The Baltimore Ravens have done absolutely everything in their power to lose Lamar Jackson.
They’ve given him zero weapons in the passing game, trading away one of his few reliable pass-catchers in Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown.
Rashod Bateman has underperformed to start his career, and Mark Andrews alone cannot lead this team to contention.
So, if they put the franchise tag on Jackson as expected, he’s going to need someone who could, you know, catch a pass.
With that in mind, NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Ravens should try and draft TCU’s WR Quentin Johnston, one of the most explosive players in the nation last season.
The Ravens need to bring back Lamar Jackson and add this wideout in the draft.
2023 mock: https://t.co/nnbumqx9mA pic.twitter.com/OUEvNM6FuQ
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) January 30, 2023
Johnston averaged nearly 18 yards per catch and would give the Ravens a much-needed big-play threat in the passing game, as well as a perennial physical mismatch in the endzone.
He hauled in 60 receptions for 1,069 yards and six scores last season in one of the most explosive offenses in all of college football.
Of course, that’s assuming Jackson is indeed willing to play under the franchise tag.
Some analysts speculate that the former MVP would actually rather sit and hold out for the season than play under the tag, especially after turning down some very lucrative offers recently.
Jackson may be done with the Ravens after years of playoff shortcomings, and his absence late in the season proved just how crucial he is to their Super Bowl aspirations.
So, whether they’ll cave to his demands or he’ll force his way out of the team remains to be seen.
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