Why Lamar Jackson’s Drop to 69th Is Overblown

The Disrespect Behind the Ranking

Lamar Jackson now sits at No. 69 on the NFL’s annual top‑100 players list, a steep fall from his No. 2 finish the previous season. The Ravens quarterback is now behind 67 players who have not collected multiple NFL MVP awards, a statistic that underscores how rare his résumé truly is. Only Patrick Mahomes clearly outranks him, while Aaron Rodgers sits outside the top 69 altogether. The two other players listed ahead of Jackson are Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton and Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, a pairing that feels far below Jackson’s proven impact.

Easy Targets for Critics

The off‑season has seen a surge of negativity aimed at Jackson, with voices like ESPN questioning whether he could lose his starting job to Tyler Huntley. Radio host Colin Cowherd even suggested Bo Nix would be a better fit in a “big spot” than Jackson. Such commentary follows a pattern that resurfaces each time Jackson faces an injury‑affected season or a key loss. Past GM Bill Polian once urged Jackson to “switch to receiver,” and rumors about his coaching relationship with John Harbaugh have circulated after Harbaugh’s firing. Even a rough 2025 campaign, marred by a hamstring problem, has given pundits a fresh excuse to downgrade his value.

Jackson’s Achievements and Future Outlook

Two seasons ago Jackson earned first‑team All‑Pro honors, nearly set the league’s all‑time passer rating record, and rushed for 915 yards in the same season. He was ready to capture a third MVP award over Josh Allen, a feat only six players in NFL history have achieved. Despite those accomplishments, the narrative this summer has focused on a down 2024 season that saw him miss time with injury. Critics will likely keep demanding a Super Bowl ring before they fully recognize his elite status. For now, the data shows there are no 68 players in the league who truly outshine him.