Ravens draft: Is Lamar Jackson a far fetched idea?

Now just 20 days away for the 2018 NFL Draft, The Ravens give their fanbase something to talk about, as they work out Quarterback Lamar Jackson

In recent run of events, The Ravens have their fanbase chattering as they work out quarterback sensation and Heisman winner, Lamar Jackson. If you’re a fan of football in any sense, you know the name Lamar Jackson. He is the dynamic, crazy athletic quarterback that’s been making defenses look silly for the last two seasons. He’s the quarterback that nearly took down the powerhouse that is Clemson, all by his lonesome.

If only James Quick went right instead of left and knew where the first down marker was, Louisville might’ve pulled off the upset. It’s been almost 14 years since Mike Vick graced the cover of Madden in 2004. I’ve watched a lot of football since, and I think Lamar Jackson is the closest thing to Mike Vick we’re ever going to get.

Lamar Jackson is quite the opposite of anything The Ravens offense has ever emulated. He’s exciting, he makes play, he does things that makes you wonder how exactly its humanely possible to do the things he does. Things you have probably only seen done in a video games.

Earlier this week, general manager Ozzie Newsome stated that the organization could make a surprising first round pick, if they pick at 16. I ask you, who would be more of a surprising pick, than one Lamar Jackson? I don’t know about, but I’m having a tough time coming up with a rebuttal.

The good thing about drafting Jackson would be that he wouldn’t be in a position where he would be asked to start right away. He could sit and learn the pro style game behind Joe Flacco for 2-3 years. Drafting Jackson would also give Flacco an incentive: Play well, or we have this young star in the making waiting to take your spot.

The Questions surrounding Jackson

Ever since he won the Heisman in 2016, the story line is Lamar Jackson is a great college quarterback, and well that’s it. Critics and analysts don’t seem to be too confident that the Louisville quarterback can’t adjust to the pro skill set, and probably should move to another position. Which I, along with a lot of others, couldn’t disagree more with that sentiment.

If you watched the NFL in 2017, you probably saw former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson tearing up defense before blowing out his ACL. Now, envision watching Watson and passing up on a kid that’s better at making electric and dynamic plays in Lamar Jackson. That doesn’t make sense.

I understand the questions but saying Jackson doesn’t even have a chance at playing the quarterback position at the next level is just down right ignorant. He passed for 3,500 yards each of the last two seasons. He tossed19 touchdown passes. Jackson also ran for 39, that’s proven talent.  While completing over 57 percent of his passes. A percentage that was higher than Wyoming’s Josh Allen.

Jackson has to potential to tear the NFL up just as Mike Vick, Deshaun Watson and Cam Newton have in the past. The only concern anyone should have with him playing at the next level, is his frame. He’s certainly going to have to pack on the pounds. The linebackers and defensive backs are a whole different ball game at the next level.

Next: The Joe Flacco era: 3 big things going into 2018

The Bottom line

Don’t be surprised on draft night if Ozzie Newsome tries to go out with a bang by drafting Jackson. The Joe Flacco era at M&T Bank Stadium is currently on the clock. And the Ravens need to start preparing for the future. And a future as Lamar Jackson being the QB in Baltimore is one we should all be excited about possibly happening.