Ravens Considered Drafting Top-Tier QB if Lamar Jackson Negotiations Failed?
With only hours remaining until the start of the 2023 NFL Draft on April 27, the Baltimore Ravens provided their fanbase with perhaps the the biggest collective sigh of relief in the history of the franchise.
The Ravens agreed to terms with quarterback Lamar Jackson on a five-year deal worth $260 million, $185 million of which is guaranteed. As a result, they put any lingering concerns regarding their future at the quarterback position to rest for the foreseeable future.
However, they apparently had a contingency plan in place, had their contract negotiations with Jackson continued to remain stagnant.
Per a Monday morning report from ESPN, the Ravens were “considering selecting [Kentucky] quarterback Will Levis with the 22nd overall pick."
In the weeks leading up to the start of the Draft, Levis was among the most-highly touted players at his position. At 6-4, 229, he clearly possesses the size to be effective at the pro level. The 23-year-old is known for his powerful arm, quick release and fast release and strong pocket presence. However, he can also be effective when playing out of structure. During his two years with the Wildcats, he completed 418 passes (65.7 percent) for a combined 5,233 yards, 43 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also was named a team captain each of those seasons.
Despite being a near-consensus Day 1 selection, lingering concerns regarding his accuracy and decision-making caused Levis to slip in some high-profile draft selections. As such, he would not be selected until the Tennessee Titans did so with the No. 33 overall pick in the second-round.
While the Ravens fanbase would have liklet failed to see Levis as an adequate consolation prize to Jackson’s potential loss, the team clearly saw enough in Levis to consider him as either as solution at the position, or potential leverage in continuing negotiations with Jackson.
Either way, Jackson remains a Raven, while Levis becomes a Titan.
Truth be told, it just seems more natural that way.
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