One of the defining qualities of the quarterback in the NFL is speed. While most other qualities, such as arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making, are extensively discussed, it is eluding defense that delineates one that will be the play of the game from one that never would have been. We will run through some of the fastest quarterbacks in the NFL, looking at 40-yard dash times and their games. From the fast, bigger-than-life running legends of yesteryears to the fleet-footed quarterback of modern times, we will find out who claims the spot as the fastest quarterback in the NFL.
Who Is The Fastest Quarterback In The NFL?
Together with shifting 40 performances from various players and the rise of new talent, the title of the fastest quarterback in the NFL has mostly changed hands. It is currently held by Lamar Jackson, a quarterback playing for the Baltimore Ravens. He dominates the times for 40 yards and has unrivaled in-game speed. Besides, his dexterity and swiftness bless him as a dual-threat quarterback who can make one miss and finish big plays off.
The Evolution of Speed in NFL Quarterbacks
April 2022 has seen just a couple of the most sensational quarterback draft prospects to make their way into the world of the NFL. Furthermore, both are known to be very fast and agile. The speed evolution of NFL quarterbacks has had dramatic effects on the game. These days, if one reflects back far enough, it will be realized that most of those early quarterbacks were a Passing 101 group. However, the position became more multidimensional as time passed. From Michael Vick, many feel that a quarterback with elite speed is all-powerful. In fact, Vick’s influence is felt in today’s gameplay, which greatly emphasizes speed and agility.
Signal callers in the game today mostly emulate this development with players like Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray. With his pure speed and quickness, Jackson has shifted the dynamics of a dual-threat quarterback. He eludes defenders as much as the best do and turns busted plays into huge yardage again, which no doubt keeps opposing defenses up at night. In a similar way, the agility and acceleration of Murray allow him to weave through tiny areas and importantly keep him a threat inside and outside the pocket.
Emphasizing speed isn’t limited to individual skills at quarterback—it dictates team strategy. Coaches are creating plays nowadays to take advantage of their quarterback’s speed—read-option and designed quarterback runs. That has defenses adjusting—generally widening out—and creates opportunities for big plays.
Long quarterback speed also manifests in how much leadership and confidence he exudes on the field. Where a fast quarterback is concerned, there can be a great swing in the game—a mobilization of belief in one’s own team players while putting pressure on the opposing side. Sometimes, such mental effects may come to the fore just as potently as the physical effects of speed.
In brief, the evolution of speed in NFL quarterbacks changed the game. It brought in new strategic elements to the game, elevated athleticism, and further gave football the dynamic and electrifying aspect of it. As the game continues to evolve, probably the fastest quarterbacks will be creating at the vanguard of this most interesting trend.
Current Fastest Quarterbacks in the NFL
Lamar Jackson: A Speed Sensation
Lamar Jackson, one of the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterbacks, is considered by most to be the fastest quarterback in the NFL. Known for his electric speed and ability to make them miss, Jackson has set a lot of records for the yardage he gains rushing as a quarterback. His 4.34 40 time is the stuff of legend, just like the kind of in-game speed that regularly has defenders grasping at air. This agility allows Jackson to change directions in a heartbeat, and thus, he is a dual-threat quarterback who is just as dangerous running the ball as when passing.
Kyler Murray: Personified Quickness
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray puts quickness and speed into a compact frame. His 4.38 40-yard dash is fast, but it’s his ability to accelerate quickly that really sets him apart. This quickness allows Murray to extend plays by getting out of pressure and lets his receivers have more time to get open. His agility in and out provides what makes him very difficult to defend against in the pocket.
Jalen Hurts: A Star in the Making
Jalen Hurts has come to be recognized as one of the more promising running QBs in the league for the Philadelphia Eagles. His powerful and strong physical nature, coupled with his speed, had him running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His ability to be not just someone able to truck through tackles but also have some speed makes him a really tough guy to handle. That speed will only grow Hurts’ ability as a dual-threat guy, exemplified in the form of correctly executed read-option plays.
Justin Fields: Blazing Speed
Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears had them all talking about his 4.44-second 40-yard dash. With his blend of size, speed, and athleticism, he stands about as dynamic as any quarterback in the NFL. It’s Fields’ speed that turns what could be an otherwise potential loss into big gains, thereby keeping defenses honest and adding another dimension to what they’re going to do offensively for the Bears.
Why Quarterback Speed Matters
Expanding Offensive Systems: Speed allows a quarterback to execute many varied plays, including read options, quarterback draws, and designed runs. All that new variability thus presented to the offense increases their depth factor so much as to become less predictable and very difficult to game plan against.
Keeping Defenses Honest: A mobile quarterback can essentially deter defenses from ever being able to pin their full commitment to stopping the pass or the run. Dual-threat ability will make defenders disciplined, cautious, and less aggressive in making plays.
Making Highlight-Reel Plays: Big plays that are graded as highlight-reel plays are almost always made by fast, nimble quarterbacks. That energizes teams and fans, creates a psychological edge, and is a big momentum-builder.
Conclusion
The quickest quarterbacks in the NFL create a special dynamic in the game, merging speed with talent to make a multi-dimensional threat. Along with the ability to take on defenders with speed, extend plays, and help out a scheme of offense, they prove to be big assets to their respective teams. As the seasons keep changing, so will the importance of speed in NFL quarterbacks—cementing the fastest players at the forefront of the league’s most exciting moments.
FAQ’s
Q. Who is the fastest quarterback to run a 40-yard dash on record?
A. The record is held by Michael Vick, at an unofficial due time of 4.33 seconds.
Q. How does speed factor into a quarterback’s draft prospects?
A. Speed can greatly improve a quarterback’s draft stock since it represents athleticism and therefore the potential for dual-threat abilities.
Q. Can a slow quarterback still have success in the NFL?
A. Actually, yes, many great quarterbacks who do not consider speed as part of their arsenal just bank on passing, decision-making, and football IQ.
