The Baltimore Ravens went into training camp with a rookie wide receiver fight that looked worth watching. Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt arrived with a lot of the same selling points: both are big-bodied targets, both can win contested catches, and both were drafted close together, with Lane going in the third round and Sarratt in the fourth.
Early on, though, Lane has put some space between himself and the other rookie. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley said Lane has been the star of camp so far, and Baltimore’s own highlight reel made the point loudly with a one-handed catch that spread quickly online. Lane followed that up on Wednesday with a leaping touchdown grab over Marlon Humphrey, which only strengthened the impression that he’s been one of the standout performers in camp.
That kind of start matters because there may not be room for both rookies to break through right away. Jesse Minter has already said there will be major opportunities for at least one of them, and with Lane and Sarratt bringing such similar skill sets, it makes sense that the Ravens may only have a real opening for one player in that role. Right now, Lane is the one taking advantage.
That wasn’t the way the summer looked at the start. Sarratt had been one of the bright spots at OTAs and even had a viral catch of his own, which gave him an early edge in the conversation. But Jeff Zrebiec noted that Sarratt has looked a bit labored after suffering a leg injury during mandatory minicamp, and Lane has moved ahead while getting frontline reps.
The fit is obvious. Baltimore drafted Lane because he gives them something they’ve been missing: a physical, big target who can work the red zone.
They doubled down by taking Sarratt in the next round, but Lane’s size stands out even in a receiver room that already includes Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker. Flowers is only 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, while Bateman and Walker bring size and speed without offering the same kind of imposing frame as Lane, who checks in at 6-foot-4.
The Ravens have long been without a true physical X-receiver, and Lane looks built to fill that space. His final year at USC didn’t match the touchdown numbers he posted as a sophomore, when he caught 12 scores, but that earlier production still shows what he can do near the goal line. His ability to win contested throws gives Baltimore a different kind of threat, one that can create explosive plays and force defenses into uncomfortable matchups.
That matters because the Ravens struggled in the red zone last season, finishing 27th in red zone touchdown percentage. Declan Doyle’s play-calling should help some, but Lane could be part of the answer too. Baltimore still doesn’t have a clear No. 2 receiver next to Flowers, and while it’s early, Lane has the look of a player who could step into that spot.
For now, the rookie battle appears to be trending one way. Lane has made the stronger first impression, and after the catches he’s already put on tape in camp, he’s the one in control of the competition.
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