Lamar Jackson Handed Chip On Shoulder Ahead Of NFL Season
The Baltimore Ravens failed to make the playoffs last season, and now it appears people are sleeping on Lamar Jackson.
Jackson is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, as he's an elite runner and his passing game is stellar. However, there have been some knocks on his play in the playoffs and when the season gets tougher.
Yet, Jackson is still very dangerous to play against and one of the top quarterbacks and players in the league. However, ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the league polled players and is releasing the 'NFL Top 100 Players of 2026,' and Jackson came in at 69th, which seemed to be a surprise.
No. 69 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@ravens QB Lamar Jackson! @NFLFilmspic.twitter.com/ji9Vigok8u
— NFL (@NFL) July 13, 2026
Jackson was ranked second last year, so to see him fall all the way down to 69th is a major surprise. It also doesn't seem fair, as Jackson was still good last year; seeing him fall 67 seems way too much.
Along with being ranked the 69th-best player in the NFL by peers, Jackson was ranked fifth when ESPN polled NFL execs, coaches, and scouts who ranked the top quarterbacks.
"I do wonder if he starts running less as he approaches age 30," an NFL personnel director said. "He's still fast but probably not at his peak. So they could start to manufacture runs in other ways."
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Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and the all-time leader in passer rating, but after one down year, it appears the league is making a big mistake by doubting Jackson, as he now has a chip on his shoulder.
Not only was Jackson likely frustrated with how he played last year, but all the doubt around him will also likely fuel him even more to silence the doubters. He also has something to prove regarding his contract.
"I expect him to have a big year," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "This is like a contract year for him coming up."
If Jackson can be the MVP-level quarterback he was in 2019 and 2023, the Ravens will be a Super Bowl contender, and the players will have to eat crow by ranking him the 69th-best player.
Lamar Jackson Has Put in The Work
After Baltimore failed to make the playoffs last season, Jackson has been putting in the work this offseason to make sure it doesn't happen again.
The Ravens hired Jesse Minter as their new head coach, who was the former Los Angeles Chargers and Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator. With a new head coach, Minter said he was impressed with how well Jackson has looked this offseason.
Yes, [Jackson]'s been incredible. He's put in the time - first of all, he's been here quite a bit and learned a lot. He's just an unbelievable leader and an infectious person when he's here," Minter said on June 10. "I think he's done a great job leading the offense in the offseason. ...
"I'm excited about where our offense is headed. ... There's nobody I'd rather have as the quarterback of this team, this franchise," Minter said. "The way that [Jackson] operates, how infectious he is, how much joy he brings to the preparation and the practice field - yes, he's been everything. You come in, and you kind of know him, but you don't know him super well."
If Jackson has gotten better this offseason, as Minter said, it's good news for Baltimore and its Super Bowl chances.
Related: Ravens Make Diego Pavia Decision After Vanderbilt Star Goes Undrafted
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 3:07 PM.