Baltimore Ravens rookie Ja’Kobi Lane has been the standout offensive performer for the franchise during training camp. The former USC Trojans wide receiver, who was selected No. 80 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, bolstered his reputation with a spectacular one-handed catch during training on Tuesday.
Former NFL Stars Blown Away by Ravens Rookie’s Spectacular Play
Former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant was awed by Lane’s catch during the Ravens’ training camp and proceeded to laud the wide receiver’s talent on social media.
“If I tell you a player is legit, he’s legit. And yes, I truly believe I scout players better than a lot of people! First round talent!” Bryant wrote.
Even before the 2026 NFL Draft, Bryant listed Lane as the No. 3 wide receiver in this year’s class, just behind Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate.
Former New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas also applauded the NFL rookie’s stunning catch.
“If bro say you can’t guard him, you can’t guard him. Do your research, it’s a mentality,” Thomas posted.
Talented wide receiver Zay Flowers will be quarterback Lamar Jackson’s preferred target next season. Still, Lane and former Indiana Hoosiers standout Elijah Sarratt could play important roles in the Ravens’ offense.
After Tuesday’s practice session, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter praised Lane’s spectacular play and highlighted the trust building between the wide receiver and Jackson.
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“Somebody has to make a play, and sometimes just keeping your head down, going to the next play, and making a play can change the momentum. And so that was a great play by Ja’Kobi. He’s continued to flash and make those types of plays,” Minter said.
“You’re always searching for consistency down after down. But again, the more he shows Lamar that he’s making those types of plays, the more trust they build. And that’s really what training camp and what practice is all about.”
After a slow start to his college football career as a freshman at USC, Lane’s production exploded in his sophomore season. He tallied 525 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 43 receptions in his breakout season.
In his final college football season, the mercurial Makai Lemon, who was selected No. 20 on draft night by the Philadelphia Eagles, outshone Lane in the Trojans’ offense and was often quarterback Jayden Maiava’s preferred target.
Despite his offensive struggles in his final season, Lane still registered 745 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 49 receptions for the Trojans. He earned a PFN College Wide Receiver Impact score of 79.0, good enough for No. 61 in the country.
