Ravens need to draft backup QB in 2024 after bizarre depth chart move

The Baltimore Ravens have their starting quarterback as locked in as any signal-caller in the league, as Lamar Jackson is ready to compete for a championship once again. Beyond that, it's hard to get excited about the team's quarterback depth given the lack of high-end potential.

After longtime backup Tyler Huntley signed a contract with the rival Cleveland Browns, longtime NFL journeyman Josh Johnson has been cemented as the backup quarterback. Malik Cunningham, another Louisville Cardinal alum with great mobility, is currently slotted in as the No. 3 quarterback.

This depth chart, already thin as is, could be even more threadbare if John Harbaugh's wish for a position change comes true. Based on his latest quotes, Harbaugh seems to be willing to try Cunningham has both a quarterback and a wide receiver, which would leave Baltimore with just two healthy full-time QBs.

"We’re going to take a look at [Cunningham] and see how he does," Harbuagh said in a pre-draft press conference. He’s definitely developmental as a quarterback. He’s developmental as a wide receiver, too. But he’s a good athlete. He’s a good person. He’s a competitive guy, he wants to do well.”

Ravens considering converting Malik Cunningham to wide receiver

Despite a productive college career and tremendous athleticism, the market for 6-0, 195-pound quarterbacks without amazing arm talent is quite scant. The Ravens need to pick a lane with him and stick to it, as this weird experiment will likely produce half a quarterback and half a receiver, which won't help him stick in the pros.

As well-respected and well-traveled as Johnson is, he turns 38 in May and hasn't been a high-level passer in the best of times. Converting Cunningham to wide receiver further eats into Baltimore depth, which could contribute to the season going down the drain if Jackson were to miss some time.

While the 2024 NFL Draft is regarded as a very top-heavy class in terms of quarterbacks, there are a few mid-round gems worth taking a chance on. Florida State's Jordan Travis, Tennessee's Joe Milton, and Kentucky's Devin Leary could all be worth taking on Day 3 to give Baltimore a backup with a higher celing than Johnson.

While the idea of drafting a quarterback could have been on Baltimore's radar, they'll need to bring in another young name if they want move Cunningham between quarterback and wide receiver. Making Cunningham a hybrid has a very low chance of success.