The question isn’t “do the Ravens need a QB of the future,” it’s “when is the appropriate time to acquire said QB?”
Some would argue that, with Joe Flacco’s declining production, the time is now, even if it means using the 16th overall pick in this draft. Others feel it would make a lot more sense to try to surround him with more talent early in the draft and take a mid-to-late round passer. Judging the pulse around the team it seems very likely the team will draft a QB at some point. Where that selection is made will be one of the more fascinating layers to this offseason.
After missing the playoffs three of the last four years this coaching staff, front office and QB have a lot on the line in 2018. The hyper focus on continuity shown in the recent coaching decisions are practical, but also have a “you made your bed now lie in it” feel to them.
This leads me to believe the team will not select a QB high in this draft and instead will pour every resource possible into players that can help this year…a “do or die” scenario. This would be my guess for how things go, but if the right QB falls maybe that changes things.
Let’s take a look at the position as it currently stands.
Under Contract
Joe Flacco
Josh Woodrum
Unrestricted free agents
Needs
QB of the (not so distant?) future
Flacco can be maddening. His inconsistent decision-making, accuracy and fundamentals leave a lot to be desired. At the same time, you take a look at who he threw the ball to and you pity him. Despite his warts, I do see a more than capable QB. He still has that trademark cool, he’ll make some absolutely brilliant throws…which infuriate you even more when he’s horribly inaccurate on easier ones. He’s one of the most difficult players to fairly evaluate because of the overwhelming lack of talent at his disposal over the years.
It always leads me back to the same what if. What is Joe Flacco with at least league average weapons? I hope we get that answer in 2018.
Josh Woodrum flashed last preseason for sure. So much so that some felt he should have been the backup QB. He’s showed mobility, poise and touch that leads you to believe he has a NFL future. He may not be on a QB of the future trajectory but he’s certainly talented enough to keep in the developmental plans.
Free agent options
Chase Daniel – No backup has worked free agency better than Daniel. Millions aside, he’s a west coast offense fit with mobility and accuracy. All traits the Ravens should prioritize when looking for Flacco’s backup for 2018.
Geno Smith – Geno has history in the west coast offense and with Marty Mornhinweg. He’s played fairly well in spot starts over the last few seasons. Maybe consistency is starting to catch up with the talent?
Matt Moore – Moore is more of an aggressive downfield thrower who’s had some really productive games in recent years, and probably should have started over Jay Cutler this past season. His price tag may be a little too steep for the Ravens with their current cap constraints as he figures to be a priority backup in free agency.
Draft options
Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville – I know I said the Ravens will likely wait to draft a QB, but Jackson offers a unique opportunity to add a unique, transformative talent. He shows a poise beyond his years. He’s so smooth and subtle in his pocket movement and does a tremendous job going through his progressions. He’s got good arm strength and flashes good touch and accuracy. His athleticism is special and has the gravity that forces defenses to account for it in the run and pass game. Allow him to sit a year to clean up his footwork a bit and fine tune his deep and outside the hash accuracy and you’ll have a potentially special player on your hands.
Projection: 2nd Round
Kurt Benkert, QB Virginia – Benkert is tough with mobility he uses to keep plays alive while keeping his eyes downfield. He’s got good arm strength and shows nice accuracy in the short and intermediate areas of the field as well as on the run. He does have issues with consistency but he’s one of the rare mid-to-late round QB’s with starter’s traits, which means you can look at him as the heir while not being tied to him if you decide to take a QB high in 2019.
Projection: 4th-5th Round
Mike White, QB Western Kentucky – White blew up at the Senior Bowl, showing the patience and accuracy he exhibited for the Hilltoppers. He strikes me as a guy who’ll need a clean pocket at all times to excel early on but he’s got some poise to him that suggests he’ll be able to develop as a pocket mover. He’s a worthwhile prospect that could develop into an upper echelon backup and maybe starter.
Projection: 4th-5th Round
Kyle Lauletta, QB Richmond – Another Senior Bowl standout, Lauletta was actually the MVP of the game with three TD passes. He makes a lot of sense for a west coast offense because of his footwork and proficiency in the short passing game. A lot of the nuanced QB traits you want to see you get with him. The concern you have is the arm strength. If evaluators feel he has enough he’s at least a good backup with the chance to be more.
Projection: 4th-5th Round
