The Ravens took a shot at a backup quarterback in the sixth round, drafting Kentucky stalwart signal-caller Devin Leary with the 218th pick.
Lamar Jackson's backup in 2024 will be veteran Josh Johnson. But Johnson is 37, so the Ravens are looking for a long-term backup for the two-time MVP. Baltimore also has Malik Cunningham on the roster, but it has not been determined whether his future will be at quarterback or wide receiver.
Leary said he had a great conversation with Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin at the Combine and came away feeling like Baltimore could select him.
“I just remember saying to him, ‘Coach, anything I can do to help this team win is why I want to be a part of the Ravens,’” Leary said. “Getting that call and turning the whole world around was a dream come true.”
Leary had a brutal 2021 season at NC State where he threw for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He completed a career-high 65.7 percent of his passes. He broke Philip Rivers' record for touchdown passes.
Leary's follow-up season ended prematurely, as he suffered a shoulder injury six games into the season. He transferred to Kentucky for his final year of eligibility and the opportunity to work with offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, who is now the captain of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Student. Incurable problem solver. Amateur baconaholic. Introvert. Infuriatingly humble music fanatic.”