Ravens Looking at 'Deeper Pool' of NFL Draft QBs
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How are things changing with the Baltimore Ravens offense after hiring offensive coordinator Todd Monken?
The latest comments from Ravens Director of College Scouting David Blackburn would suggest that they are transitioning more towards a traditional pro-style offense that may be as predicated on the designed quarterback run game. This change in scheme has also seen them change what they value traits-wise at the quarterback position in the upcoming NFL Draft.
"I think it's deep for us this year [at quarterback], mainly just because of our scheme change and our change of coordinators and the things we're going to be asking the quarterback to do," Blackburn said of the quarterback draft class.
"With Greg Roman, we were a little more of a QB run designed offense, zone read, those types of things. You really cut off a lot of quarterbacks. Not a lot of quarterbacks are able to operate in that system because they just don't have the speed and athleticism, or even the size," Blackburn continued. "Now, things are more wide open. We can fish from a deeper pool and find some prospects that can come in and play."
While Tyler Huntley did sign his restricted free agent tender on Friday, returning as the Ravens' Pro Bowl backup signal-caller, they could still look to draft a young quarterback in the later rounds.
Especially because starting quarterback Lamar Jackson has yet to agree on a long-term contract extension that'll keep him a Raven beyond his non-exclusive franchise tag.
Taking a quarterback on Day 2 or 3 would make sense, but can taking one at No. 22 overall be on the table?
Tennessee's Hendon Hooker seems to be the likeliest option the Ravens could land with their pick. The ex-Volunteer has recently garnered first-round attention; some even believe he is better than Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson.
But taking a quarterback on Day 1 might not be the right message for the Ravens to send Jackson if they are truly interested in sticking with him long-term.
So who, then?
Well, Georgia's Stetson Bennett was recently labeled as a "best fit" for the Ravens. As a potential Day 3 option, he'd already bring an increased familiarity with Monken, who coached him in college. Other names include Houston's Clayton Tune and TCU's Max Duggan.
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