Historically, there have been plenty of measurements and drills more important for quarterbacks than the 40-yard dash time. But with the league gradually evolving into one filled with dual-threat presences — just look at Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to name a few — it probably doesn't hurt to showcase your wheels ahead of the NFL Draft if you're a top prospect.
Ohio State's Justin Fields will probably be one of the first names off the board no matter what 40-yard dash time he posts, but there's potentially still room on the draft board to move up. As of now, the Jets have frequently been paired up not with Fields but with BYU's Zach Wilson, though nothing is set in stone. Fields could jump up to No. 2. As of now, RADIO.COM Sports' own Tim Kelly sees the Panthers trading up to the No. 3 spot to select Fields after Trevor Lawrence and Wilson are off the board. Several others see him going to the Falcons at No. 4 if the Dolphins keep their pick.
Perhaps the Jets might not let Fields fall that low if they took note of the latest video that the phenomenal athlete posted to social media on Thursday night.
An official 4.41 40-yard dash would put Fields at fourth all-time from prospects who enter the draft as quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Reference's data, which goes back to 2000.
If he stays true to his word and gets into the 4.3's, he'll join Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks to do so — though, as a side note, RG3's official NFL combine time was clocked at 4.41 seconds, tying Fields. That's some pretty good company right there, and it's no coincidence that they were selected with the No. 2 and No. 1 overall picks of their drafts, respectively.
Of course, this speed is nothing new if you've been paying attention to Ohio State football over the past two seasons.
Since joining Ohio State ahead of the 2019 season, Fields has rushed for 867 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with his tremendous passing numbers. Watch out for his electrifying Pro Day, as Ohio State's is set for March 30th as part of the "Path to the Draft Pro Day Special" at 6:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network alongside Alabama.
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