Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson is already turning heads
The Baltimore Ravens selected quarterback Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s still early, but the Heisman Trophy winner is already turning heads.
The Baltimore Ravens have two high-profile quarterbacks on what’s becoming a crowded depth chart. Joe Flacco is entering a season that will carry a $24,750,000 cap hit, while Lamar Jackson was a first-round draft pick in 2018.
While Jackson is already one of the most divisive figures in the NFL, he’s also turning heads and earning praise from his peers.
Jackson is a former Heisman Trophy winner, but he’s also a player whose skill set is uncommon for a star at the highest level. He’s known more for his athleticism and running ability than his accuracy as a passer, albeit while possessing impressive arm talent.
During an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, five-time All-Pro honoree and current Ravens safety Eric Weddle offered high praise for Jackson.
"“He’s been great. Obviously you know why we took him,” Weddle said. “He’s as talented of a player that I’ve seen coming into my 12th year. He’s got a live arm, he can sling it. Obviously, his ability to run and shake guys — you see it in team drills where things break down, he gets out on the perimeter and guys aren’t even close to him. “"
Weddle has faced an abundance of all-time quarterbacks during his illustrious career, which makes those words worth latching onto.
Jackson is a 6’2″ and 216-pound quarterback with explosive arm strength and the athleticism to completely change a game. He posted gaudy statistics in college, but there are some who question whether or not he can lead a team to success as a passer.
Weddle doesn’t seem as concerned as the critics, however, as he’s offered praise for Jackson as one of the most talented players he’s ever seen.
Only time will tell what that talent translates to, but Jackson certainly has the raw potential to become a Pro Bowl quarterback in Baltimore.
Jackson’s pure talent has never truly been in question, as critics harp more on his fundamentals and slight frame. Nevertheless, one would be remiss to ignore his production of 93 total touchdowns between the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
The hope in Baltimore appears to be that Jackson can justify the first-round selection and potentially usurp Flacco on the depth chart.
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It’s too early to tell what will actually transpire, but Eric Weddle is certainly optimistic about Lamar Jackson’s future with the Baltimore Ravens.