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Lamar Jackson 2022 NFL Player Outlook: Return To Greatness
3 years agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had the worst season of his career in 2021, finishing as the QB16, primarily because he only played in 11 total games. The 25-year-old still managed quality production with 2,882 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 767 rushing yards, and two rushing scores, which would have been a full season pace of 4,083 yards and 23 touchdowns passing along with 1,086 yards and three touchdowns rushing. Compared to seven in 2019 and 2020, the two rushing touchdowns stand out as an area to expect positive regression in. Despite missing time, the 2018 first-round pick finished as a top-five fantasy quarterback three times, including a No. 1 overall finish. The 2019 NFL MVP is the most athletic rusher in the NFL, evidenced by his highlight reel runs and yards per attempt finishes of first in 2019, first in 2020, and third in 2021 among all players. He also led all quarterbacks in rushing yards the past three seasons. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens averaged 35.9 pass attempts per game last season, their highest since 2016, which could signal an increase in passing volume moving forward. Jackson is a lock for 1,000 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, providing a distinct advantage over every other quarterback, and while it's unlikely Jackson passes the ball 36 times per game, expect 3,000+ passing yards and 25+ passing touchdowns, making him a top-five quarterback, with number one overall potential. Jackson is currently ranked 4th in Rotoballer's rankings with an ADP of 64 overall, allowing you to bolster your roster with elite talent at other positions before drafting him as your quarterback, making him the optimal target.
