The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL with Lamar Jackson. He has shown vast improvements over the course of his first three seasons in the NFL, and is already an extremely electric player in multiple aspects of his game.
When ranking the best 50 players in the NFL right now, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus made the stunning decision to not place Jackson on his list at all. The fourth-year quarterback was completely left off of the list in what many consider unthinkable for what Jackson has been able to do so far during his career. Monson explained that positional value did not play a factor in the rankings.
“The ranking below is a projection of what we think will happen and not necessarily a reaction to a spectacular or underwhelming 2020 season. Additionally, positional value is not considered here, so safeties, guards and even running backs have just as good a chance to rank highly as quarterbacks, who would dominate the list if positional value was heavily factored.”
Even without positional value not playing a factor and also without the 2020 season taken into account, it’s hard to fathom any list of best players in the league without Jackson on it. Over the course of his three years, Jackson has put up 7,805 passing yards, 2,906 rushing yards, 87 total touchdowns, he’s won a unanimous MVP, and he’s gone 30-7 as a starter in the regular season.
Jackson also now has weapons surrounding him in the passing game that will surely make him more dangerous throwing the football in 2021. With new additions Rashod Bateman and Sammy Watkins slotting in next to guys like Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews, Jackson has the best pass catching group of his career. He also has a much improved offensive line that features steady veterans as well as solid younger options who can make a big impact.
Jackson is absolutely a top 50 player in the NFL right now. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not having a generational talent at the quarterback position on a list with the best players in the league is a questionable decision. The former University of Louisville star will look to quiet his doubters once again and have a strong 2021 season.