NEWSLETTER
Curious who sits atop the list as the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history? I was, too.
Speed is something NFL franchises covet, and also an asset that can’t be taught. Plenty of players find success in the NFL despite a poor run at the NFL Combine, but a fast 40-yard dash time can increase draft stock tremendously. We also see that sometimes quickness doesn’t necessarily translate to NFL success as it takes much more than speediness to make it as a professional football player.
Here’s a look at some of the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history according to NFL.com. Electronic recording of the event did not begin until 1999 so any of the speedsters before then like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders won’t be on this list.
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Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
1. John Ross, WR – Washington (4.22 seconds, 2017)
Ross’ blazing 4.22 40-yard dash time helped him secure a first-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft as he was taken ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. He went on to play four seasons for Cincy and one as Giant in 2021. For now, Ross still sits at No. 1 for the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history (since 1999).
2. Kalon Barnes, CB – Baylor (4.23, 2022)
Barnes was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round (Pick 242).
3. Chris Johnson, RB – East Carolina (4.24, 2008)
CJ2K was a first-round selection by the Tennessee Titans at pick No. 24 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Johnson played 10 years in the NFL for three different teams, earned three Pro Bowl trips and one AP All-Pro honor. He also led the league in rushing attempts and yards in 2006, nabbing AP Offensive Player of the Year that season. He currently holds the title of third in the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history.
Photo Credit: Sanford Myers / The Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC
4. Dri Archer, RB – Kent State (4.26, 2014)
The Steelers drafted Archer in the third round at pick No. 97 in the 2014 NFL Draft. His pro time was short-lived, as the RB spent just two seasons with Pittsburgh, mostly as a special teamer.
T4. D.J. Turner ll, CB – Michigan (4.26, 2023)
The speedy corner was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of last year’s draft at pick No. 60. He used his talents to notch 50 total tackles and one sack in his first year in the NFL.
T4. Jerome Mathis, WR – Hampton University (4.26, 2005)
Mathis is tied for the fourth among fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history with a 4.26. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round and spent three seasons in the NFL as a Texan.
T7. Marquise Goodwin, WR – Texas (4.27, 2013)
A round-three pick by Buffalo in 2013 at spot number 78, Goodwin has been in the NFL for 10 seasons so far as a member of the Bills, 49ers, Bears, Seahawks, and Browns. He had just four receptions for Cleveland last season for 67 yards in 12 games played.
T7. Stanford Routt, CB – Houston (4.27, 2005)
Routt was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft with the 38th overall selection. He played for Oakland until 2011 and one final year with Kansas City in 2012.
T7 Tyrone Calico, WR – Middle Tennesee (4.27, 2003)
Calico’s blazing 40-yard dash time caught the Titans eye as he was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. Sadly, the WR was only in the league for three seasons, all with Tennessee.
T10 Jacoby Ford, WR – Clemson (4.28, 2010)
Ford was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and spent his entire four-year career in Oakland.
T10 J.J. Nelson, WR – UAB (4.28, 2015)
Drafted in the fifth round by Arizona, Nelson spent four years as a WR for the Cardinals, and then one final year as a Raider in 2019.
T10 Tyquan Thornton, WR – Baylor (4.28, 2022)
Just two seasons ago, Thornton was a second-round selection by the Patriots at pick No. 50. He’s posted 35 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns on 68 targets, but has only played in 22 of 34 possible contests. For now, he’s still part of the list as one of the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history.
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Which QBs Had the Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History?
- Michael Vick, 4.33 (2001)
- Reggie McNeal, 4.40 (2006) *converted to WR but competed at the combine as a QB
- Robert Griffin lll, 4.41 (2012)
- Justin Fields, 4.46 (2021), Brad Smith 4.46, (2006) * also converted to WR after the combine
With the 224 NFL Combine coming up, it will be interesting to see if any of this year’s class can make the list of the fastest 40-yard dash times in NFL Combine history. Tune in for everything NFL Combine-related on Belacher Nation.
