During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens showed what appears to be their plans for the future in terms of the quarterback position. Veteran Joe Flacco may have led the franchise to a Super Bowl title back in 2013, but the time has come for some new blood in the form of rookie Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore selected Jackson with the 32nd pick in the draft and it seems he's already making an impression on his teammates. Perennial Pro Bowler Eric Weddle recently praised the young quarterback after getting a glimpse of what he could do during OTAs, via NFL.com.
“He's been great. Obviously you know why we took him,” Weddle said. “He's as talented of a player that I've seen coming into my 12th year. He's got a live arm, he can sling it. Obviously, his ability to run and shake guys — you see it in team drills where things break down, he gets out on the perimeter and guys aren't even close to him. “
At this point, Flacco remains the starter under center for the Ravens and that may not change when the team heads into the 2018 campaign in September. However, the presence of Jackson anxiously waiting to get his opportunity along with fellow Baltimore newcomer Robert Griffin III gives the team some insurance at the position moving forward.
Weddle believes there's a bright future ahead of the Louisville product, via NFL.com.
“So I think he's got a bright future, but I don't know what the plan is for him play-wise. I know Joe is having an outstanding camp — he's healthy. And we're going to go as far as Joe takes us, quite honestly.”
This should put some added pressure on Flacco to produce at a high level in 2018 after a forgettable season last year in which he was five interceptions shy (13) of matching his touchdown output of 18.
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