OTL: Liars’ Luncheon Gets a Little Dark

The annual Ravens’ “Liar’s Luncheon” took place on Wednesday, and, while some of the usual light-hearted banter regarding prospects and the Ravens’ intentions on said prospects did in fact take place, the setting took on a rather-ominous feel when the subject of “quarterback” was broached by a reporter.

A lot of tension in The Castle and amongst the #RavensFlock when it comes to the topic of LJ. pic.twitter.com/rjxz9NMvcm

— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) April 5, 2023

Lamar Jackson questions have been shutdown by Ravens PR. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta not touching a few early ones, saying this is about the draft process

— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) April 5, 2023

The reporter was shut down pretty quickly, and relatively emphatically. While the intent of the reporter seemed to focus on the draft, and how the question marks at quarterback could impact the draft, the Ravens weren’t having it. And there were some around the Ravens Twitterverse who didn’t think it was a good look by the organization.

That was ugly. It wasn’t just the shut down. Never seen the Ravens brass look uncomfortable. Mood was awful.

— Huddle It Up Films (@HuddleItUpFilms) April 5, 2023

Of course, the Ravens have to be tired of dealing with questions surrounding Lamar Jackson right now — particularly since they can’t offer any answers that would satisfy any side of the Flock. With the intense interest in the draft the past several seasons, the Ravens had to have at least a little hope that this was one event that would capture enough of the public’s imagination that maybe they could have a Jackson-free session with the media.

Alas, no.

But, still… this was a draft-centric event, and questions about the quarterback position are germane to this year’s draft. If Jackson is retained, that impacts how the decision-makers view this draft, right? If he is traded, that also impacts the entire direction of the draft, right?

So, yeah. It was a little heavy-handed by the organization to shut down what was a legitimate draft-oriented question. But, hey… their toy, their rules.

The NFL is not a government entity, nor is it a publicly-traded company. The public really does not “have a right to know.”
It sucks, and it’s most certainly not a good look, but they don’t have to answer anything, and access is at their pleasure.

— Darin J. McCann (@DarinMccann) April 5, 2023

Yes. Yes, I did include one of my own Tweets here. Arrogant choice? You bet. But, to borrow a phrase from a genius, “Their toy, their rules.”

(See what I did there? I’m the genius. Can you believe you guys get this content for free?)

But it’s still true. The Ravens don’t have any real obligation here to share their plans with the public — outside of the whole concept that an engaged fan base is more likely to continue spending their time and money on their product than one that can’t stay in tune with what’s happening.

When people start ramming the reporters on site for not “asking tough questions” or “letting the Ravens off the hook,” remember that their access can, and has in the past, been axed. It’s hard to properly do your job if you can’t get your foot in the building. It’s a delicate balance for a reporter trying to pass along as much information to his or her readers as possible.

Their toy, their rules.

“Our goal is probably to get more along the way – if we can – depending on how things fall.”

GM Eric DeCosta is open to acquiring more draft picks: https://t.co/R2Bij4H9pP

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 5, 2023

It is a little strange seeing the Ravens this close to a draft with only five picks, and General Manager Eric DeCosta was pretty clear that the team would like to acquire more.

It’s an interesting situation for a team who swears allegiance to the draft and has found itself with double-digit picks relatively often. Depending on how the first round falls, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Ravens move back to pick up more selections if the opportunity presents itself, judging by their history.

Of course, a trade of a certain quarterback could provide some draft ammo, as well. Just saying…

Do the Ravens anticipate picking up Patrick Queen’s fifth-year option?

“That’ll be a discussion we’ll have with Patrick,” Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said. “Wouldn’t want to announce anything too premature with all you guys.”

The deadline to exercise the fifth-year option is May 1.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) April 5, 2023

Patrick Queen is an interesting one, for sure. The soon-to-be fourth-year linebacker has seen some progression in his play, particularly last year. He was already having his best pro season, but truly elevated his play once the team acquired Roquan Smith and Queen could focus more on what he does best — attack and hunt.

But with Smith’s contract in hand, a fifth-year option, or new contract, for Queen feels a little rich for off-ball linebackers in today’s NFL. Queen could be part of a package to acquire more picks, or the Ravens could just decide to double-down on a strength and go linebacker-heavy.

That one will be interesting.

DeCosta on whether team could still draft an edge rusher early after using a 1st rounder on Odafe Oweh and a second rounder on David Ojabo: “If Will Anderson is there, we’re probably going to take him.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 5, 2023

Now, this is what one expects from the Liar’s Luncheon — a genuinely smart-aleck answer that provides little new information, but is good for a chuckle.

Anderson is my favorite player in this year’s draft. I’m doubting he will be there when the Ravens select at 22.

Of course, if a certain quarterback is moved, and…

I’ll see myself out.

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