Two years ago, Lamar Jackson was voted the second-best player in the NFL by his peers. Now he’s barely inside the top 70. That’s a drop that stings even if you saw it coming.
The two-time MVP landed at No. 69 in this year’s NFL Top 100, a poll voted on by players and shared by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. For context, he was No. 2 just last season. The fall isn’t exactly a mystery — Jackson’s 2025 campaign was derailed by injuries, inconsistent accuracy, and a noticeable dip in his usual explosiveness as a runner. The Ravens missed the playoffs after a last-play loss to the Steelers, and the offense never found its rhythm.
But here’s the thing about Jackson. When he’s healthy, he’s still one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen. The problem is that when part keeps getting in the way.
What’s changed in Baltimore
The Ravens didn’t sit still. They hired Jesse Minter as head coach, hoping his defensive mind can stabilize a unit that was all over the place last season. They drafted offensive lineman Vega Ioane in the first round to patch up a front that got Jackson hit too often. But none of that matters if the guy under center can’t stay on the field or play at his MVP level.
There’s also a new offensive coordinator. Todd Monken left to become the Browns head coach, so Declan Doyle steps in after a strong 2025 run with the Bears under Ben Johnson. Doyle’s task is simple on paper: rebuild the running game concepts that made Chicago dangerous and give Jackson room to operate. If that happens, the passing game should follow.
Jackson’s accuracy was spotty last year, and he wasn’t making the same highlight-reel throws he did in 2023 and 2024. Some of that is tied to the groin and knee issues he fought through. Some of it might just be a down year. The NFL has seen quarterbacks bounce back from worse.
The player poll is essentially a reputation check. And right now, Jackson’s reputation took a hit. But reputations can be rebuilt fast in this league. A healthy 2026 with a cleaner offensive system and a defense that doesn’t leave him chasing games — that’s the formula. If he finds it, nobody will remember the No. 69 spot.
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