Lamar Jackson Traded: A What-If Mock Draft Scenario

Lamar Jackson has not been traded—yet. But he wants to be and he could be. If Jackson signs the non-exclusive franchise tender the Baltimore Ravens placed on him, then the three sides can negotiate a trade and a new contract for Jackson that might look different than the mandatory two first-round selections that go with a new team signing Jackson to an offer sheet and trading for him as a franchise tagged player.

That part can get wordy, and confusing, but this part isn’t. What if the Ravens do trade Jackson? Who steps in at quarterback in 2023? Is it Snoop Huntley, who will always have the 2022 Pro Bowl, or a draft prospect entering the fray?

We wondered that, too. So here’s a Lamar Jackson mock draft.

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1) Carolina Panthers (from Chicago) — C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

We know by now that it’ll most likely be either C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young at the No. 1 overall pick. I’m sticking with Stroud based purely on intel as the two quarterbacks are essentially tied on my big board. The original buzz was Stroud was the guy—and that could definitely change between then and the draft—but for now let’s roll with that until something new is learned.

2) Houston Texans — Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

The Texans can sit back and draft the best quarterback on the board. It’s never made sense that people floated the idea the Texans would attempt to trade up with Carolina because of how good and how closely ranked these two quarterbacks are. Young has the moxie, accuracy, toughness and football IQ to lead this franchise.

3) Arizona Cardinals — Will Anderson, DE, Alabama

There will no doubt be trade calls about this pick, but can the Cardinals afford to trade out from the only other elite prospect in this class? Because this is a three horse race and the Cardinals badly need a stud. Anderson is that stud and will be a difference-maker at pass-rusher.