Lamar Jackson Combine Stats: Speed, Jumps & More

Alright, football fans! Let's dive into the buzz surrounding one of the most electrifying players in the NFL: Lamar Jackson. Before he became a league MVP and a quarterback who redefines the position, there was the NFL Combine. But here's the twist – Lamar didn't do all the drills. So, what happened, and what do we know about his pre-NFL measurements and workouts? Let's get into it!

The Combine Conundrum: Why No Full Workout?

The NFL Combine is the place for college players to showcase their skills to NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. It's a grueling series of tests designed to assess speed, strength, agility, and overall athleticism. Think of it as the ultimate job interview for aspiring NFL players. However, Lamar Jackson's approach to the Combine was a bit unconventional, and it's essential to understand why. Coming out of Louisville, Jackson had already established himself as a dynamic playmaker with incredible arm talent and breathtaking running ability. There was tons of debate around whether he should play quarterback or wide receiver in the NFL.

Jackson and his team decided to focus on his quarterback skills, as that’s where he believed he would thrive in the NFL. This decision influenced his combine participation. He chose to throw during the combine, displaying his arm strength, throwing motion, and ability to make various throws. He opted out of running the 40-yard dash and other agility drills to avoid any comparisons that could lead teams to view him as a running back or wide receiver. He wanted to solidify his identity as a quarterback, and his actions at the combine were strategic. By focusing on throwing and skipping the other drills, Jackson aimed to control the narrative and showcase his skills in the best light possible for his desired position.

What He Did: Throwing Drills

Lamar Jackson did participate in the throwing drills, which allowed him to display his arm talent. This was crucial for solidifying his identity as a quarterback. He wanted to prove that he could make all the necessary throws at the NFL level. During these drills, scouts got to evaluate his throwing motion, arm strength, and accuracy. He made various throws, including short passes, deep balls, and throws under pressure. His performance in the throwing drills was satisfactory, and he demonstrated the potential to develop into a proficient passer in the NFL.

What He Skipped: 40-Yard Dash and Agility Drills

Jackson chose not to participate in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, and shuttle run, among other drills. This decision raised eyebrows, as these tests are essential for evaluating a player's speed, agility, and explosiveness. However, Jackson's reasoning was clear: he didn't want to be viewed as a running back or wide receiver. He believed that his college game film already showcased his athleticism and running ability. Participating in these drills would only reinforce the perception of him as a running quarterback, which he wanted to avoid. Ultimately, it was a strategic move to control his image and emphasize his quarterbacking skills.

Lamar's Pro Day: A Glimpse of His Athleticism

While he skipped many drills at the Combine, Lamar Jackson did participate in Louisville's Pro Day. Pro Days offer a more controlled environment where players can work out in front of NFL scouts on their own terms. It's a chance to showcase specific skills and address any concerns teams might have. Although the environment is less pressured than the combine, it still allows prospects to demonstrate their athleticism and football abilities.

Pro Day Numbers and What They Mean

It’s important to remember that Pro Day numbers are often taken with a grain of salt. They aren't always as precise as Combine measurements due to differences in timing and equipment. Still, they offer a valuable insight into a player's potential.

Here's the thing: Official numbers from Lamar Jackson's Pro Day are difficult to verify definitively. However, reports suggest he ran an unofficial 4.5-second 40-yard dash. Again, take this with a grain of salt, as these numbers can be hand-timed and thus, not always completely accurate. If the reported time is close to the truth, it would've placed him among the fastest quarterbacks at the combine that year. It reinforces just how dynamic and athletic he is.

Why the Lack of Combine Numbers Didn't Matter

So, why didn't the limited Combine participation hurt Lamar Jackson's draft stock? Because, guys, what he did put on film in college was just undeniable. His college performance at Louisville spoke volumes. In his 2016 season, he threw for 3,543 passing yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2017, he passed for 3,660 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushed for 1,601 yards and 18 touchdowns. These stats were eye-popping and illustrated his incredible talent and versatility. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was unprecedented, and it was clear that he had the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL.

Game Film is King

NFL teams rely heavily on game film to evaluate prospects. Game film provides a comprehensive view of a player’s performance in real game situations. It reveals a player’s decision-making, instincts, and ability to perform under pressure. Lamar Jackson’s game film was filled with dazzling plays, showcasing his incredible arm talent, elusiveness, and playmaking ability. His game film was so impressive that it overshadowed his limited participation in combine drills. Teams were willing to take a chance on him based on what they saw on film, understanding that his unique skill set could transform their offense.

Intangibles: Leadership and Football IQ

Beyond the stats and physical attributes, Lamar Jackson possesses those intangible qualities that coaches covet: leadership and a high football IQ. He commanded the huddle, inspired his teammates, and consistently made smart decisions on the field. These qualities are hard to measure but are essential for success at the quarterback position. Teams recognized that Jackson had the potential to be a leader and a quick learner. Although he needed refinement in his passing mechanics, his football IQ and leadership skills were undeniable. His coaches and teammates raved about his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to improving his game. These intangibles made him an even more attractive prospect, convincing teams that he had the potential to become a franchise quarterback.

The Draft Result and the Impact on the NFL

Despite the unconventional Combine approach, the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. It's safe to say that this pick has dramatically impacted the league.

Changing the Game

Lamar Jackson's success has influenced how teams evaluate quarterbacks. He proved that a quarterback doesn't need to fit the traditional mold to be successful. His unique skill set and playing style have paved the way for other mobile quarterbacks to thrive in the NFL. Teams are now more open to quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs and are willing to adapt their offenses to suit their quarterback's strengths. This shift in mindset has opened up new possibilities for quarterback prospects and has transformed the way the game is played.

A New Breed of Quarterback

Jackson represents a new breed of quarterback – one who can beat you with his arm and his legs. His electrifying playing style has captured the imagination of fans and has inspired a new generation of quarterbacks. He has demonstrated that you can be a successful quarterback while also being a dynamic runner. His versatility has made him a nightmare for defensive coordinators, who have struggled to contain his dual-threat abilities. He has redefined the quarterback position and has shown that it is possible to excel while breaking the traditional mold.

Conclusion: Lamar Jackson's Lasting Legacy

In conclusion, while Lamar Jackson's Combine numbers are incomplete, his impact on the NFL is undeniable. He's proof that game film, talent, and intangible qualities often outweigh combine statistics. He is a dynamic playmaker who has revolutionized the quarterback position, inspiring countless athletes. His leadership, football IQ, and unwavering determination have made him a role model for aspiring quarterbacks. Ultimately, Lamar Jackson's legacy extends far beyond the football field, as he has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

So, the next time you hear someone talking about the importance of Combine numbers, remember the story of Lamar Jackson. Sometimes, the most important things can't be measured. What do you guys think about Lamar Jackson skipping most of the combine? Did he make the right choice? Let me know in the comments below!