Lamar Jackson, undisputed winner of the 2021 Ravens Draft

• Jamison Hensley

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  Jamison Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun for 11 years.

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Two new goals for the passing game, and a guard in the trenches should help quarterback Lamar Jackson reach the next level in Baltimore

OWINGS MILLS — El quarterback de los Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, let head coach John Harbaugh know his reaction to the team’s draft, although it was not extensive.

Harbaugh described to Jackson as “short texts”.

“I know what you think, but it’s the short version. He’s excited,” he said. Harbaugh during last weekend’s rookie minicamp. “I think that LamarMore than anything else, he’s thinking about what he can do to be the best he can be, and then as a quarterback, working with all these guys from a chemistry standpoint. He can’t wait to get back, and I can’t wait to see him there. “

The comment of Jackson It was short, but it is undeniable that he was the big winner in the draft of the Ravens from 2021. Baltimore He continued to pile on his offense with his tall picks, adding two wide receivers with tools who know how to break through, as well as one of the huge blockers in the first four rounds.

The selection of polished route corridors Consumption Bateman Y Tylan Wallace, along with the massive 6-foot-6-inch 357-pound guard, Ben Cleveland, provides greater weapons and protection for Jackson, who seeks to take the next step as a passer and improve the chances of Baltimore to reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

The history of the NFL makes it difficult to get into the postseason with consistency with an inconsistent passing attack. Last season, the Ravens became the fourth team – and first since the Ravens 2003 – finishing last in the league by passing and qualifying for the postseason since the NFL expanded to 12 playoff teams in 1990, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Bateman, the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft, has watched Jackson at a distance, and hopes to meet you soon.

“It is a blessing to be his teammate,” he declared. Bateman. “I’m just excited to be able to work with him, to be able to connect with him, to learn how the offense is going, and hopefully, we can pursue a Super Bowl and continue being us ”.

Todd McShay de ESPN described to Bateman as the most prepared route corridor for the NFL. In 2019, Bateman averaged 20.3 yards per reception in Minnesota, the best mark by a player of the Big Ten in 18 years. But his bonuses fell after he became infected with COVID-19 over the summer, and he opted out of the rest of 2020 after just five games.

Harbaugh highlighted the first impression you left Bateman, referring to him as a quick learner, and a “no-distraction” guy. The Pro Football Focus portal believes that Bateman is the kind of alpha receptor that can uncheck at will, which is what he needs. Jackson.

“Everything we thought it would be, in terms of athleticism and skills,” he confirmed. Harbaugh. “It’s usually the case, but not always the case. What you see isn’t always what you get, and you don’t know until you get them there, actually, at the first rookie minicamp. I’d say that’s what’s on offer. , from a talent point of view ”.

What Bateman, Wallace he won’t surprise many with his athleticism. He just knows how to shake off defenders and catch the ball. McShay described Wallace as your favorite selection for Ravens. Had projected to Wallace as a second-round pick.

Wallace dropped to the fourth round (the 19th wide receiver selected) by a disappointing pro day (disappointing vertical jumps and long static), which led some to speculate that he was still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in 2019. That overshadowed its production in Oklahoma State, where his 922 yards in 2020 led the Big 12 and his passing rate of 1.1 percent was second-best in the entire season. FBS.

During rookie minicamp, Wallace he caught everything within reach. The biggest challenge was controlling himself.

“I was really nervous, and wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing when I went out there,” he said. Wallace after his first day of practice at the rookie minicamp. “So, I try to get into the playbook as much as possible, and learn as much as I can. I think the tricky part for me is knowing when to put it aside, for sure.”

Jackson must have more time to throw the ball to Bateman Y Wallace by the guard of Georgia, Cleveland, taken in the third round.

With Cleveland listed as the heaviest player of the Ravens, its size will accommodate well in the tough running game of Baltimore. But, he was also a capable pass protector.

Over the past two seasons, the success rate of Cleveland in pass blocks (four pressures allowed in 473 opportunities) was the best among the right guards of the SEC. He allowed no rush in seven of the nine games against ranked opponents in that span.

The biggest question mark with the offensive line of Baltimore is if Cleveland will win the position as left guard. But, immediately fielding for a unit that includes two players from Pro Bowl (Ronnie Stanley Y Alexander Villanueva), and the team’s most expensive signing in free agency (Kevin Zeitler) is not the primary concern for Cleveland.

“Now, I’m really just focused on syncing up with these new guys and learning the playbook,” he said. Cleveland. “You can’t play fast until you know what you’re up to. I’m not really thinking any further about fall camp and starting. Obviously that’s the goal for this year, but that can’t happen until I’ve mastered the playbook. plays and learn my assignments. “

The Ravens do their best to avoid becoming the first team to finish last in pass in the NFL in consecutive seasons since Philadelphia Eagles in 1998 to 1999 (which, coincidentally, is where Harbaugh spent his first two years in the league).

Baltimore He believes the improvement in the supporting cast will stretch the field, both horizontally and vertically. Last season, all 94 complete passes by Jackson Outside numbers were No. 27 in the league.

“This offense really runs through Lamar, and we will always do what gives us the best chance to win, “said the offensive coordinator of the Ravens, Greg Roman. “When you add talent like that, I really think, you’re going to expand your profile quite a bit, in fact, to play with the kind of balance that we really want when it comes to playing. The field is 53 yards wide, and we think people will have to defend the 53 yards of him ”.

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