Lamar Jackson Takes a Step Forward as a Passer in 2026

Lamar Jackson remains one of the top five quarterbacks in ESPN's yearly list, but his standing has changed due to his improvement as a passer. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback was voted the 5th best quarterback in ESPN's rankings this year, with coaches and scouts now highlighting his ability to throw the ball effectively.

What happened?

Lamar Jackson's passing ability has become just as important as his running ability, which first made him one of the NFL's most unique quarterbacks. The quarterback's improvement as a passer has made him a more formidable opponent for rival teams.

Why it matters for Lamar Jackson

The improvement in Jackson's passing game has changed how he is viewed around the league. Once questioned for his consistency from the pocket, he recorded his first 4,000-yard passing season in 2024 before leading the NFL with 13.3 yards per completion last season.

What comes next?

The latest rankings show that Jackson's passing has become just as important to his standing as the running ability that first made him one of the NFL's most unique quarterbacks. The quarterback's durability remains a concern, but one NFL personnel evaluator expects another strong campaign, saying, "I expect him to have a big year."

Lamar Jackson's improvement as a passer has made him a more formidable opponent for rival teams. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has taken a step forward in the eyes of NFL coaches and scouts, who now highlight his ability to throw the ball effectively.

The quarterback's improvement has changed how he is viewed around the league. Once questioned for his consistency from the pocket, he recorded his first 4,000-yard passing season in 2024 before leading the NFL with 13.3 yards per completion last season.

Jackson remains one of the league's most dangerous runners as well. His 6,522 career rushing yards are the most by any player with at least 1,000 career passing yards, although his rushing production declined in 2025 compared with previous seasons.

Some football experts believe Baltimore's offense will continue to improve. One team director wondered whether the Ravens would let Jackson run less as he gets closer to 30. Instead, the team might use new ways to run the ball under their new playcaller Declan Doyle.

Durability also remains part of the discussion after Jackson missed at least four games in three of the past five seasons. Even so, one NFL personnel evaluator expects another strong campaign, saying, "I expect him to have a big year."

The latest rankings show that Jackson's passing has become just as important to his standing as the running ability that first made him one of the NFL's most unique quarterbacks.

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