Baltimore Ravens Draft Heisman Winner Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens surprised everyone to end the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by trading their second round, fourth round, and a 2019 second round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 32nd overall pick and a fourth rounder. With the 32nd overall pick, the Ravens did what many were expecting and drafted the expected quarterback of the future, Lamar Jackson.
Welcome to Baltimore, Lamar! pic.twitter.com/4Leex1IrOf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2018
Lamar Jackson is now the second Heisman winning quarterback to be drafted by the Ravens, joining Ohio State’s Troy Smith in 2007.
There’s not much to say about Jackson, he’s easily the most athletic quarterback in this year’s draft. He can sling the ball and tuck it and run a la vintage Michael Vick. The Ravens are shifting into a new direction for the offense and preparing for life after Joe Flacco. The coaching staff is well known for grooming mobile quarterbacks; offensive coordinator used to work with Vick back in Atlanta, and Greg Roman worked in San Francisco with Colin Kaepernick and Buffalo with Tyrod Taylor.
Jackson threw for 3660 yards with 27 TDs and 10 INTS. He also ran for 1601 yards and scored 18 TDs. The insane part about it, is that these numbers are arguably better than his Heisman winning season in 2016.
I personally am iffy on this pick. The Ravens gave up a ton for Jackson, and his accuracy issues cause for some concern. Not to mention, mobile quarterbacks have short lifespans in the NFL.
Ozzie did say there was going to be a surprise in this year’s draft for the Ravens, and this must be exactly what he was talking about. I believe the front office had their eyes on Jackson since last offseason. They had talks with Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III last year and ultimately signed Griffin this offseason. Expect both Joe Flacco, who now is under serious pressure to preform great this season, and Griffin to train Jackson.
Welcome to Baltimore and the Ravens Flock Lamar, bring that storied Heisman trophy to M&T Bank Stadium and be ready to “Play Like a Raven”.
