Ravens' Lamar Jackson Laughs Off Those Who Passed on Him in 2018 Draft

Baltimore Ravens quarterback and MVP favorite Lamar Jackson needed no words to address the teams that passed on his services at the 2018 NFL Draft.

Lamar Jackson was the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His Baltimore Ravens are inching closer to the same choice come the 2024 edition.

Jackson, two wins away from a Super Bowl triumph (and the 32nd pick that comes with it), was offered a chance to reflect on his draft journey on social media amidst his prep for the AFC title game against Kansas City on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS). 

Jerome Mixon, USA TODAY SPORTS

X user @stone_2x was one of many reveling in a college football highlights account's recalling of a fine Jackson hour at the University of Louisville, one that saw him rack up an ACC-record 610 total yards of offense in a single 2016 win over Syracuse. The user, a Ravens fan according to his bio, that "Teams really saw this and said “nah, we cool."

Jackson was apparently "cool" with the comments, as he offered a simple but vocal response in the form of a laughing emoji over the idea of nearly every other team passing on him in 2018.

🤣

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 23, 2024

Jackson wasn't even the first quarterback chosen in 2018, as he was the fifth thrower chosen behind Baker Mayfield (Cleveland), Sam Darnold (NY Jets), Josh Allen (Buffalo), and Josh Rosen (Arizona). Jackson and Allen are the only passers of that group who have remained with their original NFL employers.

Lamar Jackson Estimated to Be Highest-Paid QB From 2018 Draft Class

Baltimore obtained that 32nd pick (as well as a fourth-rounder that became brief receiver Jaleel Scott) in a draft night deal with then-defending champion Philadelphia. It's safe to say the Ravens are pleased with their decision, as Jackson has firmly established himself as not only the team's franchise quarterback but perhaps the NFL's MVP favorite.