New England Patriots receive high grades in 2018 NFL Draft first round

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks past a video board displaying an image of Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma after he was picked
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks past a video board displaying an image of Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma after he was picked /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Lamar Jackson of Louisville poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked /

Baltimore Ravens No. 32: Louisville QB Lamar Jackson

The Super Bowl Champions were on the clock with the final pick in the first round, however, they decided to trade out, and the Baltimore Ravens swooped in to make the final pick in the first round. Baltimore was extremely active in this draft, and they ended up moving back in to secure a prospect that they liked.

With Joe Flacco getting older and his production not quite where it was from a few years ago, the Ravens selected a player that could be his replacement soon in Lamar Jackson. Due to the value of quarterbacks, it was a bit surprising to see Jackson go this late in the draft. However, this is a good landing spot for him.

Next: Patriots 7-Round NFL Mock Draft

Coming out of Louisville, Jackson still does have a lot to learn when it comes to being a pro quarterback. Behind Flacco in Baltimore, Jackson will have the chance to sit for at least one year, learn the playbook, and work on some of the mechanical things that he will need to in order to be ready to be a starter. As a very talented dual-threat quarterback, Jackson can be a great pick by the Ravens if he puts the work in. He likely won’t have a big impact on the team next season, but this was a pick for the future in Baltimore.

Grade: B+