The Baltimore Ravens, known for their dynamic quarterback Lamar Jackson, surprised fans by selecting QB Devin Leary from Kentucky in the sixth round of the draft.
General Manager Eric DeCosta made the move despite having a seasoned backup in Josh Johnson and the last QB draft pick being Trace McSorley in 2019.
Dustin Cox, reporting for USA Today’s RavensWire, highlighted DeCosta’s strategy in developing Leary while maintaining Johnson as Jackson’s primary backup for the upcoming season. This decision underscores the Ravens’ commitment to long-term growth and succession planning in their quarterback lineup.
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Devin Leary is a Baltimore Raven pic.twitter.com/bZOzezHozD
— The Kentucky Network (@KentuckyNet) April 27, 2024
DeCosta informed the media that Josh would take on the role of backup quarterback, expressing optimism about Devin’s potential development, as conveyed by Cox.
Ideally, both Johnson and Leary won’t need to step onto the field during the regular season, barring preseason or mop-up duties. However, DeCosta evidently believed it was time to explore further options for the position.
Despite Jackson’s youth at 27 and his recent MVP caliber performances, NFL general managers must always consider future prospects.
Josh Johnson Secures Backup Position Over Devin Leary for Now
The Ravens found themselves searching for a backup QB in free agency for the first time in a while.
Cox highlighted fan skepticism regarding the Ravens’ choice of Devin Leary from Kentucky as the 218th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He elaborated, noting, “With Tyler Huntley’s departure to the Cleveland Browns, the Ravens needed a cost-effective solution for the backup quarterback role going forward.”
While journeyman Josh Johnson was re-signed earlier, it’s not a sustainable long-term solution. Johnson, a former fifth-round pick with previous stints in Baltimore, will be 38 when the 2024 season kicks off.
Having entered the league in 2009, Johnson has only seen action in 39 games, starting just 9. Leary could potentially develop into the reliable backup that Huntley had become for Jackson over the past four years.
Given Jackson’s previous injury concerns, albeit healthy in 2023, the Ravens recognize the necessity of having someone capable of stepping in and managing the game if needed.
Devin Leary Enters Favorable Draft Situation
For Leary, the draft couldn’t have worked out better for the five-year starter. Ranked as the 13th QB in the class by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, he now joins a franchise that has nurtured Jackson into a two-time MVP and transformed undrafted Huntley into a solid backup.
According to ESPN’s Baltimore correspondent, Jamison Hensley, “Leary has the potential to serve as the Ravens’ long-term backup.”
Hensley further commented, “It’s no surprise Baltimore invested a late-round pick in Leary, a five-year starter who threw 25 touchdown passes last season for Kentucky.”
Ravens selected QB Devin Leary in the 6th round 2025 #Nfldraft —solid pick —coming out of Kentucky Leary is a better pro prospect than Will Levis —I had a 5th round grade on Leary’s 2022 game film —scouting report: https://t.co/rorecRzaZm pic.twitter.com/6qSQ4htdKC
— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) April 27, 2024
The Ravens made a strategic move during the 2023 season by bringing in Malik Cunningham, seeing potential in him as a project player. However, recent developments suggest they might be reconsidering their plans for him.
Hensley’s analysis reveals a sense of uncertainty surrounding Cunningham’s role within the team, stating, “Their stance on his position remains unclear during this offseason.” Cox adds another layer to the narrative, pointing out that the former Louisville quarterback has been exploring opportunities as a wide receiver for Baltimore, indicating a potential shift in his NFL trajectory.
Meanwhile, Leary, though showing promise, isn’t without his flaws. Hensley highlights one major concern: accuracy. He notes, “Leary’s completion rate of 56% last season ranked disappointingly low among Power 5 quarterbacks, landing him in the bottom tier. However, it’s worth considering that Kentucky’s receivers had the highest drop rate in the Power 5, which might have impacted his stats.”
In essence, both Cunningham and Leary face pivotal moments in their careers, with their respective paths in the NFL potentially taking unexpected turns.
