Quick Answer
Lamar Jackson was drafted in the 1st round, 32nd overall, by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft — the final pick of round one.
What Round Was Lamar Jackson Drafted In?
Lamar Jackson was drafted in the 1st round — 32nd overall — by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Ravens traded back into the end of the first round specifically to take him with the round's final pick, which also secured the team a fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
The 2018 QB Class
- #1 – Baker Mayfield (Browns)
- #3 – Sam Darnold (Jets)
- #7 – Josh Allen (Bills)
- #10 – Josh Rosen (Cardinals)
- #32 – Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Why He Fell to Pick 32
Despite winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy at Louisville, many evaluators questioned whether Jackson's dual-threat style would translate — some even suggested he switch to wide receiver. Four quarterbacks were taken ahead of him.
The doubters were wrong quickly: Jackson won the NFL MVP unanimously in 2019 at age 22, becoming one of the biggest first-round steals in modern draft history and making the 2018 class a defining QB draft.