Ravens’ Lamar Jackson makes conscious, yet controversial effort to be faster in 2024

Lamar Jackson looks different this spring. He is intentionally down to 205 pounds — 25 pounds less than his 2022 weight and lower than last season, when he played at 215. The word in Baltimore is this slim Lamar could be even faster than the one we've seen in years past. - Dianna Russini, The Athletic

Now, I'm old enough to remember, (as I'm sure many of you are) that part of the concern with Lamar Jackson when he came into the league was his size. 

A Heisman trophy winner at Lousiville, his speed and body type lead many to famously believe he would be better off playing WR. 

Instead, Lamar hit the weight room and the cafeteria and put on anywhere between 30 to 40 pounds given the fact that he played in the 170's or low 180's in college. 

As the league would find out, that weight gain didn't slow him down, as Lamar became one of the best rushing QBs in league history with back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons in his second and third year. 

And while he was still a viable threat on every play last season, (evidenced by his 821 rushing yards and five TDs) "bulked up" Lamar was just a step slower than his former self. 

That will no longer be the case. 

And before people jump on the injury concern train, I think it's forgotten that any injury Lamar suffered, occurred within the pocket. 

He has an innate ability to avoid contact and make defenders miss without putting himself at risk. That's been the case since he was taking ankles on Friday nights in South Florida, and that will stick with him through his final snap. 

So look, I can see the cause for concern, but this is better for Lamar in the long run. Any QB will get injured if they aren't protected or put themselves in harm's way. 

Anthony Richardson is a perfect example of that. Easily the brawniest QB to be drafted in recent memory, the highly anticipated rookie played four total games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. 

He's 6-5, 250. 

Expect a fast and hungry Lamar in 2024.