Taylen Green Sets QB Records as Deion Burks Leads WRs at NFL Combine Workouts

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green set modern combine records with a 43.5-inch vertical and a 4.36-second 40-yard dash during Saturday's NFL combine workouts.

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green headlined Day 3 of the NFL combine workouts by setting multiple modern records for his position at Lucas Oil Stadium. The 6-foot-6, 227-pound passer recorded a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, both of which surpassed previous record-holder Anthony Richardson Sr. by three inches. Green also clocked a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time for a quarterback since at least 2003. These performances occurred as the 2026 draft class prospects for quarterback, wide receiver, and running back took the field following defensive sessions on Thursday and Friday.

In the wide receiver group, Oklahoma’s Deion Burks posted the fastest 40-yard dash at 4.3 seconds. Burks, measuring 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, added a 42.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-11 broad jump but opted out of positional drills. Cincinnati’s Jeff Caldwell, standing 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, recorded a 4.31-second 40-yard dash alongside a 42-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Georgia’s Zachariah Branch finished his 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds with a 1.5-second 10-yard split, complementing his 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump.

Running Back Speed and Quarterback Rankings

The running back position saw its fastest average 40-yard dash time since 2003, with the group averaging 4.45 seconds. Mike Washington Jr. of Arkansas led the RBs with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at 223 pounds. Washington also placed second in his position group for the vertical jump (39 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-8). Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love weighed in at 213 pounds and matched Jahmyr Gibbs’ historical 4.36-second 40-yard dash time. Love participated in pass-catching drills and bag drills, showcasing agility that has him ranked as the top overall player on Matt Miller’s board.

Regarding the quarterback hierarchy, Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) did not work out but remains a favorite for the top overall pick. Ty Simpson from Alabama, measuring 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, participated only in throwing drills, demonstrating improved footwork timing. The battle for the third quarterback spot involved Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Carson Beck (Miami), and Drew Allar (Penn State). Nussmeier, at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, executed throws at every level with high velocity. Allar returned from a season-ending ankle injury to showcase his arm strength despite an inaccurate start, while Beck is currently viewed by some scouts as the favorite for the QB3 designation.

Wide Receiver Standouts and Testing Numbers

Skyler Bell of UConn boosted his stock by running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and leaping 41 inches in the vertical jump at 192 pounds. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate measured 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, recording a 4.54-second 40-yard dash. Denzel Boston of Washington, standing 6-foot-4, opted for limited testing, posting a 35-inch vertical and a 4.28-second short shuttle, though he struggled with drops during on-field drills. Makai Lemon (USC) focused exclusively on positional work, measuring 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds while demonstrating fluid route running.

First-round wide receiver prospects Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, and Omar Cooper Jr. all participated to solidify their top-32 status. The depth of the class was further evidenced by the 18 receivers currently ranked in Matt Miller’s top 100. While the offensive line is scheduled to close the event at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, the Saturday skill position session highlighted elite testing from non-first-rounders like Jeff Caldwell and Deion Burks, who are now viewed as potential Day 2 selections.

Defensive Back and Tight End Records

Friday’s defensive back and tight end sessions also produced historic data points. Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers set modern combine records for his position with a 45.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-3 broad jump. The 6-foot-4, 239-pound former quarterback is now considered the No. 2 tight end by some evaluators. In the secondary, the safety group averaged a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, the fastest mark since 2003. LSU’s A.J. Haulcy, a 215-pound safety, ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash and has recorded eight interceptions over the last two seasons.

Among cornerbacks, Indiana’s D'Angelo Ponds recorded the best vertical jump for his position at 43.5 inches. Washington’s Tacario Davis, standing 6-foot-4, ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. Georgia’s Daylen Everette posted a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 37.5-inch vertical. San Diego State’s Chris Johnson clocked a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, while Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad quieted speed concerns with a 4.42-second run. South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse reached 41 inches in the vertical jump and 10-foot-11 in the broad jump before a hamstring issue prevented him from running his 40-yard dash. Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) did not participate as he continues to recover from a January 2025 ACL tear.