Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP but came unstuck at the hands of Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Last season, Jackson’s Ravens lost to the eventual Super Bowl winners in the AFC Championship game.
Until last season, ‘Action Jackson’ has never been past the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, and was just two games away from honouring the draft day promise he made to Ravens fans in 2018.
“They’re going to get a Super Bowl out of me, believe that,” the young QB vowed on that fateful night.
However, Lamar’s draft day experience was one of doubters and disappointment.
Jackson went to college at Louisville and was a consensus first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy during his sophomore year in 2016.
However, his draft day dream soon became a nightmare after four other quarterbacks were selected ahead of him.
Baker Mayfield (Browns), Sam Darnold (Jets), Josh Allen (Bills), and Josh Rosen (Cardinals) all went in the Top 10 and were preferred ahead of Jackson.
Lamar was seen as a dynamic playmaker but scouts and executives had their reservations about his ability to transition his game to the pros.
According to a scouting report at the time, “Jackson does possess plenty of arm strength and a quick release, [but] scouts and executives are divided on his pro potential.
“Although he does tend to stay in the pocket and see the play through before scrambling, some question whether he’s more than a one-read passer with accuracy issues.
“There are also concerns about his ability to withstand NFL physicality as a runner.”
Many also felt that Jackson was more suited to playing as a running back.
“He’s an awesome athlete. He will not be able to play quarterback in this league, mark my words,” one offensive coordinator said.
“When he throws, he hopes.”
Those questions marks played out on draft night as a crestfallen Jackson, who wore a green suit with a navy blue bow tie, looked on hopelessly as his name plummeted down the draft board.
Eventually, the Ravens took him with the final first round pick (No.32).
Even that was only because of a draft night deal which involved Baltimore sending their 52nd, 125th picks and a 2019 second-round selection to defending champion Philadelphia in exchange for the 32nd and 132nd selections.
The disappointment – not at being selected by the Ravens, but by being overlooked by so many teams – was written all over Jackson’s face.
But by the time he spoke with Deion Sanders in his post-draft interview he was keen to let every team know they were going to regret passing up on him.
“I’m here…” he coolly stated.
“I’m a Raven, it’s on, all year, every year”.
It’s fair to say the Ravens’ decision paid off as Jackson has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
After being named the Ravens’ starting quarterback in his rookie season, Jackson has become a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection.
He was named league MVP in 2019 and, after powering Baltimore to the No.1 seed in the AFC with a 13-4 record last season, won his second Most Valuable Player trophy.
A Super Bowl berth still awaits though and, for now, Jackson’s promise is yet to be realized.
News Summary:
- Heartbroken Lamar Jackson’s NFL Draft day promise to Ravens is still yet to be realized
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