Report: Ravens considered drafting Lamar Jackson at No. 16

The Ravens found their potential next franchise quarterback right at the end of the first round but were tempted to jump on Lamar Jackson far earlier.

The Ravens considered selecting the 2017 Heisman winner at their original first-round draft slot, No. 16 overall, before instead opting to trade back twice and eventually adding tight end Hayden Hurst at No. 25, sources told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Baltimore traded two second-rounders (one in 2019) and swapped fourth-rounders to move back into the first for Jackson, in what was longtime general manager Ozzie Newsome's final draft.

The Ravens confirmed that Joe Flacco remains the starting quarterback, with Jackson likely to redshirt his rookie season as he continues to refine himself as a passer.