The NFL Combine is slated to get underway this week, and the main event for the Combine is usually the 40-yard dash. Players can see their NFL Draft fates rise and fall with a good showing in the event.
This year, Georgia WR Arian Smith is considered the most likely to challenge the record set by Xavier Worthy last season, who broke the 2017 record set by John Ross.
And while a number of players make elect to run at their individual Pro Days in front of scouts, the following are the top ten all-time performances in the 40-yard dash ran at the actual Combine itself.
Xavier Worthy – 4.21 seconds (2024)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Texas
NFL Draft: Selected 28th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs
John Ross – 4.22 seconds (2017)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Washington
NFL Draft: Selected 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals
Kalon Barnes – 4.23 seconds (2022)
Position: Cornerback
College: Baylor
NFL Draft: Selected 242nd overall by the Carolina Panthers
Chris Johnson – 4.24 seconds (2008)
Position: Running Back
College: East Carolina
NFL Draft: Selected 24th overall by the Tennessee Titans
Rondel Menendez – 4.24 seconds (1999)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Eastern Kentucky
NFL Draft: Selected 247th overall by the Atlanta Falcons
Jerome Mathis – 4.26 seconds (2005)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Hampton
NFL Draft: Selected 114th overall by the Houston Texans
Dri Archer – 4.26 seconds (2014)
Position: Running Back
College: Kent State
NFL Draft: Selected 97th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers
Tariq Woolen – 4.26 seconds (2022)
Position: Cornerback
College: UTSA
NFL Draft: Selected 153rd overall by the Seattle Seahawks
Henry Ruggs III – 4.27 seconds (2020)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Alabama
NFL Draft: Selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders
Marquise Goodwin – 4.27 seconds (2013)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Texas
NFL Draft: Selected 78th overall by the Buffalo Bills