NFL Combine 2014: Derek Carr Runs Fast 40-yard Dash
By Joe Wedra
Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Derek Carr of Fresno State (4) drops back to pass against the North squad during the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday kicked off the NFL Scouting Combine for the skilled-position players. Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers took the stage to show off their talents to all 32 NFL teams.
The QBs started off the day with a first group that was headlined by Tajh Boyd, Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, and Derek Carr.
Carr ran third after Bortles and Boyd, who both ran about a 4.80 respectively. The Fresno State quarterback ran two times of 4.68 and 4.65, both unofficially times by NFL Network. The fastest time among the first group of quarterbacks, unofficially, was Manziel’s 4.56.
Carr’s quick time is surprising to some considering that he is generally viewed as a pocket passer. Sunday’s time might help teams decide that he can effectively move out of the pocket and make plays with his feet.
Most rankings view Carr as the 4th-ranked passer in this draft, behind Bortles, Manziel, and Teddy Bridgewater. Although he might not be as fine-tuned as the top three, Carr can sling the ball and make the opposing secondary second-guess taking a play off.
Carr may have some options at the end of the first round. Look for the Arizona Cardinals to check out Carr late in the first. Carson Palmer isn’t the long-term answer and it would help Carr to learn under an experience veteran.
Here’s a full recap of the first group of 40-times from the quarterbacks:
Blake Bortles: 4.81, 4.88
Tajh Boyd: 4.75, 4.84
Derek Carr: 4.68, 4.65
David Fales: 4.94, 5.03
Jimmy Garoppolo: 4.93, 4.95
Jordan Lynch: 4.72
Johnny Manziel: 4.63, 4.56
AJ McCarron: 4.94, 4.91
Jeff Matthews: 5.22
Stay tuned for official times once they become available…