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Ja’Kobi Lane has yet to play a regular-season snap for the Baltimore Ravens, but the rookie wide receiver is already drawing attention from one of the NFL’s most accomplished pass catchers. After a recent workout clip of the former USC standout surfaced, DeAndre Hopkins offered a strong endorsement of Lane’s skill set and potential fit with Lamar Jackson.
“He a playmaker!” Hopkins wrote. “Ball in the air it’s his. Looking forward to see him w Lamar.”
That is exactly the type of praise the Ravens want to hear about Lane entering training camp. Baltimore selected the 6-foot-4 wide receiver to add size, catch radius and red-zone ability to a passing game that already features Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews. Lane does not need to become the Ravens’ No. 1 receiver immediately, but his ability to win at the catch point could give Jackson a target profile the offense has needed.
Lane’s appeal is not difficult to understand. At USC, he made his mark as a big-bodied receiver who could win through contact, finish contested catches and create problems near the goal line. That skill set matters in Baltimore, where Jackson’s mobility extends plays and forces defensive backs to cover longer than they want.
Hopkins’ comment also carries weight because of the player delivering it. Few receivers in recent NFL history have been better at attacking the football in the air, winning through tight coverage and turning imperfect throws into completions. If Hopkins sees those traits in Lane, it is worth noting.
The Ravens still have a deep wide receiver competition to sort through. Flowers is locked in as the top option, Bateman enters camp with a chance to solidify his role, and Elijah Sarratt gives Baltimore another rookie receiver with intriguing tools. Devontez Walker is also pushing for a larger role after flashing in limited opportunities.
Lane, however, brings something different. He gives the Ravens size and a natural red-zone target who can help Jackson when windows get tighter. Training camp will determine how quickly Lane can earn trust, handle the playbook and separate against NFL defensive backs. For now, Hopkins’ praise adds another layer of intrigue to one of Baltimore’s most fascinating rookies.
If Lane becomes the type of “ball in the air” target Hopkins described, the Ravens may have found a young playmaker who can give Jackson a new weapon in high-leverage moments.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: DeAndre Hopkins offers high praise for Ravens rookie Ja’Kobi Lane
