Buffalo QB Tyree Jackson displays eyebrow-raising numbers at NFL Combine

Buffalo QB Tyree Jackson has been a compelling prospect on NFL Draft boards. Declaring for the draft after the completion of his junior season, many teams have been allured by Jackson’s size and arm strength.

At 6’7”, Jackson is taller than all current NFL quarterbacks with the exception of Miami Dolphins backup Brock Osweiler. He’s an absolute machine of a quarterback — 249 pounds and hands that measure 10.25 inches long.

And somehow, with that frame, Jackson managed to record one of the fastest 40-yard dash of all 2019 NFL quarterbacks. Jackson bolted those 40 yards in 4.59 seconds. As of the time of this writing, only Penn State’s Trace McSorley (6’0”) has clocked in a faster 40 for a quarterback (4.58). Jackson’s 4.59 (unofficial) was faster than Deshaun Watson (4.66), faster than Johnny Manziel (4.68), and faster than fellow tall quarterback Josh Allen (4.75).

Jackson actually began his college career as a more mobile quarterback. He rushed for 399 yards on 99 attempts in his freshman season, but after a knee injury in 2017, Jackson’s presence in the pocket increased. Upon return from injury, he was instantly better at throwing in the pocket and frequented the deep ball — one of his greatest assets — more often. Buffalo’s offense elevated to new heights under a healthy Jackson in 2018, where he led the Bulls to their first 10-win season in history and won MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.

But it wasn’t just the 40-yard dash time that impressed scouts. Jackson has hops as well. Of all NFL Combine quarterbacks in the previous five seasons, only seven recorded higher verticals than the 6’7”, 249-pound gunslinger from Buffalo.

Former NFL receiving great Steve Smith Sr. did have one criticism of Jackson at the Combine though. The ex-Carolina Panther and Baltimore Raven told Jackson he was putting too much heat on his throws.

After winning South Offensive MVP honors in the 2019 Senior Bowl, Jackson’s stock was already on the rise. Pitted against other college all-stars, MACtion Jackson threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns, although one interception, on 13/21 passing. But in a league that values Combine results so highly, Jackson’s showing in Indianapolis will only spike his stock. Most mock draft sites, such as CBS or Walter Football, rank him around the 10th or 11th best QB prospect, likely to fall as an early day three prospect.