On Thursday, May 16, the Baltimore Ravens made a roster adjustment by waiving WR DeAngelo Hardy, one of their recently signed undrafted free agent rookies. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported on May 16, “According to today’s personnel notice, the Ravens waived UDFA WR DeAngelo Hardy, who played college football at North Central College.”
The Baltimore Ravens signed rookie WR DeAngelo Hardy on Saturday, April 27, immediately after the conclusion of the 2024 draft. His agency, Exclusive Sports Group, announced the signing on X, saying, “Congratulations to our guy DeAngelo Hardy on signing with the Baltimore Ravens! #BeExclusive.”
Hardy, a standout from North Central College, was with the Ravens for just three weeks before being waived on May 16. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported the move, noting, “Per today’s personnel notice, Ravens waived UDFA WR DeAngelo Hardy, who played college football at North Central College.”
Despite the brief stint, Hardy will now explore opportunities to rejoin the Ravens later in the summer or sign with another team. Zrebiec also mentioned that the waiver created an open roster spot, leaving the Ravens with ten wide receivers as they seek to enhance their receiving corps, particularly to complement the dynamic Zay Flowers.
DeAngelo Hardy, recognized as a top Division-III rookie wide receiver, had potential due to the Ravens’ need for talent in that position. ESPN’s Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley highlighted Hardy among six undrafted rookies noted in Mel Kiper Jr.’s final 2024 draft position rankings, where Hardy was ranked 61st among wide receivers.
During the 2023 season at NCC, Hardy led his team with 75 receptions, 1,353 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns. His college team celebrated his signing on social media, tweeting, “One of @NCAADIII’s most dynamic playmakers will begin competing for an @NFL roster in May, as DeAngelo Hardy has signed w/@Ravens as an undrafted free agent.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen described DeAngelo Hardy as the “most versatile pass-catcher” from North Central College. Bowen highlighted Hardy’s impressive stats, noting, “Hardy had 25 total touchdowns this past season — 20 receiving, two rushing, and three passing — and finished his college career with 58 receiving scores.” He praised Hardy, calling him “the Deebo Samuel of Division III football.”
Hardy had a standout college career, becoming one of the most prolific pass-catchers in Division III history. His former team tweeted, “Hardy ranks 7th in #d3fb history with a @football_ncc record 58 touchdown receptions.”
### Ravens Still Seeking WR Talent
Jeff Zrebiec noted that even after waiving Hardy, the Ravens still have ten wide receivers on their roster, though many are unproven. With veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr. joining the Miami Dolphins in free agency, the No. 2 receiver position is currently vacant. Zay Flowers showed promise as a rookie and is expected to improve in his sophomore season but will need additional support.
The only receiver the Ravens drafted this year was fourth-round pick Devontez Walker from the University of North Carolina. Besides Hardy, they also signed four other undrafted free agent wide receivers, hoping to find a hidden gem.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has a track record of finding talent among undrafted players and aims to strengthen the receiver position. Besides Flowers, the only receivers with NFL experience on the roster are Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman. Tylan Wallace is also on the roster but primarily serves as a kick/punt return specialist. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken will strive to maximize the performance of the WR corps to support QB Lamar Jackson in the 2024 season.
Tony Vozza covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, focusing on the Baltimore Ravens and New York Yankees.
