to a contender makes this even better.