NFL Trade Rumors: Ravens GM drops hints of drafting quarterback amid Lamar Jackson’s contract controversy

Since the situation surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson is in such turmoil right now, could the Baltimore Ravens decide to draft a quarterback? The Ravens held a pre-draft press conference on Wednesday morning and spoke about some of the top prospects in this year's draft, as well as speaking about the needs of their team as well.

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that there were about four or more quarterbacks in this year's draft class that look as if they will have a bright future in the NFL.

He was then asked if the Baltimore Ravens would consider drafting a quarterback in the first round? DeCosta said that he would have to answer that question by saying yes because there are quarterbacks on their pre-draft board in the first round:

"I'd say there's probably more than 4 guys that can be significant quarterbacks in this league [in the draft]. I'd have to say yes because we have QBs in our Top 31."

Albert Breer

@AlbertBreer

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." twitter.com/AlbertBreer/st…

Albert Breer

@AlbertBreer

Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz said, at the team's pre-draft presser, that the idea of Anthony Richardson as a first-rounder isn't new to NFL teams: "I don't think he's really jumped up in our eyes."

Hortiz did concede AR's combine performance was impressive.

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Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz said, at the team's pre-draft presser, that the idea of Anthony Richardson as a first-rounder isn't new to NFL teams: "I don't think he's really jumped up in our eyes."

Hortiz did concede AR's combine performance was impressive.

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." twitter.com/AlbertBreer/st…

DeCosta's comments come after the Ravens' director of player personnel said that it was obvious that Anthony Richardson would be a first-round draft pick and that his NFL Combine performance was impressive.

The Baltimore Ravens seem as if they may be prepared to make a move for a quarterback since there isn't much confidence that Lamar Jackson will play for the team in 2023.

Ravens GM refuses to discuss Lamar Jackson situation

During the pre-draft press conference/luncheon, Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was of course asked about Lamar Jackson's status. The Ravens general manager refused to take questions regarding the quarterback and essentially said it wasn't the time or place to do so. He said that he has answered that question many times before and that he was there to talk about the draft and only the draft. He said:

“Yeah, so I understand the need to ask those kinds of questions.I think out of just respect for the process, this is a draft luncheon. And we’re going to try to keep as much of this discussion as we can to the draft, to the coming weeks building the best football team we can build.

"So, I understand those questions. I think we’ve spoken about this situation probably five different times this spring in various different press conferences and such. So, we’re going to try to just defer those questions and move forward to the draft.”

Field Yates

@FieldYates

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta declines to comment at his pre-draft presser when asked about QB Lamar Jackson's trade question. His focus at this press conference is on the draft.

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Ravens GM Eric DeCosta declines to comment at his pre-draft presser when asked about QB Lamar Jackson's trade question. His focus at this press conference is on the draft.

DeCosta then said that he was moving forward and deferring any and all questions about Lamar Jackson to another time. But his comments about possibly drafting a quarterback in the first round may be all he needs to say.

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