The Baltimore Ravens have come to terms on the rookie deal for their 2018 first-round pick, quarterback Lamar Jackson, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. As per usual with rookie contracts for first-rounders, it’s a four-year pact with the option for a fifth year.
Despite some buzz about his stock rising steadily during the pre-draft process, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner saw himself slide down the board on draft night. Lingering concerns about Jackson’s ability to play quarterback effectively in the NFL likely factored into his drop.
But after already making a couple of moves in the first round, the Ravens decided to trade up in the draft to select Jackson with the No. 32 overall pick.
Jackson will start his career playing behind incumbent Ravens starting quarterback Joe Flacco. But the expectation is that Baltimore will groom Jackson to eventually take over from Flacco, whose performance has slipped in the past few seasons, sometime in the near future.
Despite still having a lot of developing to do, the Ravens have indicated that they intend to use the rookie in some select packages this season. And to Jackson’s credit, he has performed well during the offseason and has impressed head coach John Harbaugh.
With his undoubted physical gifts, Jackson possesses the upside to be a special talent who could reward the Ravens for trading up to get him. But he’ll also need a creative offensive system that can properly utilize his talents, and that will likely be the Ravens’ goal for the next four years or so.
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