n a draft class headlined by names like Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, and Trinidad Chambliss, one quarterback continues to fly under the radar — Taylen Green, the dual-threat signal caller out of Arkansas State (formerly Boise State). While others get the national spotlight, Green’s blend of size, speed, and arm strength quietly makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
At 6’6”, 224 pounds, Green looks like he was built in a lab for the modern game. He’s an imposing figure in the pocket who can shrug off pressure, yet when he tucks the ball and runs, he moves like a wide receiver. Scouts clocked his 40-yard dash at 4.41 seconds, a staggering number for a quarterback his size — putting him in the same rare athletic category as players like Cam Newton, Anthony Richardson, and even Michael Vick.
Despite that, he’s rarely mentioned among the top three quarterbacks on most boards. But for teams willing to look beyond the hype, Taylen Green might be the steal of the entire draft.
College Production: From Boise to Breakout
Green first burst onto the scene at Boise State, where he took over the starting job as a redshirt freshman in 2022 and immediately showcased his dynamic athleticism. That season, he threw for over 2,000 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, while adding nearly 600 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
After transferring to Arkansas , he continued to refine his game, showing improved accuracy and touch on intermediate throws. His completion percentage climbed into the mid-60s, and his interception rate dropped as his decision-making matured. Scouts have noted his improved pocket discipline and ability to reset his feet and fire strikes downfield — signs of a quarterback who’s developing fast.
While his passing numbers don’t jump off the page compared to some of the pure pocket passers in this class, the total package tells the story of a quarterback who can win in multiple ways — through the air, on the ground, and with leadership.
Strengths
1. Elite Athleticism
Simply put, Taylen Green moves like no quarterback his size should. His 4.41 speed would rank among the top times ever recorded for a QB at the combine. He’s explosive in the open field and can turn broken plays into highlight runs. That athleticism forces defenses to account for him on every snap — opening lanes for both the run game and play-action passing.
2. Arm Strength and Velocity
Green’s arm strength is elite. He generates easy velocity and can drive the ball 60+ yards with minimal effort. His deep-ball mechanics have improved considerably, and his high release point allows him to fire passes over defenders without sacrificing zip. In offenses that stretch the field vertically, he could thrive immediately.
3. Size and Durability
At 6’6”, 224, Green has the frame to withstand hits in the pocket and when scrambling. He’s built more like a power forward than a quarterback, which gives him a physical advantage when extending plays or converting in short-yardage situations.
4. Rushing Ability
Green’s mobility is special — not just straight-line speed, but agility and balance. He averaged over 6 yards per carryacross his college career and scored more than 20 rushing touchdowns. His acceleration through contact is something few quarterbacks can replicate.
5. Leadership and Work Ethic
Coaches at both Boise State and Arkansas State have praised Green’s attitude and preparation. He’s regarded as a quiet but confident leader who commands the locker room and takes pride in studying film.
Weaknesses
1. Consistency with Mechanics
While his throwing motion has improved, Green can still get inconsistent with his footwork, especially under pressure. This leads to occasional inaccuracy on short and intermediate throws. When his base isn’t set, his velocity can outpace his timing.
2. Anticipation and Progressions
He’s made progress reading defenses, but his eyes can linger on his first read a beat too long. NFL defenses will challenge him to process faster. Developing anticipation throws — releasing before the receiver breaks — will be key to unlocking his next level.
3. Scheme Fit and Development Time
Green’s ideal fit is in an offense that utilizes designed quarterback runs, rollouts, and deep play-action concepts. He’s not yet a refined pocket passer ready to run a timing-heavy system from day one. He’ll need a patient coaching staff willing to build around his strengths while refining the rest.
Projected Combine and Athletic Profile
| Attribute | Combine Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’6” |
| Weight | 224 lbs |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.41 seconds |
| Vertical Jump | 34.7” |
| Broad Jump | 9’11” |
| Throw Velocity | 62+ mph |
These numbers would make him one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the entire draft class — arguably more explosive than Sellers and just behind Chambliss in raw straight-line speed.
NFL Comparison: Cam Newton meets Terrell Pryor
Green’s blend of size, speed, and arm strength is reminiscent of Cam Newton, though he’s not as polished as a passer yet. His movement skills, however, draw parallels to Terrell Pryor — smooth, sudden, and dangerous in space. If he continues to refine his accuracy and timing, he could carve out a career that looks a lot like early-career Newton: a dominant athlete who dictates how defenses play.
Why He’s Being Overlooked
So why isn’t Taylen Green being mentioned in the same breath as Manning, Sellers, or Chambliss? Simple — he doesn’t come from a traditional powerhouse program, and his passing production hasn’t reached the flashy statistical thresholds scouts love to cite. But context matters.
At Boise and Arkansas State, Green played behind inconsistent offensive lines and without elite receiving talent. Yet, he still managed to create explosive plays weekly and lead his team to wins. For scouts willing to project forward rather than backward, the ceiling is enormous.
In today’s NFL — and in any competitive league — teams crave quarterbacks who can create when the structure breaks down. Green does that better than almost anyone in this class.
How He Can Shock Scouts and GMs
All it takes is one team to see the upside. Green’s physical gifts make him the kind of player who dominates workouts and interviews. A strong showing at the combine could push him from a mid-round sleeper to an early second-round, even late first-round candidate.
In the right system — think Baltimore’s RPO-heavy scheme, or a Philadelphia-style spread with power QB runs — Green could immediately stress defenses. His ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally adds a layer most offenses simply can’t replicate.
If a team invests in developing his footwork and decision-making, Taylen Green could be this year’s version of the quarterback who “came out of nowhere” to become a star.
Final Outlook: The Sleeping Giant
Taylen Green isn’t just an athletic project — he’s a legitimate quarterback prospect with tools that can redefine a franchise’s offensive ceiling. While others get the early attention, Green sits patiently in the background, waiting for his chance to prove he belongs among the elite.
His combination of 4.41 speed, elite throw power, and prototypical frame makes him a nightmare matchup waiting to happen. If he lands in a system that plays to his strengths, don’t be surprised if he’s the one making headlines a few seasons from now — not the ones taken before him.
Taylen Green may not be a top-3 name yet… but he’s the quarterback no one wants to face once he gets there.
