Taylen Green came into the 2026 NFL Combine with plenty to prove after a less-than-ideal 2025 campaign with the Arkansas Razorbacks. The swift quarterback knew that Lucas Oil Field was the stage he needed to put subpar performances behind him, and he took a huge first step towards that on Saturday.
Taylen Green Stands Out In 40-Yard Dash
Green didn’t just blow the scouts away, not to mention everyone who was in attendance in Indianapolis; it made him one of the fastest quarterbacks to ever run the drill.
Adam Schefter reported via X on Saturday that Green’s 4.36 time was the 2nd-fastest in combine history. He posted the list of the five quarterbacks who ran the drill on Saturday, noting, “This year’s QB 40 times, with Taylen Green’s 4.36 being the second-best time for a QB in Combine history.”
While it almost immediately creates a feel-good storyline for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, the truth is that Green had to stand out to this extent. He led Arkansas to a dismal 2025 campaign marked by injury struggles and a late-season benching, resulting in a 2-10 record.
The season began with high hopes that included a 2-0 start with Green throwing 10 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions, and added 192 rushing yards with 1 score on the ground. From there, everything crumbled, though, with 10 consecutive losses to close out their 2025 season, and Green was benched for the final outing against Missouri.
Green’s speedy, near-historical run took the spotlight, but the four other prospects who displayed their 40-yard skills ranged from quick to the usual quarterback speeds.
Here’s the full list of quarterbacks’ 40 times at the 2026 NFL Combine:
- Taylon Green – 4.36
- Haynes King – 4.46
- Cole Payton – 4.56
- Jalon Daniels – 4.65
- Sawyer Robertson – 4.65
- Luke Altmyer – 4.72
- Joe Fagnano – 4.83
This year’s QB 40 times, with Taylen Green’s 4.36 being the second-best time for a QB in Combine history. pic.twitter.com/rgXtiouL4x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2026
Out of those prospects, Green did the most to raise himself above the pack, even if only for a moment. PFSN’s scouting report saw upside in Green, but also recognized the plethora of reasons to avoid an intensive project for a quarterback.
According to the report, “Green’s field vision, accuracy, and risk aversion remain sore areas, even after four years as a starter. Green can catapult up boards with a strong pre-draft cycle, and has the raw physical talent of a starter, but it remains to be seen if he can handle the hastened pace of the NFL.”
Talking about development, “In the right environment, with time to sit, he could grow, but his more likely outcome is that of a backup and eventual spot-starter.”
Only Green can prove those negative traits wrong, or at least prove to a franchise that he is coachable and will be amenable to the kind of work it will take to make him an NFL-caliber passer. Running a 4.36 is a great way to start out, though.
