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Five NFL Teams who should draft Lamar Jackson in 2018

By Jerran Anderson

Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Syracuse Orange defensive back Cordell Hudson (20) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Syracuse Orange defensive back Cordell Hudson (20) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a hard fall from grace. They rank 23rd in the NFL in points per game (20.6) with a record of 5-7-1. Quarterback Andy Dalton is fifth in the league this season in passing yards (3,375) but is fourth in sacks taken (32). It may be time the Bengals looked for a dual-threat quarterback like Lamar Jackson to add to their arsenal. The Bengals are ninth in yards per game at 371.1 yards per contest but it hasn’t translated to the win column.

Dalton has fumbled a career-high six times so far this season and his favorite target wide receiver A.J. Green has been out the last three games with a hamstring injury. Scoring the football has been the biggest issue for Cincinnati. They average 106.4 rushing yards per game, 14th in the NFL. Through the air, they average 256.5 passing yards per game, 11th in the NFL.

Jackson isn’t shy as he scored 51 total touchdowns (30 passing, 21 rushing) this season. Granted, he probably won’t be able to rush for 1,500 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in an NFL season. Getting to 30 passing touchdowns is reason enough to at least give Jackson a shot if the possibility arises.

With the Bengals on the verge of missing the playoffs after going 12-4 in 2015, they could look to go a different direction if 2017 goes the same way. If they have the chance to draft Jackson, why not take it?

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