The Baltimore Ravens might lack high-end talent at wide receiver outside Zay Flowers, but they certainly have their fair share of depth there. While many of the contributors aren’t sure things, they have potential. They made sure they got that in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Two of Baltimore’s first four picks in the draft were wideouts. They selected Ja’Kobi Lane in the third round and Elijah Sarratt in the fourth round. Both made their presences known in offseason workouts, and for Lane, he may be revealing himself as more than just a 6-foot-4, contested catch threat.
In an interview with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing on The Lounge Podcast, Lane spoke about getting action as not just a sideline jump-ball guy, but one who works in the middle of the field and underneath, as well.
"“Coach Doyle is a mastermind when it comes to offense. Me being able to not only be a bigger receiver, but be able to have some wiggle to me, and be able to move on these shallow crosses, it just gives me more opportunities to open stuff up for guys ... It just opens up everything.""Ja'Kobi Lane
Clearly, he has a deeper bag than your typical big-bodied weapon.
Ja’Kobi Lane could be a versatile weapon for Baltimore Ravens offense
We know Ja’Kobi Lane can do all the damage in the world as a contested catch guy down the sideline and in the red zone. And honestly, at his core, he needs to remain that piece. The Ravens have never had a wide receiver consistently play that role with Lamar Jackson under center. The connection between him and Lane could prove to be dangerous.
However, it’s just as important to get the most out of Lane. Coming out of USC, the 21-year-old was known for being an acrobatic threat at the catch point, but also judged on his inability to create separation on a down-to-down basis. The team needs to build a more versatile weapon to create that separation more often, and with a creative mind like offensive coordinator Declan Doyle calling the plays, that should happen.
It sounds like Lane’s not only going to be used as a wideout who can go up and snatch the ball out of the air, but one who can threaten defenses between the hashes and underneath. That’s a much better role than being a one-trick pony.
Those underneath routes might be the biggest potential game-changer. There’s already a ton of trash to fight through within the middle of the field, but if you have a 6-foot-4 body running shallow crosses there, too, things could get really hectic for the opposing defense. Lane might be able to bring physicality and create those “accidental” pick plays to create open space for speedier, more dynamic pass catchers like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Devontez Walker.
Of course, this development in Lane’s game should also make the rookie unpredictable. As he fights to earn a spot in the rotation, he’s been doing everything possible to stand out. Whether it’s in the run game as a blocker or doing whatever the coaches ask of him downfield, Lane has quickly been checking off every box this offseason. The possibilities that could be awaiting him in Baltimore are exciting.
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