The headline says it all:
S Jamal Adams flying at LSU Pro Day, clocking a 4.33 40-yard dash ?(via @SECNetwork) pic.twitter.com/CUN5jxbOY6
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 5, 2017
Adams ran a 4.56 40-time at the NFL Combine, which was regarded as perfectly solid at the time for a safety prospect of his caliber. It certainly wasn’t going to do anything to hurt his draft stock, where he’s pegged as an early to mid first rounder.
… but showing off a 4.33? That’s going to raise some serious eyebrows if it was legit, and not the product of hometown assistance. Already, pundits are commenting on the perception of Adams’ athleticism after the new time:
Adams was already viewed as a top 5 player. The significantly improved 40 time will change the perception about his athleticism.. https://t.co/wU3tAfZlYv
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) April 5, 2017
We’ll see how this impacts Adams’ draft stock, but, again, he was already considered a possibility for the Chicago Bears at number three overall, not only because of their strong need in the secondary, but because of Adams’ uniquely gifted predisposition. It’s rare that you’d consider a safety that high, but Adams is a rare talent.