Even Lamar Jackson couldnt sidestep the implications of the coronavirus crisis this offseason. The Baltimore Ravens MVP quarterback said he missed training with teammates in organized team activities over the spring, and even when he brought players together for an unofficial gathering in Florida, they were limited by social distancing restrictions and closed facilities.

Still, Jackson said he found a little, regular park where he and his teammates could hold a small makeshift practice outdoors a couple months ago.

And thats where he got his first glimpse at what Baltimores group of offensive skill position players could look like in 2020.

We just wanted to go out there and get chemistry, because we didnt want to go to camp and be embarrassing ourselves, so we just got some work in, Jackson said. It wasnt how I wanted it, because we werent able to do it as much as possible, because Florida was getting shut down and stuff like that. We just got in what we [could]. Guys looked pretty good out there.

A few of those players have drawn extra attention from Ravens fans and media members as the team reports for training camp. So what does Jackson think of the prominent pieces that will surround him this season in Baltimores offense?

He offered answers Wednesday while speaking to reporters during a video conference call

Jackson on wide receiver Marquise Brown

Brown didnt need Jacksons words to balloon expectations for his second NFL season social media photos and videos showing the wide receivers new physique have already done the job but he still earned compliments from the face of the franchise. As a rookie last year, Brown caught 46 passes for 584 yards and seven touchdowns. And that was on a surgically-repaired left foot.

Now more than 18 months removed from that Lisfranc procedure, Brown is expected to be available for more practices in his second NFL season and is hopeful to avoid the pain that nagged him through 2019.

Hes packed on muscle and shown off his athleticism throughout the offseason in videos posted to social media.

I feel like he is going to have a huge jump, more than people may think, Jackson said. He was hurt last year. People didnt know that. But he went out there and battled his tail off each and every game on a messed-up foot. And now his full potential is going to show this year, I feel. Hes still young, but he is going to show off. And my job is to get the ball out quicker, because hes a lot faster with that foot at 100 percent.

Jackson on two rookie wide receivers

The Ravens took Devin Duvernay out of Texas in the third round of Aprils draft and selected SMUs James Proche in the sixth round, adding two of college footballs most prolific pass catchers to their receiving corps. Duvernay helped solidify his status as a top-flight prospect when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the NFL combine, and Proche racked up 111 receptions as a senior at SMU, tied for the most in the NCAAs football bowl subdivision.

I watched a few highlights when we drafted them, Jackson said. I feel like theyre it. Devin is fast, hes a fast guy. James Proche his route-running and his hands are different. I just cant wait to see them when we got the pads on.

Jackson on the Ravens running backs

Though Jackson led the Ravens with 1,206 rushing yards last season, an NFL record for a quarterback, he doesnt think Baltimores ground game will struggle much if he carries the ball less often in 2020. The Ravens drafted Ohio States J.K. Dobbins in the second round this year, and hell join a running backs rotation already stocked with talent.

I dont really put my mind on, Oh, well I have to run a lot, or this and that, Jackson said. Weve got great running backs. Weve got Mark Ingram, weve got Gus Edwards, weve got Justice Hill, weve got J.K. Dobbins. I feel like were going to be pretty good with the rushing part. But if I have to, if the play breaks down and no one is open, then Ill do my thing. But other than that, were pretty good.

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

Aaron Kasinitz covers the Baltimore Ravens for PennLive and can be reached at akasinitz@pennlive.com or on Twitter @AaronKazreports. Follow PennLives Ravens coverage on Facebook and Youtube.

Go here to read the rest:

What Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson thinks of Marquise Browns progress, rookie receivers and more - PennLive