NFL Draft: Ravens First Round Pick Could 'Change the Direction' of Day 1

The Baltimore Ravens could significantly impact the course of the first round in this year's NFL Draft based on how the team handles quarterback Lamar Jackson's trade request.

The Baltimore Ravens are in an interesting situation entering the NFL Draft in that they have a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson, but he also wants a trade that some assume he will not get. 

So, if you were to summarize the Ravens' current situation you'd say they both do and don't have a franchise quarterback. 

On top of that conundrum, they don't pick until No. 22 on Day 1, making it necessary that if Baltimore wants a franchise quarterback that isn't Jackson, a deal must be struck.

"Late first-round selections do not often change the direction of the draft, but his Ravens pick might be an exception," says NFL.com. "If the Ravens honor the franchise-tagged star's trade request, quarterbacks would be squarely on the team's radar here, or at whichever selection they might receive in a potential deal. 

"If Jackson remains in Baltimore, the Ravens could take a cornerback or a promising young receiver ... The Ravens are also known for trading down ... so look for something interesting to happen at this spot."

In a recent mock draft on the league's media site, one projection had the Ravens selecting Tennessee Volunteers offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the first round going with the one-size-fits-all approach.

"In this simulation," NFL.com writes. "The Ravens grab the 6-5, 333-pounder and figure he'll be a key piece of the team's future, whether Lamar Jackson is or not."

That's a path the real-life Ravens may follow, because a deal for Jackson likely nets an earlier first-round pick and selection of a quarterback, making an offensive tackle drafted here key to that young player's success moving forward. 

If Jackson is still a possibility to return this coming season for Baltimore, spending the 22nd overall pick on someone who will help him be more successful and healthy, might help mend broken fences. 

Regardless, it's clear that what does - or even what doesn't - happen with the Ravens' star-crossed quarterback is going to be a major story this offseason and have some sort of ripple effect on the first round of the NFL Draft.

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