3 reasons Baltimore Ravens are not colluding against Lamar Jackson

1. This quarterback class is better

One of the big reasons that teams were desperate for a quarterback in 2022, and not in 2023 is the depth of the quarterback class. At this point last year, teams were trying to talk themselves into Malik Willis, and Kenny Pickett went 20th overall. Pickett was there when the Browns, Saints, Texans, Falcons, and Panthers all could have drafted him, and they all passed on Kenny Pickett.

Needless to say, they were not intrigued by these names. Pickett had an up-and-down rookie season, but as a prospect, it is pretty clear that he would go fifth in this draft class. Considering he went first last year, the draft is just different.

The Colts, Raiders, Panthers, and Falcons all need a quarterback, but all of them are in the top ten. They may not all get their guy, but there is a reason for each team to be interested in drafting a quarterback top ten. That was simply not the case last season, so there was more desperation.

It is not one thing or the other, but rather a combination of things. There could be a bit of the owners taking a stand, but the factors mentioned also explain why there is more to it than that.