John Harbaugh, Eric DeCosta, and Joe Horitz spoke to the media for the last time before they start making selections in the 2023 NFL draft. While questions started off about Lamar Jackson, they had to remind the media that the day was focused on the draft.
Will Baltimore Ravens draft a quarterback in 2023 NFL draft?
Even with attention on the draft, it is hard not to talk about Jackson, though. So, the media got savvy and decided to ask about the quarterbacks in the draft. This is where the Ravens at least left the door open to drafting a quarterback.
DeCosta: "It's quite possible to get a good QB at any point in the draft."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 5, 2023
DeCosta said just based on their board, where they have QBs ranked in the top 32, it's possible they take a first-round QB.
That quote is revealing, but does not tell us much. Okay, they have the same top four as everyone else. Those top four will go before Baltimore picks, so while he is technically right, they are not drafting a quarterback.
However, this quote is a bit more interesting.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta adds: "I'd say there's probably more than 4 guys that can be significant quarterbacks in this league [in the draft]." Asked if QB would be a consideration in Round 1, says it comes down to the board: "I'd have to say yes because we have QBs in our Top 31." https://t.co/4crXn5kifs
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 5, 2023
When you add that there are more than four guys that you could consider starters, we are talking about something. The easy name to throw out is Hendon Hooker, although he may miss most of the season. Beyond that, Aiden O'Connell, Tanner McKee, Jake Haener, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson all have heard some form of hype over their play.
With most of those guys, you actually could see Baltimore draft a different position with their first-round pick, and then possibly see a quarterback that they have rated high sitting there for them in the third round.
In the case of DTR, we are talking about a player who can run and move his legs, and would probably need a landing spot like Lamar Jackson saw. Do the Ravens see DTR and think that they can get a safety option for him, and in this case, he may even fall toward round four?
It is a tough bet to make, but this is a team that drafted Hayden Hurst before Lamar Jackson. They also have dangled Jackson out there with the non-exclusive franchise tag. They have made risky decisions with the quarterback position before, and this may be another one.
Do not be surprised if the Ravens do not trade up, yet they still take a quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft.