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The Ravens are certainly set at the quarterback position, withJoe Flacco firmly entrenched as the starter.
Still, with backupTroy Smith's recent agent switch rehashing trade speculation among fans and media, could Baltimore be eyeing a signal-caller? While the Ravens have said they are very happy with Smith serving as their primary backup, a situation without the former Heisman Trophy winner would make quarterback a position of need in the latter rounds.
There are several signal-caller prospects that could serve as a third option, running the scout team while developing behind Flacco and **John Beck**.
One intriguing player is Appalachian State's Armanti Edwards, a versatile talent whose impressive Pro Day the Ravens reportedly attended.
On that March day in Boone, N.C., Edwards, 5-foot-11, 182 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds, threw the ball well and even shagged punts, something he never did in college.
Edwards was judged as a quarterback, wide receiver and specialist, and some analysts think he could play all three at the next level.
For his part, Edwards doesn't care.
"Beggars can't be choosers," he told reporters after his workout.
Edwards does have stellar quarterback credentials, however.
Playing in an open offense, Edwards led the Mountaineers to a Football Championship Subdivision title as a freshman, and then beat Michigan the next year, which he capped with another championship ring.
For the past two seasons, Edwards has battled injuries but still advanced to the playoffs, finishing his decorated career as the first two-time Walter Payton Award winner as the FCS's top offensive player.
Even though he took shotgun snaps in college – which Flacco also largely did at Delaware – Edwards believes that shouldn't be a hindrance in judging him as a potential pro quarterback.
"I'm familiar with it. The unusual part was getting under center. I haven't done that since high school," said Edwards, who took shotgun snaps in college. "So once I got comfortable with it, I got it down for the most part."
Regardless of the Ravens' draft plans, Edwards' skill set is intriguing, along the lines of Smith or Miami's Pat White, another versatile threat. Ravens Offensive Coordinator **Cam Cameron** has used Smith in creative ways in the past, most notably in the "Suggs Package."
Edwards may offer similar playmaking ability.
Here are some other late-round quarterbacks that could make an impact:
Levi Brown, Troy
6-foot-4, 229 pounds
2009 Stats:321-504 (63.7%), 4,254 yards, 23 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
The Skinny: Brown started off at Richmond, but transferred to Troy and turned in the best season by a passer in Sun Belt Conference history. He was not originally invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but went after a stellar performance in the GMAC Bowl. According to NFLDraftScout.com, Brown has a strong, accurate arm, good mobility and was a team captain, but he largely operated out of the shotgun in college.
Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State
6-foot-3, 214 pounds
2009 Stats:180-301 (59.8%), 2,084 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
The Skinny:With three NFL-caliber targets (Dez Bryand, Adarius Bowman, Brandon Pettigrew), Robinson became the Cowboys all-time leading passer, totaling 8,317 yards and 66 touchdowns over 34 career games. He also possesses rushing ability, with 1,858 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. He also was more of a shotgun signal-caller, but if not for the exploits of Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy, he might be getting more national attention.
Jevan Snead, Mississippi
6-foot-3, 215 pounds
2009 Stats:191-351 (54.4%), 2,632 yards, 20 touchdowns, 20 interceptions
The Skinny: Snead was 23-2 as a starter, but last year was considered a disappointment by many after he was one of the hottest prospects entering the season. He did lead the Rebels to a Cotton Bowl win on a season where he became only the second player in Ole Miss history to surpass 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons. NFLDraftScout.com says that Snead has a pro arm and athleticism, but needs to work on his mechanics.
Tim Hiller, Western Michigan
6-foot-4, 229 pounds
2009 Stats: A four-year starter, Hiller has a ton of experience in the MAC, which has produced multiple NFL starters. WMU's career record holder for passing yards (11,329), attempts (1,607), completions (1,013) and TDs (99) benefitted from a quarterback-driven offense. His stock fell when he didn't follow up a stellar junior campaign with a blockbuster senior season, although it was solid. Still, he has the size and smarts to be a developmental player.
Others:
Ryan Perriloux, Jacksonville State(6-2, 226)
Sean Canfield, Oregon State (6-4, 223)
Matt Nichols, Eastern Michigan (6-2, 219)
Max Hall, Brigham Young (6-1, 209)
Mike Kafka, Northwestern (6-3, 225)
