Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

John Harbaugh reveals Lamar Jackson's expanded role with Ravens

Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. However, he is more than just a star for the Ravens.

Head coach John Harbaugh revealed that Jackson will also play a role in the team's roster construction and has already "been tasked over the text world with a couple of assignments."

"We'll see who he likes. He looks at guys on tape," Harbaugh said. "And he's never been shy about giving his opinion on free agents or the draft. He hasn't weighed in quite yet, but he will."

Fans got a glimpse of Jackson's ability to impact the roster last offseason when he successfully recruited wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but it seems his role in helping to build Baltimore's roster is growing, and rightfully so.

The Ravens still have a lot of work left to do after losing starting guards John Simpson (Jets) and Kevin Zeitler (Lions), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers), LB Patrick Queen (Steelers) and safety Geno Stone (Bengals) in free agency.

General manager Eric DeCosta believes the draft will be the best way to fill those holes. Baltimore's nine picks in the 2024 NFL Draft will certainly help.

"We've always been a team that's been built through the draft primarily," DeCosta told reporters. "We feel that's the best way to build your team long term. ... We see this year, and next year's draft, as real opportunities for us to begin to build that depth up again."

The Ravens have needs on both sides of the ball, but expect most, if not all, of the players Jackson wants to join the team to be on the offensive side of the ball, given that's his expertise.

Luckily for him and Baltimore, this year's draft is deep at several offensive positions, such as offensive line and wide receiver.

The Ravens' roster may see a lot of turnover this offseason, but Harbaugh doubled down on DeCosta's confidence that they will be contenders again in 2024.

"We're gonna have a heck of a team next year," Harbaugh added. "You wait. You watch. Wait and see what we do."

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