Football is officially back, and thank goodness. The Baltimore Ravens are building chemistry and camaraderie as their QB1, Lamar Jackson, settles further into his role as one of the team's vocal leaders. Jesse Minter and his coaching staff took their squad to Maryland's SECU Stadium for a fourth session
. Shortly after another practice was completed, Coach Minter, Jackson, and Malaki Starks spoke with select media members.Baltimore may have only wrapped up a handful of practices, but Lamar Jackson already has a strong appreciation for what he's seeing from his peers.While speaking to the press, the two-time NFL MVP was asked about several of his teammates, ranging from established veterans to rookies looking to carve out roles.
While Jackson
remained measured throughout the interview, four teammates received particularly enthusiastic endorsements that stood above the rest. Those comments may not determine playing time, but they do offer an interesting glimpse into which players have already made an impression on Baltimore's franchise quarterback.
Ja'Kobi Lane and Zion Young continue to impress.
It's been a while since Baltimore has seen so much change. A new head coach and three new coordinators among other coaching changes... New pieces on offense and defense, including two rookies who have caught QB1's attention. Jackson didn't hesitate when discussing rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane.
"Oh man, this guy, Ja'Kobi Lane is different. He is different—long arms, strong hands. I am going to say he is a physical receiver."
Jackson tempered those remarks by noting he prefers to evaluate players once the pads come on and preseason games begin. Still, he added that he believes Lane will continue making plays when the competition becomes more physical.
On the defensive side, Jackson was equally confident when asked about rookie edge rusher Zion Young. The praise continued to flow.
"Big Z, man! I feel like he is going to be one of those ones. I feel like he is going to be one of those ones. No doubt."
Veterans and young contributors are also standing out to Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson also explained why his connection with Zay Flowers has continued to flourish as they enter their third season together. He added Flowers' mentality has made developing chemistry with Flowers a natural process.
"I think I said this probably a few days ago. Zay is a guy that's hungry. His work ethic, it makes my job a lot easier. He wants the ball in his hands. He wants to make things happen. He wants to put his team in a position to win."
Another player who caught Jackson's attention was defensive back Keyon Martin. A former undrafted rookie free-agent addition who now enters year two, he has been one of the early standouts of training camp.
"Man, Keyon Martin has got a knack for the ball. He's a guy that's hungry. He wants to be on the field. He wants to be a difference maker for the defense. He's like a little gnat out there. He is going to come up and try to make some tackles. He does what a nickel is supposed to do."
Jackson's comments also echoed recent praise from head coach Jesse Minter, who commended Martin for consistently stacking productive practices and making the most of his opportunities. Training camp is still in its early stages, and Jackson's endorsements won't guarantee bigger roles once the regular season arrives.
They do, however, identify the players who have already earned the attention of one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. If those early impressions continue to grow over the coming weeks, Lane, Flowers, Martin and Young could all find themselves playing meaningful roles when the Ravens open the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson raves about four Ravens teammates at training camp
