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Ravens may have found Lamar Jackson’s next unexpected weapon originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Ravens did not need Ja’Kobi Lane to become a training-camp sensation. They might need him to become something more.
Lane, a third-round rookie from USC, was named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 breakout players to watch entering the 2026 season after creating significant buzz throughout the summer. The 6-foot-4 receiver offers Lamar Jackson something Baltimore’s passing game has lacked: a large target capable of winning above defenders on the outside.
If the preseason excitement carries into meaningful games, Lane could change the shape of the Ravens’ offense.
Ja’Kobi Lane could solve long-running Ravens problem
Baltimore already has a proven lead receiver in Zay Flowers. The problem has been finding enough dependable production around him on the perimeter. Lane has presented himself as a possible solution.
The rookie caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. His biggest moment came in the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he produced a 38-yard touchdown. His work away from the games may have been even more encouraging.
Lane received first-team opportunities during a joint practice with the Washington Commanders while Flowers was unavailable. According to Sports Illustrated, he consistently created separation with crisp routes while displaying the acrobatic catching ability expected from a receiver with his size.
That combination matters.
Plenty of tall receivers enter the NFL with the ability to win jump balls. Fewer develop into polished route runners who can get open without requiring the quarterback to throw into a wrestling match.
Lane’s emergence also arrives at an important moment for Jackson.
The three-time MVP is learning another offense under first-year coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson has won MVP in each of the previous two seasons in which Baltimore changed offensive coordinators, creating fascinating expectations for 2026.
Flowers will command plenty of defensive attention. If Lane proves capable of punishing single coverage, Baltimore could finally have the outside pairing needed to make its passing attack less predictable.
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Training-camp hype has fooled everyone before. Lane still must earn targets once the regular season begins. The Ravens, however, may have found far more than a depth receiver with the No. 86 pick.
They may have found Jackson’s next favorite target.
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