Baltimore’s wrapped up a busy evening with another trade. Sam Farmer of the LA Times reports (via Twitter) that the team has acquired the No. 32 pick from the Eagles. Baltimore has acquired the first-rounder and No. 132 (fourth round), and they’ll be sending No. 52 (second round), No. 125 (fourth round), and a 2019 second-rounder to Philly.
The Ravens have used the pick to select quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Louisville product and former Heisman winner is the fifth quarterback taken during the first round. He had another productive season in 2017, completing 59.1-percent of his passes for 3,660 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also added another 1,601 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 232 carries. Barring some unexpected transaction, Jackson will likely serve as a backup to Joe Flacco for at least the upcoming season.
This is the third trade of the night for Baltimore, who also completed deals with the Bills and Titans. Reports had indicated that the organization was eyeing offensive linemen like Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller, although there were whispers that the organization could pursue a future starting quarterback.
Lamar Jackson?
Smart. Groom him for 2 years, cut Joe in 2020 or 2021. At least you know there is a succession plan now.
Throws like Byron leftwich and every other qb with a loopy throwing motion. He can fix it. But it looks like he will be a bust before taking the field.
Leftwich was not supposed to start as early as he did in his career, but had to after Brunell got hurt. He looked decent, but he was never the same after he busted his ankle. It’s an unfair comparison.
Speaking of Leftwich, Josh Rosen in Arizona will be under his tutelage as Leftwich is their QB coach. So, we’ll see how that goes.
Interesting. What are you thoughts about Lamar Jackson?
Any QB with a tendency to run bothers me. He needs to learn to stay in the pocket and use that speed to extend plays. But, the real concern I have is a clear path to become the starter and a stable system.
He should be relegated to 3rd string this year. Ravens should sign a wise old man to be Flacco’s back up. That wise old man should do nothing but mentor Jackson the whole season while they both sit on the bench.
Then, Baltimore should acquire some weapons on offense for a few reasons; one, it will help Flacco out which is good for everyone and also boosts his trade value down the road. And two, obviously, any QB needs tools to succeed.
Jackson has the tools to be a good QB, but he needs time to develop as an NFL QB before even thinking of becoming a starting NFL QB. Baby steps with this guy and then have an offense ready for him to be plugged into.
That’s just my opinion, I could be wrong…
He’s Not run first though. he has a tendency to run when the play breaks down, but generally is good at keeping his eyes downfield until he no longer is able. People see his run highlights, and are like, oh he’s run first, but most of them come after a collapsed pocket when he runs to avoid a sack. (source: watching a bunch of film.) if you disagree though, I’d love to hear why
I didn’t say run first, I said tendency to run. He’s 6-3, 220 that’s not small but it’s not big enough to take the kind of punishment from frequent running. He’s gonna have to learn to go down and take a sack without being tackled and slide early. Just avoid contact and don’t be a hero.
Wise old man? link to spotrac.com Take your pick…
Before Ledtwich ever took the field, his issue was his throwing motion. It was one of the first sport science-y things ESPN did in regards to the time it takes him to release when throwing the ball compared to others. It was bad.
You also can’t give me the “he wasn’t supposed to come in and play” rhetoric. He was the 7th overall pick. Brunell also didn’t get replaced because of an injury. He went 0-3 and looked bad enough doing it. Like I said, Leftwich wasn’t good as a pro QB because of the same issue that Jackson currently has. It’s not a death knell but he has to fix it before he can be moderately successful in the nfl.
As a Ravens fan, I kind of like it. It is a low risk pick at the back of the first round. I do have concerns about his passing ability, since I’m college he was an alright passer and a great runner. I just didn’t want them to take him at 16. I like the Hurst pick too, but I wish we could have grabbed DJ Moore since he is from Maryland.
He is from philly. He went to University of Maryland. So I’m glad we did not waiste a pick on him. We signed 2 young receivers who have the same traits as him. Grabbing a big TE to go with maxx Williams and our QB of the future is a amazing draft. Wish we could cut Flacco the bum right now
I can’t believe NE took a running back at 31… they must believe in Rudolph or Lauletta I guess.
Lauletta is going to be the surprise QB of this draft I think. He may not be a star but I think he will be a good NFL starting qb. And NE, if they draft him, may just turn him into a star. I think it’s the perfect pick for them in the second round. Rudolph and Falk are defining play as well. But I really like Kyle Lauletta.
From Phillys perspective, getting an additional 2019 2nd rounder is key. 2019 they need to fill several holes. Better than a 2nd and 3rd this year. Savvy move. At 52 look for Christian Kirk.