Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been one of the best players in the NFL since entering the league in 2018, but the two-time league MVP received a shocking placement on ESPN's quarterback rankings.
In an ESPN survey conducted by Jeremy Fowler that ranked the top ten quarterbacks in football based on intel from league executives, coaches, and scouts, Jackson came in at No.4 on the list behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.
"Best space runner in the NFL, and he's such a good passer now," an NFL defensive coordinator said to ESPN on Jackson. "He probably doesn't get enough credit for how he's improved there."
"I think he had to grow up as a passer," a veteran NFL personnel man said. "He was always more athletic than everyone else, so why not run? But he had to stay in the pocket a little bit more to prolong his career, and he's doing that increasingly well."
"He's one of a kind," a veteran NFL coach said.
Jackson is coming off the best statistical passing season of his career in 2024, as the Louisville product tossed 41 touchdowns to just four interceptions and completed 66.7% of his passes with 4,172 passing yards.
The dynamic signal-caller is the engine of Baltimore's offense and has posted prolific numbers on a year-to-year basis despite not having the most consistent supporting cast.
Obviously, if Jackson wants to rank higher on the list, he's going to have to find more playoff success. The 28-year-old has a 3-5 record in the postseason through five appearances and has yet to reach a Super Bowl.
Though Jackson hasn't been to a Super Bowl yet, the two-time All-Pro should still be higher than fourth on the list from ESPN. Jackson is the best dual-threat quarterback in the sport and has elevated his team and the players around him for years.
As long as Jackson is in his prime and playing at a high level, the Ravens are a serious threat in the AFC.
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