"Clearly not the thrower the other guys are": Ex-NFL exec once delivered controversial Lamar Jackson take
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the best dual-threat QBs in the NFL. He has over 19,000 passing yards and over 6,000 rushing yards in his career. In his second season, Jackson won his first NFL MVP award. He was rewarded with a five-year $260 million deal in 2023.
However, Jackson was seen as a great prospect for a different position, as suggested by former NFL executive Bill Polian in an episode of ESPN’s "Golic and Wingo" show in February 2018.
“Short, and a little bit slight, and clearly, clearly not the thrower the other guys are," Polian said. "The accuracy isn't there. So I would say don't wait to make that change. Don't be like [former Ohio State quarterback and current NFL wide receiver Terrelle Pryor] and be 29 when you make the change.”
Bill Polian suggests a change in role for Lamar Jackson
Polian had his reasons for the suggestion, as Jackson struggled to keep up with the premier QBs in the league. In 2018, he only completed 58.2% of his passes for 1,201 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games — the worst season of his career. Polian had a suggestion for the QB: a position change.
“I think wide receiver," Polian said. "Exceptional athlete, exceptional ability to make you miss, exceptional acceleration, exceptional instinct with the ball in his hand, and that's rare for wide receivers. That's (Antonio Brown), and who else? Name me another one; Julio (Jones is) not even like that."
Jackson turned things around in 2019 with a pass completion rate of 66.1% for 3,127 yards and 36 TDs in 15 games. Additionally, he had 1,206 rushing yards with seven TDs. He eventually won the NFL MVP award in 2019.
Lamar Jackson wants to play only as a QB
In February 2018, when many people had doubts over Jackson’s role, he was asked about a potential switch to WR.
“No team has asked me to play wide receiver,” Jackson said, via SI. “I don’t even know where it comes from. I’m strictly a quarterback. Yes, sir.”
The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner was reluctant to the idea of changing positions.
“Whoever likes me at quarterback, that’s where I’m going," Jackson said. "That’s strictly my position.”
Jackson won his second NFL MVP in 2023 with 24 TDs from 3,678 passing yards with a completion rate of 67.2%.