Lamar Jackson is still one of the top five quarterbacks in ESPN's rankings this year, but the entire league's focus has completely shifted. It's not just his mind-blowing running ability anymore. Coaches and scouts across the NFL are now highlighting just how much better he's become at throwing the ball.
Coaches Were Wrong, And They're Admitting It
NFL evaluators are straight up saying Lamar has taken a massive step forward as a passer. Yeah, he's still got that insane running game that makes everyone sweat, but his improved passing ability means rival teams have a way tougher time planning against the Ravens. One NFL defensive coach basically said it all, pointing out the huge difference facing Jackson now compared to his early career. He said, "He's more of a complete passer. I really didn't respect the passing game as much before in his career, but the last time we played him, he was much better. He can dice you up." That's a huge admission, right? It changes everything about how he's viewed around the league.More Than Just Legs: The Stats Don't Lie
Remember when everyone questioned his consistency from the pocket? Well, Lamar shut 'em down with his first 4,000-yard passing season back in 2024. Then, last season, he led the entire NFL with a wild 13.3 yards per completion. And don't get it twisted, he's still one of the league's most dangerous runners, no doubt. His 6,522 career rushing yards are the most ever for any player with at least 1,000 career passing yards. His rushing production did dip a bit in 2025 compared to previous years, but that just proves he's evolving. The latest rankings make it clear: his passing is now just as critical to his standing as that legendary running ability.What's Next For The Evolving QB?
Some football experts are convinced Baltimore's offense is only going to get better. There's talk, even a team director wondering, if the Ravens will let Jackson run less as he gets closer to 30. Instead, they might cook up new ways to run the ball under their new playcaller, Declan Doyle. The big question mark, though, is durability. Jackson has missed at least four games in three of the past five seasons. That's always gonna be part of the discussion. Even with that, an NFL personnel evaluator isn't hedging bets, saying, "I expect him to have a big year." Get ready, because the evolution of Lamar Jackson is far from over.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.