With the 203rd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens added an intriguing piece to their offensive puzzle by selecting wide receiver LaJohntay Wester out of Colorado. It’s a low-risk, high-upside move for a franchise that has quietly been reshaping its offensive identity over the past few seasons. Though Wester was not among the most highly touted receivers in this class, his production, versatility, and work ethic could make him a valuable asset in Baltimore’s deep receiver room.
LaJohntay Wester’s journey to the NFL is a story of persistence, performance, and perseverance. Before transferring to Colorado, Wester made his name known at Florida Atlantic, where he emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the Group of Five. His 2023 season with FAU was particularly eye-popping, with 108 receptions for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite playing in a non-Power Five conference, his tape showed crisp route running, excellent hands, and a knack for making defenders miss in the open field.
Seeking a bigger stage, Wester transferred to Colorado for his final collegiate season under head coach Deion Sanders. Although he was competing for touches in a talent-heavy receiver room, Wester found ways to contribute, especially as a slot receiver and return specialist. He finished the season with 61 receptions, 722 yards, and five touchdowns, while also earning praise from Coach Prime for his professionalism and preparation.
Wester’s production may not have screamed “Day 1 pick,” but his game tape, combined with a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl and solid pro day numbers, steadily pushed his name up draft boards as a potential Day 3 gem. That’s precisely the type of player the Ravens targeted with pick No. 203.
The Ravens have a well-earned reputation for finding value in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. Their ability to identify players who may have been overlooked by other teams has become a hallmark of general manager Eric DeCosta’s tenure. In Wester, Baltimore isn’t just acquiring a receiver—they’re getting a dynamic football player who thrives with the ball in his hands and brings a unique set of skills to the table.
The Ravens’ wide receiver room has been reworked in recent years. Zay Flowers emerged as a top target for Lamar Jackson in his rookie season, and Rashod Bateman remains a promising talent when healthy. Add in veterans like Nelson Agholor and a still-developing Tylan Wallace, and you have a solid foundation. But what Baltimore has often lacked is consistency in the slot and a reliable short-yardage YAC threat—something Wester specialized in throughout his college career.
LaJohntay Wester doesn’t possess elite size at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, but he makes up for it with elite quickness, field awareness, and natural instincts. He’s a technician in the slot, capable of uncovering quickly against both man and zone coverage. That skill set aligns perfectly with Baltimore’s offensive scheme under coordinator Todd Monken, which emphasizes timing, spacing, and quick-decision throws to keep defenses on their heels.
Another reason Wester was likely on the Ravens’ radar? Special teams. Baltimore has long prided itself on the strength of its special teams units, and Wester brings immediate value in that phase. At both FAU and Colorado, he was a dangerous returner with multiple punt return touchdowns to his name and excellent vision in open-field situations.
As a rookie, Wester’s most direct path to the field may come through special teams. His ability to handle both punt and kick return duties gives the Ravens flexibility and insurance in case of injuries. More importantly, he fits the mold of a Ravens late-round pick: someone who contributes immediately in some form while developing into a larger offensive role.
Eric DeCosta has long stressed the importance of treating Day 3 as more than just filler. Instead of throwing darts at high-upside longshots, the Ravens target proven producers with clear, translatable skills. Wester fits this to a tee. He may not have tested like a freak athlete—his 4.50 40-yard dash at pro day was solid, not spectacular—but his change of direction, hands, and football IQ impressed scouts during pre-draft interviews and workouts.
“We see LaJohntay as someone who brings real juice to the offense and special teams,” DeCosta said during his Day 3 press conference. “He’s a competitor. Every time we watched the tape, he was making plays—breaking tackles, moving the chains, flipping field position. That’s the kind of guy we want in our locker room.”
For Wester, being drafted by the Ravens means entering a receiver room where he won’t be asked to carry the load right away. Instead, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and develop under a coaching staff that has recently begun to prioritize wide receiver development more than in years past.
Zay Flowers, who had a standout rookie season, will likely take Wester under his wing as another smaller-framed but impactful playmaker. Veterans like Agholor can offer guidance on the nuances of route running, film study, and staying prepared for any opportunity.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ franchise quarterback and two-time NFL MVP, is also known for building strong rapport with receivers who grind and understand timing routes. If Wester can earn Jackson’s trust, there’s no telling how quickly he might rise up the depth chart.
Perhaps the most appealing part of Wester’s profile is the chip he brings with him. He’s been doubted at every level—whether it was being lightly recruited out of high school, labeled “too small,” or overlooked in the Power Five. But he kept producing. Coaches rave about his practice habits, teammates respect his leadership by example, and fans quickly gravitate to his underdog story.
Baltimore has long been a haven for players with that exact makeup. From undrafted legends like Justin Tucker to late-round picks like Chuck Clark and Matthew Judon, the Ravens are experts at finding talent where others miss it.
Wester’s story is far from finished, but being drafted by the Ravens marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one where the odds are still long, but the opportunity is real.
Training camp will be critical for Wester. He’ll be battling for one of the final receiver spots on the roster or a place on the practice squad, and the Ravens’ coaching staff will be evaluating every rep—on offense and special teams. His best chance to stick around will come from excelling in return duties and flashing on quick-hitting plays, bubble screens, and third-down conversions in preseason games.
Should he make the roster, Wester’s role could gradually expand throughout the season, especially if injuries hit or if he simply earns his way onto the field. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him end the season with 20-30 receptions, mostly from the slot, along with meaningful special teams contributions.
The 203rd pick in the NFL Draft often doesn’t generate national headlines. But for teams like the Ravens, who consistently field playoff-caliber rosters thanks to smart, efficient drafting, every selection matters. LaJohntay Wester may not be a household name yet, but his blend of production, character, and versatility makes him a textbook Baltimore Ravens draft pick.
Whether he blossoms into a reliable contributor or carves out a niche role, one thing is certain—Wester won’t waste the opportunity. And in a league that rewards grinders, playmakers, and those who capitalize on chances, he may prove to be one of the sneakiest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
