Mayfield backs Jackson not running 40 after WR talk

Quarterbacks are a fraternity, and even draft rivals have each other's back.

Baker Mayfield spoke out in support of Lamar Jackson after the former Louisville signal-caller decided not to run the 40-yard dash at the combine following talk of teams wanting to work him out at wide receiver.

"He was definitely making a statement not running the 40, and I like it," the former Oklahoma quarterback told Robert Klemko of the MMQB. "They asked him if he'd work at receiver and he asked if Josh Allen would be working at tight end. Love that. I watched so many of his games and I think he's a special talent. People underestimate his arm. He's got a really strong arm. I feel like the sky's the limit for him."

While there was some confusion over whether teams truly did request Jackson to do receiver drills - it was reported as such, but the quarterback said no teams approached him personally - the 2017 Heisman winner clearly wanted to send a message to the league.

"I had to let them know, I was just going to throw today," Jackson said Saturday.

Jackson is expected to be the fifth passer taken come April and should hear his name called well before the end of Day 2.