Is Arkansas Razorbacks QB a First-Round Talent in the Making?

Green’s journey to this point hasn’t followed a straight line. After an uneven 2023 campaign at Boise State, where he earned just a 60.2 PFF passing grade, the 6-foot-6, 230-pound quarterback transferred to Arkansas and delivered his most complete season to date. Green accounted for 3,756 total yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024, while flashing a level of athleticism and arm strength that places him firmly on the NFL radar.

Tools and Traits That Translate

PFF’s evaluation of Green is rooted in both projection and production. Physically, he checks every box: size, mobility, and arm talent. His 22 big-time throws ranked ninth among quarterbacks in the Power Four conferences, while his 453 rushing yards after contact placed him fifth nationally at the position. These aren’t just raw numbers; they reflect his ability to create explosive plays in both phases of the game.

But talent alone doesn’t erase concerns. Green’s decision-making remains inconsistent. His 17 turnover-worthy plays last season point to the kind of volatility that NFL evaluators won’t overlook. He’ll need to show marked improvement in processing and ball security to make the first-round conversation a reality, not just offseason noise.

Development Under Petrino A Key Variable

One element working in Green’s favor is his fit within Bobby Petrino’s system. Known for building offenses around the strengths of his quarterbacks, Petrino has seen steady growth from Green through the spring.

“Taylen knows the offense, he’s much more comfortable in it,” Petrino said last month. “Now, he understands defenses a whole lot better... and that’ll allow him to operate our offense way better.”

Petrino also emphasized how quickly SEC-level pressure forces quarterbacks to adapt. That context may help explain some of Green’s early struggles and also why a second season in the system could yield much sharper results.

From Promise to Production

Whether Taylen Green leaps from intriguing talent to first-round prospect will depend on consistency. The tools are already in place. What remains is translating that ability into a full season of disciplined, high-level quarterback play.

The NFL evaluation machine never truly stops, and Green’s name is already in the mix. If he can cut down on the mental lapses and lean into the offense's full potential, Arkansas may have more than just a playmaker on its hands; they may have a future pro under center.