What was Michael Penix Jr.'s 40 time at NFL Combine?
Michael Penix Jr. had a season for the ages this past year.
The quarterback led the Washington Huskies to a National Championship appearance and placed second in the Heisman Trophy voting. He threw for over 4,900 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while adding three more touchdowns with his legs.
While Penix and the Huskies couldn't bring home the hardware, he'll be entering the 2024 NFL Draft and participating at the NFL Combine this weekend. His previously recorded 40 time according to NFL Draft Buzz is 4.64 seconds but teams will have to make a call on him without knowing what his 40-time is Combine, since he didn’t end up running it.
Sam Hartman was the only quarterback in the draft class who ran the 40-yard dash.
Where would Penix's 40 time rank all-time at the quarterback position?
Player | Time (Year) |
|---|---|
1. Michael Vick | 4.33 (2001) |
2. Reggie McNeal | 4.40 (2006) |
3. Robert Griffin III | 4.41 (2012) |
4. Anthony Richardson | 4.43 (2023) |
5. Justin Fields | 4.45 (2021) |
The jury is still out on Richardson and Fields but of the other three names on this list, only Vick had a lengthy playing career, spending 14 seasons in the NFL. McNeal played just one year and Griffin spent seven years in the pros but was mostly considered a disappointment as a former second overall pick. In other words, just because a quarterback runs fast doesn't mean he's going to be a success. Most quarterbacks aren't fast and that's okay.
Fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL history:
Player | Time (Year) |
|---|---|
1. John Ross, WR | 4.22 (2017) |
T1. Donte' Stallworth, WR | 4.22 (2002) |
3. Kalon Barnes, CB | 4.23 (2022) |
4. Chris Johnson, RB | 4.24 (2008) |
5. DJ Turner II, CB | 4.26 (2023) |
T5. Dri Archer, WR | 4.26 (2014) |
T5. Tariq Woolen, CB | 4.26 (2022) |
8. Henry Ruggs III, WR | 4.27 (2020) |
T8. Anthony Schwartz, WR | 4.27 (2021) |
T8. Marquise Goodwin, WR | 4.27 (2013) |
No quarterbacks make the top 10 in all-time 40 times, which isn't a shock since the position isn't designed to be played by a fast player. They can be quick and shifty and scramble but being fast isn't a necessity to playing the position. Just look at guys like Tom Brady and Drew Brees.
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