It’s that time of the year, folks. In the annual NFL Draft cycle, this is the time of year when the meat-market aspect of evaluation is at its peak. With less than three weeks to go until the draft kicks off, franchises are poring over campus pro day results even more than they did before, as the 2021 NFL Combine was forced to do things differently.
Teams are getting ready to test the NFL Draft odds of picking up the next pro superstar, and the 40-yard dash -- or put simply, speed -- is a great place to start. So we take a look at who had the best spring pro day when it came to measurables.
As mentioned above, the NFL Combine was different this year due to COVID-19. Player interviews were conducted remotely with NFL franchises, medical tests were arranged, and limited events and measurements were taken. To prevent extensive travel, the NFL accepted regional events results and worked hard with hosts to keep things uniform. One event that was held was the 40-yard dash.
But the majority of the spring evaluations were done in much cozier pro-day settings on campus. Around the country, more than 100 were held, and NFL scouts reported the results.. Using pro day data compiled by DraftScout.com, we put together the list for top offensive player performances during the pro day span.
The reason the 40-yard dash is evaluated -- more so for the skill positions than on the lines -- seems pretty simple. It is primarily timed to evaluate speed and acceleration. Sure, intangibles are a big part of being a pro football player, but obviously, it’s a pretty good idea to stick out when it comes to the tangibles, too.
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The Top 40 Times - Position
Quarterbacks
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE SINCE 1999:
4.33 -- Michael Vick, Virginia Tech (2001)
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR:
4.52 -- D’Eriq King, Miami (Fla.)
THIS SPRING - PRO DAYS
4.46 -- Justin Fields, Ohio State
4.59 -- Zac Thomas, Appalachian St.
4.61 -- Feleipe Franks, Arkansas
4.62 -- Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
4.65 -- Ian Book, Notre Dame
Running Backs
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE SINCE 1999:
4.24 -- Chris Johnson, East Carolina (2008)
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR:
4.34 -- Javian Hawkins, Louisville
THIS SPRING - PRO DAYS
4.32 -- Kene Nwangwu, Iowa State
4.35 -- Elijah Mitchell, Louisiana
4.42 -- Deon Jackson, Duke
4.45 -- Travis Etienne, Clemson
4.46 -- Javian Hawkins, Louisville
4.46 -- Pooka Williams, Kansas
4.47 -- Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
4.49 -- Jake Funk, Maryland
4.50 -- Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
Tight Ends
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE SINCE 1999:
4.38 -- Matt Jones, Arkansas (2005)
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR:
4.64 -- DeAndre Washington, Arkansas-Monticello
THIS SPRING - PRO DAYS
4.44 -- Kyle Pitts, Florida
4.62 -- Noah Gray, Duke
4.64 -- Zach Davidson, Central Missouri
4.65 -- Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
4.66 -- Briley Moore, Kansas State
4.66 -- Brock Wright, Notre Dame
4.68 -- Brevin Jordan, Miami (Fla.)
4.68 -- Jack Stoll, Nebraska
4.69 -- Nick Eubanks, Michigan
Wide Receivers
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE SINCE 1999:
4.22 -- John Ross, Washington (2017)
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR:
4.30 -- Rondale Moore, Purdue
THIS SPRING - PRO DAYS
4.27 -- Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
4.32 -- Rondale Moore, Purdue
4.34 -- JaMarr Chase, LSU
4.35 -- Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
4.38 -- Kadarius Toney, Florida
4.39 -- Tutu Atwell, Louisville
4.39 -- Racey McMath, LSU
4.40 -- Terrace Marshall, LSU
4.40 -- D’Wayne Eskridge, West. Michigan
Offensive Line
TOP COMBINE PERFORMANCE SINCE 1999:
305+ pounds
4.71 -- Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2013 - tackle)
320+ pounds
4.85 -- Tristan Wirfs, Iowa (2020 - tackle)
THIS SPRING - PRO DAYS
4.87 -- Samuel Cosmi, Texas (tackle)
4.89 -- Kendrick Green, Illinois (guard)
4.90 -- Brady Christensen, BYU (tackle)
4.91 -- Rashawn Slater, Northwestern (guard)
4.94 -- Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa (tackle)
4.99 -- Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater (center)
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Brian McLaughlin is a writer for BetMGM and co-host of BMac and Herd’s FCS Podcast. He has covered the national recruiting scene in football and basketball for The Sporting News, headed up the PARADE Magazine High School All-America selections, and handled FCS college football for HERO Sports. Follow BMac on Twitter @BrianMacWriter.
