NFL Scout Praises Lamar Jackson: 'Definitely Evolving as a Passer' amid Criticism

An anonymous NFL executive praised Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's progression as a passer as part of ESPN's rankings of the top 10 quarterbacks in the league.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, an NFL scouting director said the following about Jackson, who was ranked No. 7 in the league by a group of anonymous executives, coaches, scouts and players:

"Prior to the [knee] injury, he was doing some big things from the pocket as a passer. Some of those early games, he was dialing it up. He's definitely evolving as a passer, taking it to next level. He's a smart runner. Teams want to peg him in that role, but he never really gets hit solidly. He knows how to elude and avoid big hits."

Jackson was rewarded with a new contract in April, signing a five-year, $260 million deal to remain in Baltimore.

Despite the fact that he is set to enter his sixth NFL season, Jackson is still just 26 years of age and may have some untapped potential he has yet to discover.

That is a scary thought for the rest of the league since Jackson already has two Pro Bowl nods, one first-team All-Pro selection and one NFL MVP award to his credit.

In 2019, which was the former Louisville standout's first full season as a starter, Jackson threw for 3,127 yards, a league-leading 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions, while also rushing for 1,206 yards and seven scores en route to securing MVP honors.

Jackson has enjoyed some productive seasons since then, but he has not come close to replicating those numbers, and injuries are a big reason why.

In each of the past two seasons, Jackson has missed five games, plus he missed the Ravens' playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last season.

Prior to a sprained PCL putting him on the shelf, Jackson was completing 62.3 percent of his passes last season and had thrown for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven picks, while rushing for 764 yards and three touchdowns.

Jackson was also 8-4 as a starter, which put the Ravens in position to make the playoffs even though he wasn't available down the stretch.

There is no question that Jackson is among the most exciting and explosive quarterbacks in the NFL due to his dual-threat nature, but there is still room for him to grow as a passer, as evidenced by 3,127 yards still being his career high in passing yardage for a single season.

In addition to signing Jackson to a new contract, the Ravens seemingly went all in this offseason on putting as much talent around him as possible.

Along with tight end Mark Andrews and a 2021 first-round pick in wide receiver Rashod Bateman returning to the fold, the Ravens signed veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and selected speedy wide receiver Zay Flowers with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Jackson undoubtedly has more weapons at his disposal now than at any other point during his NFL career, meaning he may have a chance to get back to something resembling his 2019 production if he can stay healthy.