In a surprising turn of events, Lamar Jackson, fresh off an impressive season, wasn’t considered a top-three quarterback in the latest poll conducted among NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Instead, the ranking leaned heavily in favor of Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes at the top spot, followed by Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen and Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow.
Jackson, a name that would typically spark debate about elite status, has seen his ranking fluctuate, landing as high as No. 1 in past polls but settling at No. 4 last year and now outside of the coveted top-three list. Despite the controversy, Jackson’s impact on the game remains undeniable, reflecting an athlete who has redefined what it means to dominate on the field.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlighted Jackson’s impressive skills, noting, “Jackson is the most breathtaking player in the game.” It’s hard to argue with that, especially when you consider that he was in the running for a third MVP award last season, boasting a remarkable season where he outperformed the actual MVP, Josh Allen, in all-pro voting. Notably, he became the first player in league history to throw for 40 touchdowns while keeping his interceptions to four or fewer—a stat that speaks volumes about his efficiency and poise.
The testimonials from NFL insiders reveal the respect Jackson commands across the league. One veteran coach expressed awe at his 10-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio alongside a staggering winning percentage of 74.4%. “He’s a leading rusher on any team he’s on,” the coach remarked, emphasizing Jackson’s unique blend of athleticism and leadership.
Another commentator, an NFL defensive coordinator, praised Jackson’s ability to excel in space, calling him the best space runner in the league, while also acknowledging his growth as a passer. “He probably doesn’t get enough credit for how he’s improved there,” the coordinator added, highlighting Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities.
A veteran personnel evaluator pointed out Jackson’s evolution from purely relying on athleticism to understanding the need for a more balanced approach in the pocket. “He had to stay in the pocket a little bit more to prolong his career, and he’s doing that increasingly well,” he noted, which showcases Jackson’s commitment to refining his game as he matures.
Fowler further illustrated Jackson’s outstanding performance in 2024, noting he led the NFL in Total QBR (77.3) and in yards per dropback (8.3). His career highs in passing touchdowns (41), passing yards (4,172), yards per attempt (8.8), and his remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratio make a compelling case for his continued elite status. With a Total EPA of 160.6, more than 16 points ahead of any quarterback, his season performance speaks volumes about his impact on the field.
When the rankings came out, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak voiced his disbelief at Jackson’s position, stating, “Lamar is closer to being above Mahomes than he is to being below Burrow.” It’s clear that while the rankings may not reflect Jackson’s contributions accurately, his uniqueness and talent remain revered across the league, suggesting that discussions about his standing among the greats are far from over.
