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ItalianoSteve Smith Reacts to Ravens Rookie WR Ja'Kobi Lane's Unique Role
Steve Smith, the Australian cricket legend, believes Baltimore Ravens rookie WR Ja'Kobi Lane has the potential to be the team's next big target.
What happened?
The Ravens have revamped their wide receiver room ahead of the 2026 season, with Lane set to play a vital role in the offense. Smith, a former NFL All-Pro wide receiver, thinks Lane could be the team's next big target, replacing Isaiah Likely.
Why it matters for Steve Smith
Smith's comments come as the Ravens look to replace Likely, who was a key player in the team's offense last season. Lane, a 6-foot-4, 21-year-old rookie, has the size and tools to be a big-bodied playmaker in the red zone.
What comes next?
The Ravens selected Lane in the third round of this year's draft, and he is expected to be used in a variety of ways in the team's offense. Smith believes Lane could be a contested-catch weapon for Lamar Jackson, and could be used in the red zone to make big plays.
Lane has already shown his versatility in the team's offense, being used as an over-the-middle receiver during OTAs and minicamp. The Ravens' OC, Declan Doyle, could have some interesting scheme fits for the tall pass catcher.
Lane's potential impact
Smith thinks Lane could be a game-changer for the Ravens, drawing comparisons to Isaiah Likely. "He's [Ja'Kobi Lane], their version of Isaiah Likely," Smith said. "He is that other option in the middle of the field that can big body someone because Mark Andrews, he's going to chip. He's getting a little bit older. He's going to give you the stuff underneath."
Lane's background
Lane, a product of USC, was used as a versatile outside receiver and a highly reliable red-zone threat in college. He has the size and tools to be a big-bodied playmaker in the red zone, and could be a key player in the Ravens' offense.
Lane has tremendous tools that could translate well in the NFL, and is expected to be used in a variety of ways in the team's offense. He is one of two rookies that the Ravens drafted this year, and is expected to make an impact on the team's offense.
Conclusion
The Ravens are looking to replace Isaiah Likely, and Steve Smith thinks Ja'Kobi Lane could be the team's next big target. Lane has the size and tools to be a big-bodied playmaker in the red zone, and could be a key player in the Ravens' offense.
category: player_focus