Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has found himself on plenty of lists heading into the 2021 season. The former NFL MVP has been making headlines since entering the league in 2018.
Jackson always seems to find his way on to a list of the best quarterbacks in football. With good reason too.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surveyed more than 50 executives, coaches, scouts, and players to compile a list of the NFL’s top-10 quarterbacks for 2021. Jackson was ranked as the same number he sports on his jersey — No. 8.
It’s no surprise that Jackson is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. What is shocking, however, is a couple of the quarterbacks that ranked ahead of him.
Is Lamar Jackson ranked fairly?
At No. 6 and No. 7 on the list are quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott. While both perform well, none have had the recent success that Jackson has had.
If ESPN is going on passing performance alone, you could possibly make the case. But Jackson also uses his feet as a weapon against opposing defenses that neither Stafford nor Prescott possesses.
When defending where Jackson ranked on the list, one veteran NFL offensive player sees Jackson’s ability to run as an issue when trailing from behind.
"“People are figuring him out a little bit. Those guys on the list, in the two-minute drill, they can go do it. Not sure he’s there yet. The running is great, but when you have to play from behind and throw, that can be very tough.”"
Jackson has faced this criticism before — cue the playoff narrative.
Lamar Jackson has won a playoff game and people think he's a choke artist or whatever. Stafford has started for 12 years with 0 playoff wins but folks are still holding on to......I'm not sure what.
— Jeff Cavanaugh (@timeforjeffrey) July 12, 2021
One AFC scout believes the Ravens can ‘tailor things around’ Jackson to help him become a better passer.
"“[Jackson] might not be that accurate, down-in, down-out passer, but you can tailor things around him and he can have more success in that area. It’s not like he can’t make the throws. He can.”"
While No. 8 seems high for Lamar Jackson, he certainly isn’t giving it attention. If anything, it will just add another chip on his shoulder.