GM - Ravens would pick QB in first round, depending on board

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens declined to answer any questions about Lamar Jackson at Wednesday's pre-draft news conference, but general manager Eric DeCosta did have something interesting to say about Baltimore's quarterback position.

DeCosta acknowledged the possibility of the Ravens selecting a quarterback in the first round.

«It depends on the board, it really does,» DeCosta said. «I mean, I'd have to say yes because we have quarterbacks in our top 31. So just based on that alone, simple math, I would have to say yes.»

The Ravens might need to look for a new quarterback for the future considering the uncertain situation with Jackson, who received the nonexclusive franchise tag this offseason. Baltimore has two other quarterbacks on its roster: restricted free agent Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown, who went undrafted a year ago.

The problem for the Ravens is they have the No. 22 overall pick, and the team doesn't have the draft capital — a total of five selections — to move up in the first round. The Ravens described this quarterback class as strong at the top.

Ohio State's C.J. Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young are projected to go in the top two picks of this year's draft, and Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis are widely projected to be taken in the top 15. Tennessee's Hendon Hooker could be available toward the bottom of the first round.

«I would say there's probably more than four guys that can be significant quarterbacks in this league in this draft class.,» DeCosta said.

It's more likely that Baltimore will take a wide receiver or cornerback with its top pick. The Ravens' wide receivers ranked last in receiving yards last season, and the team has a void at cornerback with Marcus Peters being