Editor’s note: Mike Martz not only is a longtime NFL head coach who has tutored MVP quarterbacks along the way, he also has a background in kinesiology. So when The 33rd Team asked Martz about the 10-12 pounds of lean-muscle gain (some reports had it as high as 25) that Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson put on in the offseason, his words carried, well, more weight.

I don’t think it’s a good idea. If he was a pocket passer, you would like to see Jackson bulk up a bit. It would help him withstand some of the things that can happen in the pocket.

But I remember, I asked Marshall Faulk to put some weight on and lift one year, and it was a disaster. The weight slowed him down. He didn’t feel comfortable with it, and I wish I hadn’t asked him to do that.

One of those days☀️ pic.twitter.com/VQPHvNrp5o

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) July 7, 2022

What’s unique about Jackson is how he gets out of the pocket and runs with the ball. The added weight would affect that ability. He doesn’t know that now, but his speed would be affected. How much? I don’t know.

Baltimore just has to protect him better. Putting weight on to withstand some hits, I don’t think that’s the answer. You just have to protect him as best you can, and let Jackson do what he does. That’s just the nature of the beast here. You can’t put 15-25 pounds of weight on and not have it affect your speed, quickness and running ability.

I’d understand it if he was a pocket passer. That would be a very good idea, especially if that weight is muscle. But Jackson is a mobile quarterback, and you can’t be adding weight and not have it affect your speed.