Lamar Jackson Combine Time: Did He Run At The NFL Combine?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a frequently asked question about one of the most electrifying players in the NFL: Lamar Jackson. Specifically, we're tackling the question of his combine performance – or rather, his lack of one. Did Lamar Jackson run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine? What were his measurements? We'll break it all down for you, exploring the reasons behind his decision and what it means in the context of his incredible career.

The Decision Not to Run: Why Lamar Jackson Skipped the 40-Yard Dash

Lamar Jackson's decision to not run the 40-yard dash, or participate in many of the traditional drills at the NFL Combine, raised eyebrows back in 2018. Unlike many quarterbacks who use the combine as a platform to showcase their athleticism and arm strength, Jackson chose a different path. His decision wasn't about lacking confidence in his speed or agility; instead, it stemmed from his firm belief that he was a quarterback, first and foremost, and wanted to be evaluated as such. He participated in the throwing drills, displaying his arm talent, but opted out of the running and agility drills typically associated with quarterbacks known for their rushing ability.

This decision was a bold statement. In a league often quick to label quarterbacks with running prowess as “athletes” rather than pure passers, Jackson aimed to control the narrative. He wanted teams to focus on his arm talent, his ability to read defenses, and his decision-making – the core attributes of a quarterback. By skipping the 40-yard dash, he subtly pushed teams to view him through a different lens. It was a strategic move, designed to emphasize his quarterbacking skills and downplay the perception of him as just a running quarterback.

Furthermore, Jackson and his team likely felt that his college game film already provided ample evidence of his remarkable athleticism. His electrifying runs and highlight-reel scrambles at Louisville were undeniable. There was little to gain, and potentially much to lose, by running the 40-yard dash in a controlled environment. A mediocre time could have reinforced negative stereotypes, while a blazing fast time might have further pigeonholed him as a runner. By skipping the combine drills, he maintained control over his image and forced teams to evaluate him based on his overall body of work.

Ultimately, Lamar Jackson's decision to forgo the combine drills was a calculated risk that paid off. While some analysts questioned his choice at the time, he proved on the field that he was indeed a dynamic quarterback with the arm talent and football IQ to succeed at the highest level. His subsequent success in the NFL has validated his approach and demonstrated the importance of self-belief and strategic decision-making in the pre-draft process.

Lamar Jackson's Measurements: Height, Weight, and Hand Size

While Lamar Jackson didn't participate in the athletic testing portions of the NFL Combine, he did undergo the standard measurements. These measurements provided teams with crucial data regarding his physical stature and how he compared to other quarterbacks in the draft class. Let's take a look at Lamar Jackson's official measurements from the 2018 NFL Combine:

• Height: 6'2" (approximately 188 cm)
• Weight: 212 lbs (approximately 96 kg)
• Hand Size: 9 1/2 inches

His height of 6'2" is considered within the typical range for NFL quarterbacks, offering a good vantage point for surveying the field and making accurate throws. While not exceptionally tall, it's certainly not a disadvantage. His weight of 212 lbs provides him with a solid frame, allowing him to withstand the physical demands of the quarterback position and absorb hits from opposing defenders. The combination of his height and weight gives him a sturdy presence in the pocket, enabling him to make throws under pressure.

The most discussed measurement was probably his hand size. At 9 1/2 inches, Lamar Jackson's hand size is considered adequate, though slightly smaller than some quarterbacks. Hand size is often a point of scrutiny, as some believe it correlates with better grip and ball security, especially in inclement weather. However, Jackson has consistently demonstrated excellent ball security throughout his career, proving that hand size is not the only factor in determining a quarterback's ability to hold onto the ball. Many quarterbacks with smaller hands have had extremely successful careers, showcasing that skill, technique, and experience can overcome any perceived limitations.

These measurements, combined with his game film and throwing drills at the combine, provided teams with a comprehensive picture of Jackson's physical attributes. While the lack of a 40-yard dash time left some wondering about his true speed, his height, weight, and hand size offered valuable data points for evaluation. Ultimately, teams had to weigh these measurements against his on-field performance and determine whether he had the physical tools and talent to succeed as an NFL quarterback.

The Impact of Skipping the Combine on His Draft Stock

The decision to skip the 40-yard dash undoubtedly had some impact on Lamar Jackson's draft stock, though the extent of that impact is debatable. On one hand, it fueled the narrative that he was more of a running back than a true quarterback, a perception he was actively trying to combat. Some teams may have been hesitant to invest a high draft pick in a player who didn't conform to the traditional quarterback mold. The lack of a verifiable 40-yard dash time allowed those doubts to linger, as teams couldn't definitively quantify his speed and athleticism.

On the other hand, Lamar Jackson's exceptional college production and undeniable arm talent ultimately outweighed any concerns stemming from his combine absence. Teams that valued his unique skillset and saw his potential as a franchise quarterback were willing to look beyond the lack of a 40-yard dash time. They recognized that his game film provided more than enough evidence of his remarkable athleticism and playmaking ability. Furthermore, his strong performance in the throwing drills at the combine demonstrated his commitment to showcasing his quarterbacking skills.

The fact that he was still selected in the first round (32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens) suggests that his decision to skip the 40-yard dash didn't significantly damage his draft stock. While it may have caused some teams to pass on him, it ultimately didn't prevent him from achieving his goal of becoming a first-round pick. The Ravens, in particular, saw the immense potential in his dual-threat ability and were willing to build their offense around his unique skillset. Their willingness to embrace his unconventional style proved to be a winning strategy, as Jackson quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the league.

In retrospect, Lamar Jackson's decision to skip the 40-yard dash may have even helped his draft stock in some ways. It forced teams to focus on his quarterbacking skills and evaluate him based on his overall body of work, rather than solely on his speed. It also demonstrated his confidence in his own abilities and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. This bold approach may have resonated with teams that were looking for a quarterback who was not only talented but also possessed the mental fortitude and self-belief to lead a franchise.

Lamar Jackson's NFL Success: Proving the Doubters Wrong

Since entering the NFL, Lamar Jackson has consistently defied expectations and silenced his critics. He quickly established himself as one of the league's most electrifying players, showcasing a rare combination of arm talent, speed, and agility. His ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket has revolutionized the quarterback position and forced defenses to adapt to his unique style of play.

His list of accomplishments is impressive. In 2019, he became the second unanimous MVP in NFL history, leading the Ravens to a 14-2 record and setting numerous single-season records for a quarterback. He has also earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and has been recognized as one of the top players in the league by his peers. Beyond the individual accolades, he has led the Ravens to consistent success, guiding them to the playoffs in multiple seasons and establishing them as a perennial contender in the AFC. His impact on the Ravens' organization and the city of Baltimore has been immense.

Lamar Jackson's success has also challenged the traditional scouting metrics and pre-draft evaluations. He has proven that a quarterback doesn't need to fit a certain mold or possess ideal measurements to succeed at the highest level. His unique skillset and unconventional style of play have forced teams to re-evaluate their approach to scouting and player development. He has paved the way for other quarterbacks with similar skillsets to be given a fair chance in the NFL.

His journey from a highly debated draft prospect to a league MVP is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his own abilities. He has consistently worked to improve his game, refining his throwing mechanics, enhancing his decision-making, and expanding his knowledge of the game. He has also embraced the leadership role, becoming a vocal and respected leader in the Ravens' locker room. His success is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself, even when others doubt you.

In conclusion, while Lamar Jackson didn't run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, his incredible talent and unwavering self-belief have propelled him to achieve remarkable success in the NFL. He's not just a quarterback; he's a game-changer, an inspiration, and a testament to the power of defying expectations. So, to answer the initial question: no, he didn't run, and it didn't matter one bit! He's proven that it's what you do on the field that truly counts.