What is the Fastest 40-Yard Dash in History at NFL Combine?
Part of the NFL Draft is for players to go through the NFL Combine to access their skills. So what is the fastest 40-Yard Dash in history at NFL Combine? Read on to find out.
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What is the Fastest 40-Yard Dash in History at NFL Combine?
The 40-yard dash is the marquee event at the annual NFL Scouting Combine, giving prospects a chance to showcase their straight-line speed. Over the years, some truly remarkable 40-yard times have been recorded on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf.
The current NFL Combine record is 4.22 seconds, set by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross in 2017. Ross blew past the previous record of 4.24 seconds set by Titans running back Chris Johnson in 2008.
In recent combines, a few prospects have come close to breaking Ross' record. In 2022, Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes ran a 4.23. The same year, Seahawks rookie corner Tariq Woolen registered 4.26. And in 2023, Michigan's D.J. Turner blazed to a 4.26 as well.
Here's a updated look at the top 5 fastest 40-yard dashes in recent NFL Combine history:
- John Ross - 4.22 seconds (2017) - The speedy Washington receiver continues to hold the Combine record.
- Kalon Barnes - 4.23 seconds (2022) - The Baylor CB nearly broke Ross' record.
- Chris Johnson - 4.24 seconds (2008) - The Titans RB set a blistering time that stood for years.
- Tariq Woolen - 4.26 seconds (2022) - The Seahawks rookie was clocked at 4.26 last year.
- D.J. Turner - 4.26 seconds (2023) - The Michigan CB matched Woolen's time this year.
Other recent fast times include Marquise Goodwin's 4.27 in 2013 and four prospects clocking 4.28 in recent combines.
While a fast 40-yard dash doesn't guarantee NFL success, it certainly boosts a prospect's draft profile. With players seemingly getting faster each year, Ross' record figures to be challenged again soon.
Fastest 40-yard dashes in recent NFL Combines
Name | Year | Position | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
John Ross | 2017 | WR | 4.22 |
Kalon Barnes | 2022 | CB | 4.23 |
Chris Johnson | 2008 | RB | 4.24 |
Tariq Woolen | 2022 | CB | 4.26 |
D.J. Turner | 2023 | CB | 4.26 |
Marquise Goodwin | 2013 | WR | 4.27 |
What is the fastest 40 time in NFL Combine history?
The current record for the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history belongs to wide receiver John Ross, who ran a blazing 4.22 seconds in 2017. Ross was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals that year and his record still stands as the fastest time ever recorded at the annual Combine. In recent years, cornerbacks Kalon Barnes and Tariq Woolen have come close with times of 4.23 seconds and 4.26 seconds respectively, but Ross remains the combine's fastest man.
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