Lamar Jackson Is NFL's Best All-Round Quarterback Based on Dan Orlovsky's Trait Rankings
By any measure, Lamar Jackson is an elite quarterback. The two-time MVP's all-around excellence was reflected by ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky’s quarterback rankings for seven traits.
Jackson took the No. 1 spot in two categories (rushing ability and second-reaction ability) and was in the top four of every trait.
No other quarterback made the top four in more than five of the traits.
"I still have Jackson at the top of the [rushing] list because he is fantastic on called runs and scrambles," Orlovsky wrote. "Last season, he led quarterbacks in rushing yards (915) and runs for 10 or more yards (37). More than a fourth of his 139 carries went for at least 10 yards.
"Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are elite on second-reaction plays. They remain passers first when it breaks down, dancing for space in the backfield and looking for open targets, but they can also run to threaten the defense at any moment. Jackson's QBR outside the pocket was a league-best 92.7 last season, while Mahomes was sixth at 75.8. Jackson threw 11 touchdown passes with zero interceptions when forced outside the pocket."
Jackson was No. 2 in pocket presence, No. 3 in ball placement and decision-making, and No. 4 in arm strength and mechanics.
Ravens Are No. 2 in ESPN's Future Power Rankings
The Ravens have been perennial Super Bowl contenders in recent years, and their window is projected to remain open this season and beyond.
The Ravens are No. 2 in ESPN’s future power rankings, which reflect which teams are primed to be among the league's best over the next three seasons (2025 through 2027). ESPN's panel of experts rated each team's quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office, and coaching staff.
"A long track record of excellent drafting and an all-world quarterback in Lamar Jackson make the Ravens' future very bright," Ben Solak wrote. "To boot, they have perhaps the NFL's best defensive player in safety Kyle Hamilton, and that is about as big of a cherry on top a team can have."
Here's the breakdown of the Ravens' ranking by category: quarterback (No. 3), overall roster minus quarterback (No. 2), front office (No. 2), and coaching (No. 6).
The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles were ranked No. 1 overall.
Analysts Marvel at Mike Green's Pass Rush Skills
Analysts continue to rave about second-round rookie outside linebacker Mike Green after his impressive showing in his first NFL preseason game this past Thursday.
Green is being praised for his arsenal of pass rush moves and his elite athleticism.
"I like what I saw from Mike Green," NFL Network's Brian Baldinger said. "He tried a lot of different things out there, which is what you want to see. I'm sure [Pass Rush Coach] Chuck Smith and [Defensive Coordinator] Zach Orr and the guys on defense like what they saw."
Pundit Says These Veteran Defensive Backs Could Be Good Fits for Ravens
The Ravens' long-held mantra that one can never have too many cornerbacks has again proven to be accurate.
The Ravens placed sixth-round rookie cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam on season-ending injured reserve in a two-day span after suffering knee injuries.
Fortunately, the Ravens still have a deep cornerback group in Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa, and Jalyn Armour-Davis. In addition, undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery III has been a training camp standout and is making a case for a roster spot.
That said, the Ravens could look to bring in another veteran, even after signing M.J. Devonshire, a 2024 seventh-round pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, Saturday.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named Baltimore as a fit for free agent Rasul Douglas, who has started 80 games in his eight-year career, including 15 with the Buffalo Bills last season.
"If Douglas is open to filling a depth role, the Ravens may have room for him," Knox wrote.
Douglas, who turns 30 later this month, has 19 career interceptions, including three for touchdowns. However, he allowed a passer rating of 122.0 in coverage last season.
The secondary took another hit earlier this offseason when safety Ar'Darius Washington suffered a torn Achilles that is expected to sideline him for at least the majority of the season.
Second-year players Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade are competing for the No. 3 safety spot behind Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, but this is another position in which the Ravens could add a veteran.
Baltimore reportedly brought in Jordan Whitehead for a workout last week. Whitehead, 28, has made 101 starts in his seven-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets.
Justin Simmons remains a free agent, and Knox listed the Ravens as a potential fit for the 31-year-old.
"A two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos, he had a strong one-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024," Knox wrote. "In 16 starts last year, Simmons recorded 62 tackles and seven passes defended while allowing an 81.9 opposing passer rating. He signed with Atlanta late last offseason and now has another opportunity to latch on with a playoff hopeful."
DeAndre Hopkins Is Looking Like One of the Biggest Free-Agent Steals
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon identified eight free agents who look like steals based on their performances in training camp.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who signed a one-year deal reportedly worth up to $6 million this offseason, made the list.
"The five-time Pro Bowler was one of the best receivers in the sport during his prime," Gagnon wrote. "This could be the right place at the right time for Hopkins."
Hopkins spoke after practice Sunday about forming a connection with Jackson this offseason.
"We're building the chemistry on and off the field," Hopkins said. "[We're] in the locker room talking about things, so I think it's going well."
One of the highlights of Saturday's practice was when Hopkins made a sideline catch despite tight coverage from Wiggins.
"Nate was asking about covering him on that one low, red [zone] sideline play and, 'What could I have done?'" Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "When really, [I said], 'Honestly, Nate, there's nothing you could have done better. That was a great throw and a great catch by arguably one of the best who's ever done it.' He and guys like Anquan [Boldin] and [Derrick] Mason are good at those kind of plays right there [from players] that we've had here."
