Ravens Found a Difference Maker in Lamar Jackson

QB Lamar Jackson

QB Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson will come into focus and take the NFL by storm in 2019

Ravens Found a Difference Maker in Lamar Jackson

QB Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens

  • Size: 6’3” / 215
  • Draft Selection: #32 (2018)
  • Depth Chart: QB2 (learning behind Joe Flacco in ’18)
  • ’18 Outlook: QB3+ (QB1+ once he gets starting nod)
  • Athletic Profile: Good (Jackson’s profile is incomplete but the eye test doesn’t lie on Lamar)
  • Instagram
  • NFL Comparison: Michael Vick v2.0<Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is more of a pocket QB than people give him credit for

Outlook: Jackson is arguably the most explosive athlete at the quarterback position in the history of the national football league. He has the suddenness, quickness and outright speed that hasn’t been seen since the early years of Mike Vick’s career. Jackson is 3 inches taller, 10 lbs bigger, and he enters the league with a dropback quarterback skillset that Vick lacked. Jackson can make every NFL throw, demonstrates ability to make multiple reads, a willingness to take a hit to deliver a throw and success in a complex pro style offense at Louisville. There is no redraft value, however, in dynasty leagues, he’s the most valuable fantasy quarterback asset.

Opportunity: Jackson won’t have much opportunity barring a Flacco injury in 2018, however, he is set up to compete for and/or ascend to the starting position in 2019 (due to Flacco’s contract hitting a termination point). Once he gets his opportunity, he will be a QB1 force due to his ability on the ground. High-end mobile quarterbacks consistently perform as top 10 in their initial starting seasons (RG3 top 5 in ’12; Cam Newton top 3 in ’11; Vince Young top 8 in ’07; etc.).

Long-term: The Ravens invested a first-round selection in Jackson, so they are committed to him as their quarterback of the future. Jackson landed in a great situation; sitting & learning behind veteran Joe Flacco, with a coaching staff that has history grooming Collin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor, and an organizational stability that will give him the necessary time and support. He must work on his touch, work on his mechanics to increase his accuracy. But Jackson is closer than people realize. I am a true believer that the risk (Jackson can’t translate his college passing skillset to the NFL) is well worth the reward (he revolutionizes the position as the evolutionary post-Mike Vick talent). With Jackson’s talent, the probability of a top 5 fantasy season(s) is high. The only question is when that opportunity comes.