The 40-yard dash stands as the marquee event of the NFL Scouting Combine, giving draft prospects a prime chance to wow league executives with lightning quickness critical for skill position success. Over the years, a select group of athletes delivered jaw-dropping runs that etched their names into combine folklore. As players descend on Indianapolis looking to set new records, here’s an updated rundown of the fastest 40-yard times ever recorded on combine turf.
John Ross still owns the highest verified time in combine history after the wide receiver prospect blazed a blistering 4.22-second 40-yard sprint in 2017. The Cincinnati Bengals made Ross a top 10 selection thanks to his straight-line jets, though injuries hampered his pro impact. Still, Ross’ epic run - 0.16 seconds faster than previous recipient Chris Johnson’s 2008 time - remains untouched at the top.
Several runners-up tie for second-fastest ever behind Ross, all clocking 4.24-second 40s that resonated loudly. Rondel Menendez (1999), Chris Johnson (2008 – he posted a second 4.24 run), Marquise Goodwin (2013) and Dri Archer (2014) showed comparable breakaway burst over the years. NFL teams covet that sub-4.3 speed striking covetous visions of game-breaking touchdowns.
Wide receivers dominate the list, but a few defensive backs and running backs like Arizona Cardinals 2022 second rounder Tariq Woolen also enter the upper echelon tying the next group at 4.26. Deion Sanders, Jerome Mathis, Javelin Guidry and Jacoby Ford all share the mark once considered the historic ceiling. Sanders remains the most transcendent athlete ever timed thanks to his two-sport baseball excellence.
Several 2023 prospects now look to inch towards the hallowed 4.2 barrier as athletically gifted as any predecessors. Alabama CB Brian Branch, USC WR Jordan Addison and Houston WR Nathaniel Dell each possess the wheels, balance and technical prowess to potentially crack the exclusive club. Conditions need perfect alignment on testing day, but experts give the trio legitimate chances should they run.
Lower down the speed spectrum but still blazing, Crimson Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs (projected early 4.3s) and Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (high 4.3s projection) could also deliver elite runs cementing Day 1 draft grades. While their college production already impressed, flashing high-end athleticism against peers would further boost their stock. Both offer enticing vertical threat potential.
Of course prospects must balance injury risks chasing combine 40 dreams against steady film and football character selling teams. But for gifted athletes like Branch, Addison and Dell, superhuman speed could make their aspirations a reality and forge 40-yard dash history in 2023.