NFL.com's 40-yard dash prospects to watch
Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated drills in this year's NFL Combine is the 40-yard dash. Wide receiver John Ross ran the fastest 40-yard dash in combine history back in 2017 and added his name to the conversation at every ensuing combine since. Though many have come close to his blazing 4.22-second record, Ross has yet to be dethroned.
Defensive backs complete drills Friday with wide receivers and running backs following suit in the successive two days. NFL.com's Eric Edholm compiled a list of 17 NFL prospects with the potential to set their own records in the 40-yard dash.
Here are some of NFL.com's most promising prospects.
Devon Achane, RB – Texas A&M
"Achane might be the favorite entering the combine. His résumé on the field and in track suggests he's one of the faster humans anywhere. He ran both indoor and outdoor track at A&M, earning all-SEC and first-team All-American honors in 2021 and posting a 6.63-second 60-meter dash to take first place at the 2022 Don Kirby Open. His best time in the 100 meters was reportedly a scalding (albeit wind-aided) 10.02 seconds." --Edholm
Jalin Hyatt, WR – Tennessee
"When Hyatt ripped off a six-catch, 207-yard, five-TD game against Alabama in October, it was clear that his breakout season was no fluke. One of the best vertical threats in college football last season, he ripped off 15 TD catches and led all of FBS in 40-yard receptions (11), 50-yard catches (seven) and 60-yard catches (five).
In high school, he ran a 10.46 in the 100 meters, which would have equated to about a 4.36 40 four years ago. During Super Bowl week, Hyatt said that he was targeting a 4.29 40, although he did admit at the time that something in the 4.3 range was more likely. Still, that puts him in the running for what would be the top spot in many years, and it could lock up a first-round landing spot." --Edholm
Derius Davis, WR – TCU
"Davis might not be very big (5-foot-8 and 168 pounds), but before you can stop him, you have to catch him. He was arguably the fastest player in college football last season, at the very least on one play: He registered a stunning 23.47 mph on this 80-yard TD vs. SMU.
Davis was offered a track scholarship to LSU, and it's easy to see why, as he was the Louisiana 200-meter state champ as a senior in high school. He's also one of the best returners in recent college history, running back one kickoff and five punt returns for scores, adding 11 other TDs in five seasons with the Horned Frogs."--Edholm
Tyler Scott, WR – Cincinnati
"Don't be shocked if the 40 leaderboard has two Bearcats close to -- if not at -- the top. Tucker and Scott have gone back and forth over which of them is the fastest, and Indianapolis might provide the closest thing to a bet-settler.
Tucker registered one of the best on-field times at the Senior Bowl at 20.24 mph, and he was a 100-meter champ in high school, registering a silly 10.41 seconds at one meet. Believe it or not, none other than combine 40 legend Chris Johnson thinks Scott has a great chance to take home this year's best time.
Our gut says that while Scott might be the more refined player right now, Tucker might just be a half-step faster. This could be one of the fun little side plots in Indy this week." --Edholm
Jakorian Bennett, CB – Maryland
"Bennett was one of the fastest players at the Senior Bowl, according to executive director Jim Nagy, clocked at 21.22 mph during on-field drills, and per The Athletic, he says he once hit a shocking 22.9 mph. We also expect Bennett to be among the high-jump standouts, able to cross the 40-inch mark readily." --Edholm
View photos from the NFL Combine as prospects take the field for on-field drills.
2023 NFL Scouting Combine Guide: Interview & drill schedules
Media schedule
- Friday, March 3 (8am - 11:30am): QB / WR / TE
- Saturday, March 4 (8am - 11:30am): RB / OL
On-field workout schedule
- Friday, March 3 (3 pm): DB / ST
- Saturday, March 4 (1 pm): QB / WR / TE
- Sunday, March 5 (1 pm): RB / OL
View photos from Media Day as some of the top S and CB prospects speak to reporters from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
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