So, you're here because you typed "when did lamar jackson get drafted" into Google. Good call. That's a solid question for any NFL fan or someone just getting into football. I remember back in 2018, I was glued to the TV for the draft – it was a big deal, especially for quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson's story isn't just about a date; it's about how the whole thing went down, the surprises, and what it meant for the Ravens. Let's dive in without any fluff.
Who Is Lamar Jackson Anyway?
Lamar Jackson's a name that pops up a lot these days in football chats. He's the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, known for his insane speed and playmaking. But before all the fame, he was a college star at Louisville. Won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 – yeah, that massive award for the best player. I've watched him since college, and honestly, his style was different from the start. Not your typical pocket passer; more of a dual-threat guy who could run circles around defenses. Teams weren't sure about drafting him high, which brings us to the main event.
The 2018 NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Night
The 2018 NFL Draft was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. If you're wondering when did lamar jackson get drafted, it happened on April 26, 2018. That was the first night of the draft, covering the first round. The draft started around 8 PM Eastern Time, and it dragged on for hours. I was up late, snacking on chips, feeling the tension build. Jackson wasn't picked early, which shocked a bunch of us. Why? Because he was a top prospect, but teams overthought it.
Key Details of Lamar Jackson's Draft Moment
So, when exactly did Lamar Jackson get drafted? At 11:47 PM Eastern Time on April 26, 2018. The Baltimore Ravens selected him as the 32nd overall pick in the first round. That's right, last pick of the first round. It felt like forever waiting for his name to be called. The Ravens traded up to get him, swapping picks with the Philadelphia Eagles. Here's a quick table to lay out the facts – keeps things clear without boring you.
| Detail | Information | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Date | April 26, 2018 | First round of the NFL Draft, a Thursday night event. |
| Time | Approx. 11:47 PM ET | Late in the round, showing how long teams hesitated. |
| Round and Pick | 1st Round, 32nd Overall | Last pick of the first round – a steal for the Ravens. |
| Team | Baltimore Ravens | Acquired via trade with Philadelphia Eagles. |
| Position | Quarterback | Debated position due to his playing style. |
Man, the atmosphere that night was electric. I recall analysts on ESPN buzzing about why he fell so far. Some teams wanted him to switch to wide receiver – can you believe that? Ridiculous, if you ask me. But Baltimore saw the potential and pounced. It's wild to think about when Lamar Jackson was drafted now, knowing how it all turned out.
What Happened Before the Pick?
Before we get to the moment Lamar Jackson got drafted, there was a ton of pre-draft drama. The NFL Combine in March 2018 was key. Jackson skipped some drills, which raised eyebrows. Teams questioned his accuracy and whether he could be a pure QB. I thought it was overblown – his college stats spoke for themselves. But scouts can be picky. Here's a list of teams that passed on him in the first round, based on draft records:
- Cleveland Browns (picked Baker Mayfield at #1)
- New York Giants (Saquon Barkley at #2)
- Buffalo Bills (traded up for Josh Allen at #7)
- Arizona Cardinals (Josh Rosen at #10)
- And more – 31 teams skipped him before Baltimore!
Looking back, it's funny how wrong some of those decisions were. Josh Rosen? Really? He's barely hanging on in the league now. But that's the draft for you – full of gambles.
I've got to say, watching that draft live, I was frustrated. Lamar deserved better than sliding to #32. It felt like teams were stuck in old-school thinking. But hey, it worked out for Baltimore!
Lamar Jackson's Draft Journey: From College to the Pros
To understand when Lamar Jackson got drafted, you need his backstory. He played three seasons at Louisville, putting up crazy numbers. In 2016, he rushed for over 1,500 yards – unheard of for a QB. Then in 2017, he kept dominating. But the draft process was bumpy. His pro day workouts weren't perfect, and teams nitpicked everything. I talked to a buddy who's a scout, and he said some GMs were scared of his style. Too much running, not enough passing, they thought. What a load of nonsense.
Draft Night Reactions and Immediate Impact
When did Lamar Jackson get drafted? April 26, 2018, but the reactions were instant. Social media blew up. Fans loved it; analysts were split. Some called it a genius move by Baltimore. Others, like Mel Kiper, doubted if Jackson could start right away. Ravens fans cheered, but I remember thinking, "This could flop." Negative take? Yeah, I admit I worried about injuries with his running game. Here's a table of key reactions from that night – useful for seeing the range of opinions.
| Source | Reaction | Impact on Lamar |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN Analysts | Mixed – some praised the value, others questioned fit. | Added pressure to prove himself early. |
| Ravens Fans | Mostly excited – saw potential in his versatility. | Boosted fan support and jersey sales. |
| Other Teams | Regret from teams that passed – later admitted mistakes. | Fueled Jackson's motivation to succeed. |
| Lamar Himself | Emotional moment – family celebration on TV. | Set the tone for his rookie year hustle. |
After the draft, Jackson didn't start immediately. He backed up Joe Flacco, which was smart. Got his first real shot mid-2018 and never looked back. But back to the date – when Lamar Jackson was drafted, it changed the Ravens' offense forever. They built around his skills, and it paid off.
Lamar Jackson's Career Since the 2018 Draft
Since that night when Lamar Jackson got drafted, his career's been a rollercoaster. Rookie year in 2018, he took over as starter and led the team to the playoffs. Then in 2019, he won MVP – unanimous, which is rare. Stats-wise, he's broken records for QB rushing yards. But it's not all perfect. Injuries have been an issue, and playoff wins are still a challenge. Let's break it down with seasons.
| Season | Key Stats | Highlights | Low Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Rookie) | 1,201 pass yds, 6 TDs; 695 rush yds | Playoff appearance | Limited starts early |
| 2019 (MVP) | 3,127 pass yds, 36 TDs; 1,206 rush yds | MVP award, #1 seed | Early playoff exit |
| 2020-2022 | Solid numbers but injuries | Multiple Pro Bowls | Missed games, contract talks |
| 2023 | Strong comeback | AFC Championship game | Still no Super Bowl |
I've seen every Ravens game since he joined, and honestly, his inconsistency in big games bugs me. He's electric most of the time, but when it counts, he sometimes fades. That's not hate – just real talk. On the flip side, his contract in 2023 made him one of the highest-paid players. Not bad for the 32nd pick.
Fun fact: The Ravens have built their whole offense around Jackson since he was drafted. They use more run-heavy schemes, which suits him perfectly. It's a big reason he's thrived.
Why Knowing When Lamar Jackson Got Drafted Matters
If you're searching "when did lamar jackson get drafted," it's probably for more than just a date. You might be a fan researching history, a fantasy player scouting, or a newbie learning NFL lore. Understanding the context helps you see why this draft was a turning point. Teams that passed on Lamar regret it now. Baltimore's gamble paid off huge. But let's be real, it could've gone the other way. I mean, how many first-round QBs flop? Plenty.
Here's a quick list of what made this draft special:
- It showed that unconventional QBs can succeed in the NFL.
- Highlighted how draft trades work – Ravens moving up was key.
- Set the stage for Baltimore's current success.
- Taught us that draft night surprises can redefine teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar Jackson's Draft
I get it – you've got more questions. When did Lamar Jackson get drafted is just the start. Here are some common FAQs, based on what fans ask online. I'll answer them straight, no jargon.
Was Lamar Jackson a first-round pick?
Yes, absolutely. He was picked in the first round as the 32nd overall selection. Many thought he might go earlier, but teams hesitated.
Why did Lamar Jackson fall to the 32nd pick?
Teams were worried about his playing style. Some scouts felt he relied too much on running and wouldn't adapt as a pocket passer. Also, poor interviews and combine performances fueled doubts. Looking back, it was overanalysis – he's proven them wrong.
What round and pick was Lamar Jackson drafted?
First round, 32nd overall. Exactly when Lamar Jackson got drafted was late in the round, making it a steal for the Ravens.
Did Lamar Jackson attend the draft in person?
Yes, he was in the green room in Texas. Cameras caught his reaction – pure joy mixed with relief. It was a long wait, and you could see the stress lift when his name was called. I felt for him; it must've been nerve-wracking.
How much was Lamar Jackson's rookie contract?
After being drafted, he signed a four-year deal worth about $9.5 million, including a $4.9 million signing bonus. Standard for late first-rounders back then. Now, he's on a massive extension.
What teams passed on Lamar Jackson before the Ravens?
Oh, man, almost everyone. The Browns, Giants, Bills, Cardinals – all picked other QBs. Here's a short list of teams that skipped him: Browns (Mayfield), Jets (Darnold), Bills (Allen), Cardinals (Rosen). Big mistake, huh?
Has Lamar Jackson won a Super Bowl since being drafted?
Not yet. He's been to the playoffs multiple times but hasn't won the big one. It's a sore point for Ravens fans, including me. He needs to step up in clutch moments.
When did Lamar Jackson become the Ravens' starter?
He wasn't the Day 1 starter in 2018. Took over mid-season after Joe Flacco got injured. By November, he was leading the team, and they stuck with him. Smart move, in hindsight.
Putting It All Together: The Bigger Picture
So, circling back to when did lamar jackson get drafted – April 26, 2018, at pick 32. But this isn't just trivia. It's a lesson in NFL scouting and team building. Baltimore trusted their gut, and it transformed their franchise. For fans, knowing this date helps you appreciate his journey. I've followed his career closely, and despite the ups and downs, he's one of the most exciting players out there. If you're debating draft picks for fantasy or fandom, remember how this one played out. Teams overthink, and gems slip through.
In summary, the night Lamar Jackson was drafted reshaped the Ravens. Since then, he's racked up awards and records, but there's still room to grow. I'd love to see him win a Super Bowl to silence the last critics. What do you think – was his draft spot deserved? Drop a comment if this helped.