NFL Draft prospect suggests racial component behind being asked to move from QB position

NFL Draft prospect Taylen Green starred for the Arkansas Razorbacks in college and made a lasting impression on scouts with his performance at the Scouting Combine.

He ran 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash, recorded a vertical jump of 43.5 inches along with a broad jump of 11 feet, 2 inches. The conversation after his performance was about whether he would be willing to change positions for a potential NFL team.

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Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (QB08) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Image Images)

Green appeared on “Outta Pocket” with former NFL star Robert Griffin III and his wife, Grete, and made it clear that he had no interest in playing anything other than quarterback. He also suggested there was a racial component to his receiving the question.

“Just like Lamar (Jackson) said, I’m a quarterback. Recruit me as a quarterback. I’ve always been a quarterback. When I started recruiting, people wanted me for different positions, I told them, no, I’m a quarterback. I’m not going to go to your school. I always had that chip on my shoulder to prove them wrong. If Lamar did it at the next level and won MVP… We had the same college coach, so it definitely prepared me for the next level.

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Arkansas’ Taylen Green (10) throws during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Jan. 28, 2026. (Vasha Hunt/Image Images)

“I’m not trying to make this a running thing, but I feel like they definitely see my color and think I’m going to run, or that I’m just a runner, that I can’t really throw or process things. RG3, I’m pretty sure you’ve been through that, you’ve been through that too in this process. I’m just trying to beat that stigma and put a heads up to everyone who thinks that way.”

Many college athletes moved from quarterback to a different position. Julian Edelman did it when he played for the New England Patriots, and Terrelle Pryor eventually moved from quarterback to wide receiver, to name a few.

Jackson, the current Baltimore Ravens quarterback, was seen as a possible candidate to switch from QB to wide receiver, but the mere suggestion of that caused a stir before he was selected. He ultimately remained at quarterback and won two NFL MVP awards.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) enters the field before a game against the Missouri Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025. (Nelson Chenault/Image Images)

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Green is viewed as someone who could be a “good backup” with a chance to become a starter, according to NFL.com.

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