Baltimore Ravens rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane has received some huge praise from Michael Thomas.
Baltimore Ravens rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane is continuing to put up highlight-reel catches during training camp, and he has garnered plenty of praise from fellow teammates and head coach Jesse Minter.
Now, Lane has received a glowing endorsement from a receiver that he looks up to: Michael Thomas. The former New Orleans Saints playmaker shouted out the rookie on X, and offered some huge praise for the receiver.
Initially, Thomas shouted out Lane on Aug. 4, with an X post that showcased one of the rookie's highlight reel catches.
Thomas then responded to a clip of Lane talking about even being mentioned in the same breath as the All-Pro pass catcher.
"That's where I got my Instagram name from," Lane said. "Can't Guard Mike. So, uh that that dude is the the goat in my eyes and I think uh being able to be compared by him is is is a of nothing but a blessing. But at the same time, uh I haven't done half the stuff he's done in the NFL. So, just trying to realize that and do it in my own way and just grow every day."
Lane's appreciation for drawing comparisons to Thomas also prompted another response.
"you’re on your way I promise you. One day at a time it’s evident," Thomas said on X.
Lane does have a long way to go in the NFL, but he has consistently made plays during training camp, which led to Minter calling out his "consistency."
"You're far enough in that there is consistency now. There is consistency in making really nice contested catches, being a really friendly target for the quarterback. He's learning a lot. The offense is completely different than what he was used to in college. He's in here, he's working hard ... love to see it every day making those kinds of plays," Minter said.
Minter said back during minicamp and OTAs that one of the rookies would get a "major opportunity." While there is plenty of training camp and preseason left to get through, Lane could be that player who is working himself into a sizable role.
Zay Flowers is currently dealing with an injury that will keep him out of practice for a few days and is unlikely to play in the team's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 15. Rashod Bateman might also not play, which gives Lane the chance to show what he can do in a game setting.
The same can be said for fellow rookie receiver Elijah Sarratt.
Preseason games are a time when head coaches can evaluate their rosters to determine competition, find issues, and more. The young Ravens players will get plenty of opportunities to showcase what they can do against the Eagles.
