Joe Flacco's Brother Tom Could Be Picked Late in 2020 NFL Draft, Ravens GM Says

Joe Flacco won't be the only member of his immediate family searching for an NFL home much longer. Soon he may be competing with his younger brother, Tom, for a roster spot. 

The former Towson quarterback is a fringe prospect in this year's NFL draft, and while he may not end up hearing his name called in late April, he's convinced at least one general manager he's worth taking a chance on. 

"In the late rounds, would it surprise me if he gets picked? Not at all," Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told Clifton Brown of the team's website. "I think he's smart, it won't be too big for him. He's been around the league because of his brother. He's got an advantage that a lot of guys don't have because he's at least had a glimmer of what it's like being in the NFL. I think he's going to prepare well. I think he's got a shot."

Aside from seeing Tom mature while his brother was commanding the Ravens, DeCosta had the added benefit of watching his college career unfold just a few miles from Baltimore. 

In each of his final two years at Towson, Flacco passed for at least 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. His QB Rating as a senior was an eye-popping 144.2, and after throwing 11 picks in 2018, he lowered that total to six in his last season. 

Since Tom wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, or able to host a pro day because of the coronavirus pandemic, Joe used his platform on social media to share his brother's highlights. But the Ravens GM needed little convincing about what the tape showed. 

"Obviously, we know a lot about Tom," DeCosta said. "We admire his grit. He thrived this year. From a size standpoint, probably a little bit below the line. But he's got a really good arm. He's been an accurate passer. He can make most of the throws."

Tom Flacco stands at 6'1" and nearly half a foot shorter than his brother. That probably matters less now in an NFL more comfortable with smaller, more mobile quarterbacks than it did when Joe was a first-round pick out of Delaware in 2008. 

Should both Flaccos find themselves on an NFL roster next season, they'll become just the 12th pair of siblings to quarterback a team at the same time in league history.

While Tom has more to prove than the former Super Bowl MVP, he's already earned the praise of one NFL general manager. In a copycat league, that can be all it takes to convince the other 31 of his talents.