Malik Willis 40 time: How Packers starter compares to fastest QBs in NFL

09-22-2024
3 min read
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Before the 2024 season, the Packers traded for Malik Willis to be their QB2, but he was needed sooner than expected.

After starter Jordan Love went down with an injury in Green Bay's Week 1 loss vs. the Eagles, Willis has filled in admirably.

He led the team to a win in Week 2, and facing his former Titans team in Week 3, Willis got out to a big start on the ground as his first four carries went for 62 yards and a touchdown. 

So, how does Willis' speed stack up to other NFL quarterbacks? Here's what to know about Willis' 40-time and where it compares to the fastest recorded 40 times by a quarterback.

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Malik Willis 40 time

Willis did not participate in the 40-yard dash in the 2022 NFL Draft Combine as a prospect, leaving his exact sprint speed in question. 

However, the quarterback reportedly ran a 4.37 40-yard sprint in his sophomore season at Auburn, a time that would've ranked No. 10 overall in the 2024 draft class. 

In his NFL Next Gen Stats prospect breakdown, Willis was given an athleticism grade of 86, which put him second among all quarterbacks in the class. Among his listed strengths was his "electrifying dual-threat ability and potential."

Willis' speed is clear on the field, and it's made a significant impact for Green Bay already.

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Fastest quarterback 40 times

Because Willis didn't participate in the combine, it's tougher to compare his speed to other NFL quarterbacks. However, his reported 4.37 40-yard dash time while at Auburn can still be looked at next to some of the fastest record 40 times at the NFL Combine.

While there has been other big names at quarterback that didn't participate in the 40-yard dash as prospects, like Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, Willis' reported college 40 time would rank among the best times recorded at the position.

Rank Player Year 40-yard dash time
1 Michael Vick 2001 4.33
2 Reggie McNeal 2006 4.40
3 Robert Griffin III 2012 4.41
4 Anthony Richardson 2023 4.43
5 Justin Fields 2021 4.45