Out to (Liars’) Lunch: Ravens Hold Annual Pre-Draft Presser

One of the more anticipated events of the #RavensFlock offseason is always the annual pre-draft press conference, known around these parts as “The Liars’ Luncheon.”

It really needs no further introduction among the purple-clad faithful, so let’s get right to today’s best quotes & quips, shall we?

Things kicked off with Eric DeCosta telling the gathered gaggle that their draft board will, in the very near future, be basically set.

Here for the Ravens’ predraft news conference, aka the Liars’ Luncheon. Here’s Eric DeCosta’s opening statement (if you even believe him). pic.twitter.com/xhpYmtAg9R

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) April 9, 2024

With the Flock quite nervous about the makeup of the offensive line for the 2024 season, we learned that we can rest assured that the team considers it a top priority.

Eric DeCosta said all day yesterday was spent on offensive line draft prep. Said that speaks to the volume of players and called it a deep area of the draft

— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) April 9, 2024

We should also be sure not to forget Andrew Voorhees, drafted last year knowing that ’23 would be a “redshirt” season as he recovered from injury.

EDC on Andrew Vorhees “Andrew’s a guy that I seen on tape and I thought he had a chance to be a good player.” He said he felt like Vorhees brought a ton of value and has the potential to be a good player

— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) April 9, 2024

Another position on the Flock’s radar is, as always, edge rusher. First things first: getting Kyle Van Noy back was a critical step…

EDC on bringing @KVN_03 back: pic.twitter.com/qBUX644uV2

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

…especially seeing as this class isn’t the best when it comes to the position.

Eric DeCosta calls this EDGE class “average,” talks about the Ravens’ success at the positions in the mid-rounds in the last decade. Mentions Chuck Smith as a key part of evaluation and development.

— Nikhil Mehta (@nmehtaUR2022) April 9, 2024

Speaking of EDGE, the time is nearing for the decision to come on fifth-year options for both Odafe Oweh as well as WR Rashod Bateman. EDC was non-committal.

DeCosta said the fifth-year option questions for Odafe Oweh and Rashod Bateman will be answered after the draft. Said team still has a month to make the decision.

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 9, 2024

With a projected number of total picks in the 2024 and 2025 drafts approaching 20, EDC talked about how it’s the perfect time to restock on the cheap.

“We’ve always been a team that’s been built through the Draft primarily…. We see this year, and next year’s Draft, as real opportunities to build that depth up again.” pic.twitter.com/4nXJQ41A6S

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 9, 2024

What other positions would the Ravens like to find in this year’s draft, specifically?

Well, there’s running back…

Eric DeCosta said there’s a “pretty strong chance” the Ravens draft a running back in this year’s draft.

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) April 9, 2024

Oh, and cornerback…

DeCosta: “We would love to add a talented corner at some point in this draft.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 9, 2024

However, either could be tough, as this draft has fewer “draftable players” than most, per the Ravens’ evaluation.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said there are fewer draftable players this year for them, possibly due to the impact of COVID and NIL. Said there are fewer underclassmen–juniors–in this draft.

— Kyle Phoenix (@KylePBarber) April 9, 2024

Listen, it’s called the Liars’ Luncheon for a reason. If you hoped to gain anything of actual substance during the event, you probably went in with the wrong set of expectations. It gives beat writers and columnists something to discuss as the period between the Combine and the draft drags on seemingly endlessly, and that’s about it.

Let’s end today with a fun draft memory, shall we?

Ravens take Terrell Suggs at 10. He was once discussed as a potential No. 1 overall pick, but he dropped due to a bad workout/40 time pic.twitter.com/JSBqnJveie

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) April 9, 2024

Let’s all thank a few teams for this: 1. The Arizona Cardinals, who ignored Suggs in their own back yard to trade back from Pick 6; 2. The Minnesota Vikings, who allowed the clock to run out at Pick 7; 3. The Jags, for going with Byron Leftwich; 4. The Panthers, for taking Jordan Gross; and finally 5. The Vikings, again, for drafting Kevin Williams when they finally did pick.

Impossible to imagine the Baltimore Ravens history without 55, T-Sizzle.

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