Baltimore Ravens: Dayton Wade Impresses in Preseason

The Baltimore Ravens are known for keeping at least one undrafted rookie, and Ole Miss receiver Dayton Wade fits the bill. After signing a few veterans last week before their second preseason game, it is clear they need more competition at the position.

While their three starters are mostly likely locked in on the roster, the other three or four are open for debate. The remaining preseason games will determine who ultimately makes the team.

UDFA Rookie From Ole Miss Could Make Roster

At 5’9″ and 184 pounds, the 23-year-old Wade was a starter in his final season at Ole Miss. He transferred from Western Kentucky after three years and had a career season in 2023 with the Rebels.

Wade had 55 catches for 830 yards and 4 touchdowns as a redshirt senior. He showcased his potential as a slot receiver who could play on the outside as a big-play threat. The UDFA rookie is also a twitchy athlete but was snubbed from the NFL Scouting Combine. Now he has a chance to make the team like running back Keaton Mitchell last year.

Dayton Wade Impactful in Preseason So Far

So far in two preseason games, Dayton Wade has 6 grabs for 94 yards, including one deep shot touchdown for 56 yards. Undrafted rookie quarterback Emory Jones threw a dime to a wide-open Wade due to a wicked double move on the corner. It was reminiscent of veteran Demarcus Robinson‘s double move when he was in Baltimore two seasons ago.

Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor will likely round out the top of their receiving core. While that slot position could be upgraded, the Baltimore Ravens could bring in a veteran in free agency or trade. But ideally, one of their current guys on the roster could eventually step up into that role. That could be Dayton Wade if he keeps up his performance from the preseason.

Baltimore Ravens Receiver Has Some Competition

The Ravens brought in two veterans known for sure hands, including Anthony Miller and Russell Gage. Baltimore also has a few playmaking return men who can make an impact on offense, including front-runner Tylan Wallace. Wallace made a nice grab last week, as the electric punt returner should make the team. He is competing with veteran Deonte Harty, who was brought in to potential return kicks as well.

Quarterback converted receiver Malik Cunningham also made his first catch last weekend after a position change. Keith Kirkwood, Sean Ryan, and Isaiah Washington are also on the roster. The question mark is fourth-rounder Devontez Walker, who was quiet again and barely played on offense with the backups.

Head coach John Harbaugh mentioned he is dealing with a rib injury, but it is concerning that his rookie year has taken a slow start. The North Carolina product mostly played special teams, as he will have a spot on the team but will need to show something in the remaining preseason games. That last receiver spot could be one that Wade can secure before the Thursday Night Opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.