Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson stands out as one of the most dynamic players in NFL history.
The two-time MVP has passed for 22,608 yards, thrown 187 touchdown passes and 56 interceptions in eight seasons. Additionally, he has rushed for 6,522 yards and scored 35 touchdowns.
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One of the ongoing concerns for the Ravens has been their receiving corps. Last year, Zay Flowers had an impressive performance, finishing with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns.
However, the next highest receiver was tight end Mark Andrews, who recorded only 48 catches for 422 yards and also had five touchdowns. This disparity has led Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher to predict that the Ravens will select Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
USC wide receiver Makai LemonGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
“With the selection of Makai Lemon, the Ravens add one of the top receiving threats in the draft for quarterback Lamar Jackson,” Plocher wrote. “Zay Flowers has topped 1,000 receiving yards in all three of his NFL seasons, but the team could use another consistent receiving threat.”
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“After tight end Isaiah Likely’s departure in free agency, the Ravens have approximately 200 slot receiving snaps to replace,” Plocher continued. “Lemon lined up in the slot on 75.6% of his pass snaps over his career at USC, and his 91.4 PFF receiving grade in 2025 led all receivers in college football.”
If Baltimore makes this move, the immediate ripple effect would be felt in how defenses approach Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. Adding Lemon gives the team a legitimate second option alongside Flowers, forcing defenses to spread their attention rather than keying in on one primary target. Lemon could also step into a clear role in the slot, filling a void while instantly upgrading the team’s ability to attack the middle of the field.
This addition could fundamentally change the Ravens’ offensive identity. For years, Baltimore has relied heavily on Jackson’s improvisation and rushing ability, but Lemon’s skill set as an elite separator in the intermediate game would allow for a more structured and efficient passing attack. His production and alignment versatility suggest he could thrive quickly in that role, giving Jackson a reliable target on key downs, something that has often been missing in tight playoff matchups.
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Looking ahead, if Lemon is the pick, his transition to the NFL and his chemistry with Jackson will be one of the most closely watched storylines once rookie minicamp and training camp begin. If he develops as expected, the Ravens could enter the 2026 season with a more balanced and dangerous offense, one that finally has the firepower to complement Jackson’s brilliance and make a serious Super Bowl push.
Related: Ravens Projected to Sign Former No. 1 Overall Pick After Maxx Crosby News
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.