Upgrading the trenches should be the clear priority for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. However, their wide receiver room could use a boost, as outside of Zay Flowers, it's fairly limited. Rashod Bateman's down season and uncertain future with the team highlight this clear need.
With the Ravens likely upgrading their front-seven or offensive line in the first round, drafting a receiver in one of the next two rounds could be practical.
USC's Ja'Kobi Lane offers an interesting option for the Ravens. He is a physical specimen who could complement the smaller Flowers nicely.
USC WR Ja'Kobi Lane 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 200 pounds
Projected 40-yard dash time: 4.55
Recruiting: 4-star prospect, No. 32 ranked WR nationally
College production (three years): 99 receptions, 1,363 yards, 18 touchdowns
Positives:
- Athletic monster with elite height.
- Excellent body control, with an impressive ability to make contested catches.
- Dependable red zone threat who is also capable of making explosive plays on a down-to-down basis.
- A combination of a strong football IQ and great hands.
Negatives:
- Doesn't separate at an elite level despite his athletic gifts.
- Has a thin frame, which might take him a bit to adjust to the NFL level.
- Doesn't get a ton of yards after the catch (4.8, 147th among FBS WRs with 50-plus targets).
- Not a super versatile route runner.
NFL Comparison: Drake London/Keon Coleman
When you hear about an athletic 6-foot-4 receiver from USC, it's hard not to think about Drake London. Of course, this is a lofty comparison for Lane. Nevertheless, if everything pans out for Lane, London is his ceiling. Their similarities as athletic beasts, with great hands and body control, are undeniable. The fact that they both played at USC only adds to their similarities.
A lower-end outcome for Lane could be Keon Coleman. Both players have similar builds and excelled at making contested catches in college. Yet, if Lane can't utilize his athletic gifts, his early career could look a lot like Coleman's did. Hopefully, attitude problems aren't a factor for Lane, though.
Draft grade: Second-round pick
Lane's combination of psychical gifts and age gives him clear upside. At the same time, he could make an immediate impact, especially as a red zone threat. As such, he projects to be a second-round prospect. With the 45th overall pick, Lane should definitely be in play for Baltimore.
Giving Lamar Jackson a dependable red zone threat and an explosive wide receiver would be an ideal outcome for the Ravens in the draft.