This offseason, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been doubted. He’s been hated on. He’s been outright called out, by fans and analysts alike. Many have used his insane highlight-reel runs to detract from his overall skill set, calling him a glorified running back. Others have pointed to his inconsistent mechanics and throws to say he’ll never be more than a gimmick. But those doubting Jackson and Baltimore shortsighted.
Jackson was going to take time to develop, and the Ravens clearly knew that when they drafted him a year ago. Baltimore jumped back into the first round in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to select Jackson. They could have waited for him to fall into the second round, where he would have been significantly cheaper to sign and any trade up would have cost dramatically less draft equity. But with Jackson’s first-round status comes a fifth-year option. The Ravens get a little extra time with Jackson before having to make a true decision on his future at a relatively paltry sum when compared to what an extension would cost.
And it’s not like Jackson and Baltimore are just sitting on their hands. Jackson has put in a great deal of work this offseason to refine his mechanics and install it as muscle memory. While he’s still a little inconsistent throughout training camp and the preseason, he’s head and shoulders above where we saw him this time last year and even above where he was at for OTAs. In turn, we’ve heard plenty of praise from his teammates and seen him make some really great throws that prove he’s getting better. That steady improvement and drive to get there is likely what the Ravens saw in Jackson during the draft process and what gave them hope they could refine his game over time.
Jackson also isn’t likely going to take the traditional path as a quarterback. His rare skill set ensures he’s not just going to be Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. While comparisons to Michael Vick have abounded, it’s likely Jackson doesn’t follow in those footsteps either. Jackson will have to carve out his own path, which won’t always look like it’s working under preconceived notions of how a traditional quarterback should look.
Anyone expecting Jackson to put up All-Pro numbers in just his second year should look to the list of quarterbacks taken every year who don’t ever become half of what Jackson has already done. He might never be a Hall of Famer, and that’s all right. But the Ravens understand it’s going to take time to develop Jackson into their vision and scheme. Any dramatic improvements and production ahead of time are simply icing on the cake.
