The Baltimore Ravens had a phenomenal 2022 draft, securing an extremely talented 11-player draft class. However, they were also able to add many solid undrafted free agents, something that the team has been known for over the course of their franchise history.
One of those undrafted players was wide receiver Slade Bolden out of the University of Alabama. After Baltimore’s second open media session of 2022 voluntary organized team activities, Ravens special teams Chris Horton was asked about his early impressions of the former Crimson Tide wideout, and he talked about Bolden’s experience on special teams as a returner.
“Slade [Bolden] is another guy that comes in who’s a returner. We’re always looking for returners, and he’s done that. He’s done that at [the University of] Alabama. His job is just going to have to be able to come in here, work and get better, and just try to compete for a job. Just take it one day at a time. We give every guy an opportunity. He’s going to play a lot in these preseason football games. But he’s just got to get better, that’s all.”
Bolden got run as a returner both in his second and third seasons in college, putting together a 6.7 yards per return average on 22 punt returns as well as a 13.4 yards per return average on kick returns. Baltimore wide receiver Devin Duvernay established himself as one of the better returners in all of the NFL during the 2021 season, but having a player with potential like Bolden behind him doesn’t hurt whatsoever.
