In a fairly surprising move, quarterback Lamar Jackson elected not to run a 40-yard dash at Louisville’s pro day workout Thursday morning. The former Heisman Trophy winner came equipped with a reason for his decision, though. Jackson also decided to not run the 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
“Game speed is going to tell it all,” Jackson told Mike Mayock during an NFL Network broadcast of Louisville’s pro day. “You got to catch me first.”
All 32 teams in the league were represented at Louisville’s pro day. Some notable coaches and executives in attendance, noted by NFL.com’s Albert Breer (on Twitter), included Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and quarterbacks coach Shane Steichen, Patriots vice president of player personnel Nick Caserio and Titans general manager Jon Robinson.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was in attendance as well, according to Mark Caboly of The Athletic (on Twitter), while the Dolphins didn’t feel the need to show up in full force as he’s eligible to work out at the teams’ facility because he lives in the Miami metro area, per ESPN’s Chris Mortensen (on Twitter).
Jackson, who has yet to hire an agent, is widely considered to go in either the first or second round of the upcoming draft. He’s amongst a talented class of quarterbacks that includes Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and the reigning Heisman winner, Baker Mayfield.
There’s been speculation that teams would look to shift Jackson to wide receiver once in the NFL and multiple teams had asked him to work out at the position earlier this month. That speculation certainly could’ve driven Jackson’s decision to not run the 40-yard dash at the combine or his pro day.
Can Jackson catch?
Or block?
Can he kick?
He refused to work out as a kicker. So, who knows?
Pittsburgh end of the first. Plays a Kordell Stewart “slash” role until Ben hangs em up. Scary thought!
Tomlin is definitely thinking that scary thought.
People are saying this so much that by law of averages it’s probably not gonna happen.
And why Pittsburgh has this obsession with Cordell Stewart is beyond me.
Future WR in the league….Terrelle Pryor part 2….might start at qb but if he wants to stay in the league he will switch at some point to wr.
Why didn’t he just tell the truth and say his mom won’t let him run the 40?
There was an ESPN report saying that teams have been calling for a meeting with this kid and no one calls them back. Former Heisman winner with mom issues. This guy is Vince Young 2.0
I find it hard to believe if teams are asking him to workout as a WR that he will be taken within the first two rounds of the draft as a QB
13!