When Lamar Jackson was selected 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was surrounded by skepticism. Analysts doubted his ability to transition from a run-heavy college quarterback to an elite NFL passer. Some even suggested he should switch positions entirely. Fast forward to 2025, and Jackson’s draft-day doubters have long been silenced. The bigger question now is: Where does Lamar Jackson rank among the greatest quarterback draft steals of the millennium?
A new analytical report released this week dives headfirst into this question, placing Jackson’s career trajectory under a microscope. The findings are eye-opening.
Jackson, now a two-time MVP and multiple-time Pro Bowl selection, has not only redefined Baltimore’s offense but also the prototype for dual-threat quarterbacks in the modern NFL. His presence has reshaped defensive schemes across the league and forced coordinators to rethink their approach to containing mobile quarterbacks. All of that value—packaged into a 32nd pick.
From a statistical perspective, Jackson’s numbers are staggering. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2019, he has averaged over 3,500 total yards per season, including rushing totals that rival top-tier running backs. He holds the record for the most 1,000-yard rushing seasons by a quarterback and has already surpassed legends like Michael Vick in several rushing categories.
But it’s not just the stats. It’s the leadership, the clutch plays, and the ability to will the Ravens into playoff contention year after year. In terms of return on investment, Jackson’s draft spot now looks like one of the most lopsided bargains in NFL history.
Looking across the league’s past two decades, only a few names rival Jackson’s draft value: Tom Brady (199th overall in 2000), Russell Wilson (75th overall in 2012), and Dak Prescott (135th in 2016). But what sets Jackson apart is that he wasn’t overlooked due to lack of talent—he was misjudged for the type of talent he possessed.
“This is a guy who should’ve gone in the top five,” one analyst noted. “Every team that passed on him had their reasons, but looking back, it’s clear those reasons didn’t hold up. He’s transformed the game.”
Jackson’s influence extends beyond the field as well. He’s been a vocal advocate for young players who are often misunderstood or miscategorized during the scouting process. His MVP awards, playoff wins, and jaw-dropping highlights have made him a role model for the next generation of dynamic quarterbacks.
As Jackson prepares for another season with a loaded Ravens roster and Super Bowl aspirations on the horizon, it’s clear that his legacy is far from finished. But already, his name belongs in the pantheon of draft steals—if not near the very top.
In a league that prides itself on precision and scouting prowess, Lamar Jackson is a powerful reminder that greatness can come from anywhere—and sometimes, all it takes is one team willing to believe when others won’t.