Baltimore Ravens: 5 most important players for next 5 years

1. Lamar Jackson

I think most us knew who was going to be number one on this list. And that’s Lamar Jackson, the future in Baltimore. If you asked people for an over/under on the time frame for when Jackson would take over under center, a reasonable number would be 2.0 years. After this season veteran Joe Flacco’s cap hit and guaranteed money is significantly lower than it has been. Drafting the play-making, Heisman trophy winner should light a spark under Flacco this upcoming season and if doesn’t, expect for the fanbase to call for number eight to get a chance.

Over the last 4-5 seasons, the Ravens have lacked an offensive play-maker that teams are intimidated to go up against.  Baltimore needed a player that defensive coordinators dread preparing for. Lamar Jackson is someone who can change all of that and change how analysts and opposing teams view the offense. The last two-three seasons I don’t think many coaches or defensive players feared what this offense could do.

Next: 5 questions for Ravens backfield

For new GM Eric DeCosta, he must consider the offense a high priority going forward. When Jackson does eventually take over, DeCosta can’t fail Lamar, like Ozzie has failed Joe these last four seasons. Jackson needs to be given the necessary pieces to win and make a run in the playoffs. When you look at a player like DeShaun Watson he changed a team’s offense and how defensive coordinators go about their preparation. With the skills and ability, he possesses. I think Jackson could go above and beyond that. I think Lamar Jackson is going to break the NFL the way Mike Vick did. We just have to be patient for his time to come, whenever that may be.