On Thursday, May 16, the Baltimore Ravens dismissed one of their undrafted free agent rookies, WR DeAngelo Hardy, whom they signed a few weeks earlier.
On May 16, The Athletics’ Jeff Zrebiec wrote, “Per today’s personnel notice, Ravens waived UDFA WR DeAngelo Hardy, who played college football at North Central College.”
Baltimore signed the rookie on Saturday, April 27, as soon as the 2024 draft was complete. The UDFA’s agent, Exclusive Sports Group, wrote on X, “Congratulations to our guy DeAngelo Hardy on signing with the Baltimore Ravens! #BeExclusive.”
The NCC product spent only three weeks with the Ravens and will now look to see if he can return later in the summer or sign with another team in the coming months.
Zrebiec also wrote, “That leaves an empty roster spot. Baltimore still has ten receivers on their roster.” The Ravens WR position is seeking for new talent to complement the explosive Zay Flowers (more on that below).
DeAngelo Hardy is a Top Division III Rookie WR.
It is not uncommon for undrafted rookies to not make it through the summer, but Hardy appeared to have a chance given the team’s needs.
ESPN’s Ravens writer Jamison Hensley wrote, “Here are six Ravens undrafted rookies who made Mel Kiper Jr.’s final 2024 draft position rankings: Beau Brade ranks 9th among safeties. DeAngelo Hardy ranks 61st among wide receivers…
According to the team’s website, Hardy was NCC’s leading pass-catcher in 2023, with 75 receptions for 1,353 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The college team of his announced, “One of @NCAADIII’s most dynamic playmakers will begin competing for a @NFL roster in May, as DeAngelo Hardy has signed w/@Ravens as an undrafted free agent.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen described Hardy as the “most versatile pass-catcher: DeAngelo Hardy, WR, North Central College.”
Bowen went on to say, “Hardy had 25 total touchdowns this past season — 20 receiving, two rushing and three passing — and finished his college career with 58 receiving scores.”
The ESPN reporter praised the dynamic receiver, calling him “the Deebo Samuel of Division III football.”
Hardy had a tremendous college career and is one of the most productive pass catchers in Division III. “Hardy ranks seventh in #d3fb history with a @football_ncc record 58 touchdown receptions,” his former squad tweeted.
Ravens still looking for more receivers. Zrebiec noted that the Ravens still have ten wide receivers on their roster, but several are inexperienced.
With veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. moving to join the Miami Dolphins in free agency, the No. 2 spot is currently empty. Flowers demonstrated spectacular skill as a rookie and will take the next step during his sophomore season, but will require assistance.
The Ravens only chose a receiver in this class, Devontez Walker from the University of North Carolina, in the fourth round. Aside from Hardy, they signed four additional UDFA wide receivers and will try to round out their roster with a potential undrafted gem.
General manager Eric DeCosta has had success identifying jewels in the undrafted pool, and he will aim to catch lightning in a bottle at the position. Behind Flowers, the only WRs with NFL experience are Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman.
Tylan Wallace is also on the roster, but he is mostly a kick and punt return specialist rather than a receiver. What is known is that offensive coordinator Todd Monken will try to get the most out of his wide receiver group to help quarterback Lamar Jackson during the 2024 season.
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