Lamar Jackson sends clear challenge to Ravens’ young pass catchers

[ASFN Admin]

The Baltimore Ravens’ collection of offensive weapons looks promising to Lamar Jackson. The franchise quarterback wants to see what the group does when its potential must become production.

Baltimore enters training camp with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews and Derrick Henry providing an established offensive foundation. Behind them, young receivers and tight ends are competing to earn Jackson’s trust and meaningful roles in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s system.

“It’s all good on paper,” Jackson said on “The Lounge” podcast. “I’m not a paper guy. We get on the field and we show.”

Rookie wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt are among the newcomers attempting to carve out roles. Devontez Walker is entering an important third season, while young tight ends will have opportunities after offseason changes to the position group.

Jackson appreciates the talent Baltimore has assembled but made clear that recognizable names and draft evaluations will not determine whether the offense succeeds.

“A lot of good names, but what are we going to do when we get on the field?” Jackson said. “How will we produce? How will we move the ball? How will we challenge ourselves?”

The young players also place Jackson in a different leadership position. He laughed while recalling coaches telling him that some of Baltimore’s rookies were in 10th grade when he entered the NFL.

Jackson, 29, does not consider himself old, but he appreciates being able to explain how he sees the field to teammates who grew up watching him.

“It’s cool,” Jackson said. “For me to be talking to these guys about how I see the game and my feel for the game, it’s really cool to me. I feel like I was just a rookie.”

The newcomers will receive opportunities throughout camp and the preseason. Jackson’s message is that potential will matter only if the group converts it into dependable production.

“Once we get on that field,” Jackson said, “let’s just prove it.”

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson sends clear challenge to Ravens’ young pass catchers

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