Lamar Jackson was one of college football’s most productive quarterbacks over the last two seasons, but a sliver of the NFL community is looking for the Louisville product to play wide receiver in the pros.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long thinks that’s foolish.
“If I’m LJ and a team asked me to work out at WR, I wouldn’t want to play for that team. It’s insulting. Additionally, asserting that he can improve and develop (like any pro prospect) shouldn’t be controversial.”
Long added Jackson “has been more fun to watch than anyone in CFB and has a ridiculous ceiling,” also saying he’s angered that NFL general managers have perpetuated the message.
Former executive Bill Polian called Jackson short and slight, and the comments sparked another round of “Lamar to WR” opinions.
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, on the other hand, laughed at the idea of shifting Jackson from quarterback. Besides, the dual-threat star is exactly the same size as Andy Dalton when the now-Cincinnati Bengals quarterback was at the NFL Scouting Combine.
If Jackson doesn’t thrive as a quarterback, then sure, move him out to wide receiver. But if an NFL team doesn’t even want to give Jackson a chance behind center, that’s an indefensible mistake.