Relieving 20 Fastest 40-Yard Dash In Combine History

At the 2005 Combine, Darrent Williams’ 4.30-second 40-yard dash wasn’t just fast, it was electrifying. The Oklahoma State cornerback, once a lightly recruited prospect, cemented himself as a top draft choice for the scouts.

Denver Broncos snatched him up 56th overall, and Williams lived up to the hype, racking up interceptions and returning punts with blazing speed.

Tragically, his NFL journey was cut short in 2007. Yet, his legacy lives on. He remains the fastest Oklahoma State player at the Combine ever and one of the Broncos’ most promising talents lost too soon.

Javelin Guidry, a name synonymous with pure, unadulterated speed, etched his name in NFL history with a blistering 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 Combine. This jaw-dropping time, tied for 2nd fastest that year, propelled the Utah cornerback onto every scout’s radar.

The New York Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent. He spent two seasons with the Jets, primarily as a depth player, before being claimed by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

His 4.29 still stands as the fastest recorded 40-yard dash by a Utah sportsperson at the Combine.

Fabian Washington’s 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2005 NFL Combine still ignites discussions. This Nebraska cornerback, known more for his explosive speed than lockdown coverage, rocketed into the first round (23rd overall) with the Oakland Raiders.

He snagged 11 picks in three seasons with the Raiders, showcasing his ball-hawking skills.

But injuries and off-field issues derailed his potential. Baltimore Ravens (2008-10) and New Orleans Saints (2011) offered brief stints, but Washington’s NFL flame flickered out by 2011.

Tyquan Thornton’s 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 Combine wasn’t just electric, it was historically significant. The Baylor wideout scorched the turf, clocking the 2nd fastest time ever recorded for the Baylor Bears.

Thornton’s speed wasn’t just a combine flash. He consistently clocked in the 4.3s range throughout his college career, terrorizing Big 12 defenses.

As a result, the New England Patriots picked the wide receiver as the 50th overall. In his rookie season, Tyquan caught 22 receptions for 247 yards and scored twice.

DeMarcus Van Dyke, a Miami Hurricanes alum, etched his name in Combine lore with a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash in 2011, tying for the 6th fastest ever recorded.

This elite speed propelled him to the 3rd round (#81) of the NFL Draft, landing him with the Oakland Raiders.

However, Van Dyke’s professional career never quite matched his Combine hype. He struggled to crack the starting lineup, bouncing between the Raiders, Steelers, Chiefs, Vikings, and Falcons before his NFL tenure ended in 2016.

J.J. Nelson, a blur on the gridiron, clocked a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

This blazing speed propelled him into the NFL, where he carved out a five-team career for the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Cardinals, his NFL tenure saw him reel in 85 receptions for 1,475 yards and 11 touchdowns. His most electrifying season came in 2016 with Arizona, racking up 34 catches, 568 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

Myrick’s athleticism wasn’t limited to just his wheels. He was a standout track and field athlete in high school, excelling in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

He clocked a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine.

Despite his undeniable talent, Myrick’s NFL journey hasn’t been a conventional one. Drafted in the 7th round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017, he struggled to find his footing in the league. He bounced around practice squads, experiencing brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons before ultimately landing in the XFL.

Hailing from Fork Union Military Academy, Ford was already a national recruit, known as the “fastest player on the East Coast.” His electrifying speed translated well to Clemson University, where he racked up 1,986 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

Heading into the 2010 combine, he took off and crossed the 40-yard mark at a blazing speed of 4.28 seconds. He made the 10-yard and 20-yard split in 1.48 and 2.50 seconds, respectively.

Ford’s blazing combine performance catapulted him to the 108th overall pick by the Oakland Raiders.

At the 1999 Combine, a blur in midnight blue streaked across the field. Champ Bailey, the college track star turned lockdown corner, clocked a blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash, solidifying his status as a generational talent.

The Redskins, starved for defensive dominance, pounced at pick #7, ushering in a Hall of Fame era. Bailey’s speed wasn’t just a Combine marvel. He blanketed receivers across 15 seasons, snagging 52 interceptions and earning 12 Pro Bowls. 

He donned the jerseys of three iconic franchises – Redskins, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints. His dominance transcended stats, as quarterbacks learned the chilling wisdom of “don’t throw it at Champ.”

Marquise Goodwin, the 2013 NFL Combine’s lightning rod, left jaws agape with a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash.

Drafted 79th overall by the Buffalo Bills, Goodwin’s NFL career has been a whirlwind. He’s zipped across the gridiron for the Bills, Browns, Bengals, 49ers, Eagles, and Bears, showcasing his elite speed on deep routes and electrifying returns.

Goodwin’s track and field prowess extends beyond the Combine. He’s a two-time Olympian in the long jump, showcasing his athletic pedigree on the world stage.

Clocking in at a blistering 4.27 seconds, Routt tied for the 5th fastest time ever recorded at the Combine.

He was a decorated track athlete at the University of Houston, winning two NCAA Midwest Regional Championships in the 200 meters. This translated well to the gridiron, where he established himself as a lockdown cornerback with the Oakland Raiders, who drafted him in the second round (No. 38) of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Routt spent seven seasons with the Raiders, racking up 237 tackles, 51 pass deflections, and ten interceptions. He also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens.

At the 2020 NFL Combine, Henry Ruggs III cemented his place as one of the fastest men in football history, clocking a blazing 4.27-second 40-yard dash. This electrifying speed, along with his impressive college career at Alabama, propelled him to become the 12th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ruggs’ NFL career started with a bang. He showcased his game-breaking ability, racking up 26 receptions for 452 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season.

DJ Turner, a former Michigan Wolverine, blazed through the 2023 NFL Combine with a blistering 4.26-second 40-yard dash.

Drafted 60th overall in the 2nd round by the Cincinnati Bengals, Turner’s tantalizing speed and well-rounded skillset have him primed to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

So far, he has contributed 33 tackles and five pass deflections for the Bengals.

Tariq Woolen etched his name in NFL history at the 2022 Combine, scorching the 40-yard dash in a blistering 4.26 seconds.

Woolen’s athletic prowess wasn’t limited to the gridiron. He was a decorated track athlete in high school, boasting a personal best of 10.37 seconds in the 100 meters.

Despite a relatively limited college career, Woolen’s Combine heroics propelled him to the 153rd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. His rookie season has been a revelation, as he’s emerged as a lockdown corner, intercepting six passes and recovering three fumbles.

Dri Archer’s 4.26-second scorcher in 2013 sits at a prestigious 4th place, etched in Combine lore for its sheer electrifying speed.

He was a standout running back at Kent State. He rushed for over 2,342 yards and 24 touchdowns in his senior year, while adding another 1,194 yards and 12 scores through the air.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, captivated by his explosiveness, snatched him up in the 3rd round (#97) of the 2013 Draft. He bounced between the Steelers, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills, primarily used as a return specialist and gadget player.

Mathis etched his name in history with a blistering 4.26-second 40-yard dash. His Hampton University career was a whirlwind of record-breaking kick returns, averaging 26.6 yards per return. With six career kickoff returns for touchdowns, he also holds the NCAA record.

Mathis’ blazing speed translated into the NFL with the Houston Texans, where he flashed brilliance despite limited opportunities. Injuries, however, hampered his career, limiting him to a mere 17 games across three seasons.

In this brief phase, he made 2,154 yards as a return specialist and converted three scores.

Chris Johnson etched his name in NFL history with a blazing 4.24-second 40-yard dash at the 2008 Scouting Combine, a record that was joint-highest till 2017.

This electrifying speed wasn’t just a flash in the pan; Johnson translated it to the gridiron, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler and rushing for a staggering 2,509 yards in the 2009 season, an NFL record.

Drafted 24th overall by the Tennessee Titans, Johnson became a nightmare for defenses. His explosive acceleration and elusive jukes left tacklers grasping at air, while his vision and instincts helped him navigate the open field with ease.

Rondel Menendez exploded at the 1999 Combine with a 4.24-second 40-yard dash, a record that stood for nearly two decades.

Drafted 209th overall by the Atlanta Falcons, his speed initially outshone his Eastern Kentucky University stats.

However, Menendez’s NFL career never quite reached warp speed. He bounced between the Falcons, Dolphins, Colts, Redskins, and Eagles.

Menendez’s story serves as a reminder that raw athleticism isn’t the sole recipe for NFL success. While his blazing speed sent shivers down Combine spines, it couldn’t outrun the challenges that ultimately limited his on-field impact.

Kalon Barnes, the Baylor cornerback, left scouts awestruck with his blazing speed at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. His 4.23-second 40-yard dash time etched itself as the fastest ever recorded by a cornerback.

Carolina Panthers selected him at the 242nd place. His agility, speed, and leaping ability did not find a stable home in the NFL. Barnes hopped around the Dolphins, Vikings, Steelers, and Jets’ practice squad and is still searching the opportunity to find his footing in the league.

At the 2017 Combine, John Ross—a former standout for the Washington Huskies—broke the record set by Chris Johnson and Rondel Menendez by running a blistering 40-yard dash in 4.2 seconds.

His explosive speed cemented his position as one of the top prospects, and the Cincinnati Bengals selected him ninth overall.

Ross’s rookie season offered tantalizing glimpses of his potential. He hauled in 21 catches for 210 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018, his blazing speed evident on every deep ball. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his career.

In five seasons across the Bengals and New York Giants, Ross mustered just 62 receptions for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns.