Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft: Lamar Jackson traded in shocking move

The 2023 NFL Draft is now just a week away, and the Baltimore Ravens still have many unanswered questions.

The biggest one, obviously, is what ends up happening with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Does he play out the 2023 season on the tag, or does he decide to hold out?

Or, does another team swoop in and pull off a trade for Jackson? Better question: What if a surprising team made a blockbuster move to acquire Jackson, leaving Baltimore in a great position going forward?

To kick off one of our last 2023 mock drafts, the Baltimore Ravens trade Lamar Jackson in a shocking deal

That's a lot to unpack, but the Ravens end up getting more than just the two first rounders they would have received if another team signed Jackson to an offer sheet and they had declined. Not only do the Ravens get two first rounders, but one of them is the second overall pick in this year's draft, which they turn around and use on their new franchise quarterback.

C.J. Stroud is the pick here, knowing that Bryce Young has gone number 1 to the Carolina Panthers. Baltimore now has their Jackson replacement in a guy who isn't just a mobile quarterback, but a fantastic passer from the pocket as well.

At this point, we know Stroud to be one of the best prospects this draft has to offer, and although some might prefer the tantalizing upside of Anthony Richardson, Baltimore goes with a proven commodity in Stroud.

From here, it's about continuing to build around Stroud, who comes into a great situation, surrounded by an established defense and an offense that likes to run the football.