Does Lamar Jackson end up getting paid the way he wants to? Is it with the Baltimore Ravens? Did Jalen Hurts' contract extension help or hurt Jackson's cause?
There are a lot of unanswered questions for the Ravens and the fan base, right now, and some we may not get the answer to for quite some time. But, the Ravens do have a big opportunity ahead of them, just days away now.
With the 2023 NFL Draft coming up, Baltimore has the chance to go out and prove to Jackson that they, indeed, do not desire him to be around long-term, at least based on his demands.
Jackson wants the same guaranteed money Deshaun Watson received last offseason, and although Hurts' total deal was more than Watson's, the guaranteed money was less. That could wind up being the difference.
If the Ravens end up without Lamar Jackson for the 2023 season, the NFL Draft could provide his replacement
Should Eric DeCosta and the organization stick to their guns, Jackson will have to opt to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag. But, if he chooses to do so, the question becomes: does Jackson have a rookie breathing down his neck, making it easier for the Ravens to move on next offseason?
This might not be the same as a Packers, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love situation we saw a few years back. But, something similar could unfold, here. Jackson could see the Ravens take their quarterback of the future, while the quarterback sits and waits for a better deal.
Then, what do both sides do? Does Jackson decide to play, ball out and prove the Ravens wrong? Does he sit out until he's traded?
Again, these are answers we don't know just yet. But, what we do know is that the Ravens have a few particular options to replace Jackson with, and at different levels within the draft. There are four, specifically, that make some sense.
Possible Lamar Jackson replacements in the 2023 NFL Draft: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
The first quarterback Baltimore could choose to replace Jackson with is UCLA's Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who would come fairly cheap in draft capital. Right now, Thompson-Robinson is likely to be a Day 3 selection, and the Ravens have picks in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
Thompson-Robinson stands 6-foot-2, weighing 203 pounds and comes into the draft as your prototypical dual-threat type. His areas for improvement are your everyday, developmental type of weaknesses that can be coached. Occasionally, he can throw off-balanced and get shaken into not seeing defenders hanging around watching his eyes. That can lead to a turnover-prone type of throw.
It's not that he turned it over too much last year, though, as Thompson-Robinson threw for 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 12 touchdowns in addition to tallying 645 rushing yards in 2022. As for his passing, he went for over 3,100 yards through the air.
Back to his weaknesses versus strengths, quickly, because those "bad" throws mostly come on plays that take longer to develop. Thompson-Robinson is actually a very accurate pocket passer when the throws and reads are quick ones. It's the lengthier plays where he needs the work, which can be coached.
Possible Lamar Jackson replacements in the 2023 NFL Draft: Clayton Tune, Houston
Like Thompson-Robinson, Houston's Clayton Tune is another developmental type that can be found on Day 3. And, one thing not previously mentioned is the fact that either Thompson-Robinson or Tune would be the backup as rookies.
Baltimore still has Tyler Huntley, whom they are comfortable with running the offense. Huntley has shown some things over the last couple of seasons when he's come in due to Jackson's injuries. Huntley knows the offense and can run it well. He's the veteran. He'll also be a great help to any rookie that comes in as the likely backup.
Back to Tune, who comes in with similar stature as Thompson-Robinson, standing 6-foot-2, but weighing a more solid 220 pounds. He has a stronger frame, and he uses it on the ground. He presents a dual-threat ability, as well, as he ran for 544 yards in 2022.
In the passing game, Tune is very technically-sound. He stands in the pocket with patience and goes through his progressions like a pro. He'll wait for the right read, which is rare for a young quarterback. Last season, Tune threw for a whopping 4,074 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Don't sleep on this kid, whose weaknesses can also be coached.
Possible Lamar Jackson replacements in the 2023 NFL Draft: Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Lately, there have been very few players who have risen in mock drafts like Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. Because of his injury last year, Hooker was looked at as a possible Round 3-4 type of pick. But now, he's been mocked in the first by some outlets.
It isn't too crazy to think Hooker could go in the first round, especially if the Ravens are officially going to move on from Jackson. They could give Hooker a year, be patient, and allow Huntley to have the job for 2023. Hooker tore his ACL last year, but recent news has actually indicated that he'll be ready for the start of this next regular season.
Now, he still won't have a full offseason of work and likely wouldn't be able to have enough time to earn the starting role. But, depending on whether or not Huntley struggles, it isn't out of the question to believe Hooker might take over at some point.
Remember, Hooker was a Heisman candidate before going down. In 11 games, he threw for over 3,100 yards, 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Not to mention, he ran for 430 yards and five scores. Take his production the last two seasons, and you'd get nearly 6,200 passing yards, 58 touchdowns and five picks.
This is a true pocket passer with plenty of experience (25 years old) and the ability to take off and use his legs. Hooker could be the real deal, and if the Ravens want to take their chance on an older rookie, it might pay off.
Possible Lamar Jackson replacements in the 2023 NFL Draft: Anthony Richardson, Florida
Lastly, and this is purely based on a bit of guess work, the Ravens could target Anthony Richardson. Plenty of rumors have stated Richardson could go in the top four picks, while others have he and Will Levis falling a bit. At this point, it's anyone's guess.
But, if I had to bet, it would be Bryce Young number 1 overall, and then C.J. Stroud as the next guy off the board. Whether Adam Schefter is correct on the second quarterback not being drafted until pick no. 4 still remains to be seen. But, if Richardson is there after the fourth overall pick, then Baltimore could get working on a trade.
Moving up from no. 22 to get inside the top six or seven picks would be tough, and would require at least two first-round picks to do so. But, the Ravens might be able to afford such a deal if Jackson ends up signing elsewhere, without Baltimore matching that deal. Should Jackson sign somewhere else, the Ravens get two first rounders from his new team. Then, things become interesting.
Richardson is a physical freak, and the closest thing this draft has to a Lamar Jackson. This offense is tailor-made for Jackson's skill set, and Richardson would fit like a glove. The man is 6-foot-4, 244 pounds and looks like an anatomy project. He ran a 4.43 at the Combine, leapt to a 40.5-inch vertical and has a cannon for an arm.
The physical tools are enticing, because they're all there and they're all exceptional. It's just up to the Ravens as to whether they believe he's worth moving up for, in the end.