Who Has the Fastest 40 in the NFL?
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We all know that speed is a key factor in football. But who has the fastest 40-yard dash time in the NFL?
The Case for John Ross
John Ross ran a 4.22 40-yard dash at the 2017 NFL Combine, setting a new record. He was drafted 9th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft. Though he’s only played in 22 career games, he’s shown flashes of the big play ability that made him such a highly touted prospect. In this article, we’ll make the case for John Ross as the player with the fastest 40 in the NFL.
John Ross’ college career
John Ross played college football at the University of Washington, where he was a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection and earned second-team All-American honors as a junior in 2016. He caught 171 passes for 2,506 yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons with the Huskies.
As a junior in 2016, Ross caught 81 passes for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the nation in touchdown receptions. He also set a school record with 1,101 receiving yards in conference play. Ross was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors for his performance that season.
Ross decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility and declare himself eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round with the ninth overall pick.
John Ross’ NFL career
John Ross was drafted 9th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He is a wide receiver and return specialist. Ross played college football at the University of Washington, where he set the all-time record for the 40-yard dash, with a time of 4.22 seconds. He is also the currentholder of the NFL Scouting Combine record for the 40-yard dash.
Ross has had a bit of an up and down career so far in his three seasons in the NFL. As a rookie, he only played in 3 games due to injury and recorded zero catches. In his second season, he played in 12 games and had 21 catches for 210 yards and 7 touchdowns. His best game came against the Oakland Raiders where he caught 5 passes for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns. Last season, Ross played in 15 games and had 28 catches for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Ross is still a young player with plenty of upside. He has shown flashes of brilliance at times during his career. If he can stay healthy, there is no doubt that he has the potential to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
The Case for Odell Beckham Jr.
In the NFL, the 40-yard dash is often used to determine the speed and athleticism of a player. Many people believe that Odell Beckham Jr. is the fastest player in the league. Beckham has been clocked at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s college career
Odell Beckham Jr. played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), and was a unanimous All-American. He played for the Tigers from 2011 to 2013, accumulating 2,340 all-purpose yards. In his career at LSU, he had 143 receptions for 2,340 yards and 12 touchdowns. Beckham also returned 38 kickoffs for 893 yards and 2 touchdowns during his time there, giving him a total of 3,233 all-purpose yards in his collegiate career.
During his junior year, Beckham caught 59 passes for 1,152 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also returning 27 kickoffs for 673 yards and a touchdown. He was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the nation’s most versatile player. Beckham was also named a First-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press and SEC Coaches.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s NFL career
Since being drafted by the New York Giants in 2014, Odell Beckham Jr. has established himself as one of the most dynamic and explosive playmakers in the NFL. In just four seasons, Beckham has racked up 4,425 receiving yards and 38 touchdown receptions, earning two Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team All-Pro honor along the way. He is also one of only three players in NFL history to record at least 75 catches and 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons, joining Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.
Despite his incredible production on the field, Beckham has been suspended for multiple games due to disciplinary issues, including a fight with Josh Norman during a game in 2015 and a helmet-to-helmet hit on Earl Thomas during a game in 2017. He was also criticized for his conduct during a sideline tirade against then-head coach Ben McAdoo during a game in 2016.
Despite his off-field antics, there is no denying Beckham’s talent and impact on the game of football. He is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, and he has the potential to be one of the greatest receivers ever to play the game.
The Case for Tyreek Hill
In the National Football League, the 40-yard dash is king. A fast 40 can make scout’s drool, and a slow one can make them walk away. Every year, there are a few players who stand out at the NFL Scouting Combine with their speed, and this year, Tyreek Hill was one of them. Hill ran a 4.24 40-yard dash, which was the fastest time at the combine.
Tyreek Hill’s college career
Tyreek Hill’s college career was nothing short of prolific, as he caught 31 touchdowns and racked up over 2,500 all-purpose yards in just two seasons at Oklahoma State. Despite his impressive numbers, however, Hill was not drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
Since joining the Chiefs, Hill has taken the league by storm and is widely considered to be one of the fastest players in the NFL. In 2017, he caught 76 passes for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns, and also rushed for another 267 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist.
Hill’s speed has been clocked at an astonishing 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which would make him tied for the second-fastest player in NFL history behind only John Ross (4.22 seconds). He has used that speed to his advantage on both offense and special teams, and is one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.
The Chiefs have a bona fide superstar on their hands in Tyreek Hill, and he looks poised to take the league by storm for years to come.
Tyreek Hill’s NFL career
Tyreek Hill is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. He’s known for his speed, but he’s also a versatile receiver and returner. In his four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hill has racked up 5,483 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Hill’s speed is his greatest asset. He’s been clocked at 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is the fastest time in the NFL. His speed has helped him become one of the league’s most dangerous big-play threats. In fact, he has more 60-plus yard touchdowns (13) than any other player over the last four seasons.
While Hill is undoubtedly a gifted athlete, some have questioned whether his off-field conduct should preclude him from being considered one of the NFL’s best players. Hill was arrested for domestic battery in 2014, and he plead guilty to battery in 2015. He was also suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy in 2016.
Whether or not you believe Tyreek Hill is one of the best players in the NFL, there’s no denying that he’s one of the league’s most intriguing talents. His speed and playmaking ability make him must-see TV whenever he steps on the field.
The Case for DeSean Jackson
In a league with an ever-increasing emphasis on the passing game, one player stands out as the best deep threat in the NFL: DeSean Jackson. The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver has consistently shown the ability to take the top off of defenses, and he’s done it again in 2019.
DeSean Jackson’s college career
At the University of California, Jackson caught 160 passes for 2,423 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons. He also returned 37 punts for six touchdowns and 56 kicks for 1, Trump said he will nominate former pharmaceutical executive Dr. Scott Gottlieb to head the FDA. 574 yards. Jackson’s punt return average of 15.4 yards per return led the nation in 2006.[16] As a sophomore in 2005 he was named first-team All-Pac-10 and second-team All-American by College Football News after catching 59 passes for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns.[17][18] Jackson was selected by Sporting News as the “Best Kick Returner” in college football for 2006.[19] Jackson missed most of his junior season due to injury but did manage 22 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns.[20] As a result of his strong play during his first two years, many analysts considered Jackson among the top wide receiver prospects going into his junior season.[21][22][23][24][25]
DeSean Jackson’s NFL career
DeSean William Jackson (born December 1, 1986), nicknamed “D-Jax”, is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of California, Berkeley, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, and has also played for the Washington Redskins.
Jackson has been selected to three Pro Bowls during his career. He is ranked tenth in NFL history in career receiving yards per game (min. 50 games), with an average of 75.2 yards per game.[1][2] He is also ranked ninth in NFL history in career receiving touchdowns, with 44.[3]
Jackson is known for his speed and has been clocked as running the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds,[4][5] which would have been tied for fifth among wide receivers at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine if he had participated.[6] He has been selected as a member of the NFL All-Half Team (2009–2010) and became just the second player in NFL history to be selected first team All-Pro at two different positions (WR/PR) in 2010. In 2009, Jackson was named an NFC Pro Bowl Alternate as a punt returner.[7]
The Case for Marquise Goodwin
Marquise Goodwin has the potential to be the fastest player in the NFL. He’s been clocked at running a 4.27-second 40-yard dash, and he’s also a former Olympian. Goodwin is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, and he’s one of the most explosive players in the league.
Marquise Goodwin’s college career
Marquise Goodwin had a successful college football career, playing for the University of Texas Longhorns from 2010 to 2012. He was a key player on the team, helping the Longhorns win the 2011 National Championship. He was also a member of the 2012 Olympic team, competing in the long jump.
Goodwin’s speed and athleticism have always been his calling card, and he’s put them to good use in the NFL. He’s been clocked at 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is insanely fast. That speed has helped him become one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league.
Marquise Goodwin’s NFL career
Marquise Goodwin is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Texas, and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Goodwin has also been a member of the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns. He was selected to represent Team USA in track and field at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he competed in long jump.
The Case for Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman had the second-fastest 40-yard dash time at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. He was only beaten by John Ross, who set the combine record with a time of 4.22 seconds. Hardman’s time of 4.33 seconds is nothing to sneeze at, though. In fact, it’s quite impressive.
Mecole Hardman’s college career
Mecole Hardman was a highly recruited athlete coming out of Elbert County High School. He was ranked as high as the No. 2 athlete in the country by some recruiting services. Hardman played in the Under Armour All-America Game and was named to the MaxPreps All-American team.
Hardman committed to the University of Georgia to play college football. As a freshman, he played in all 13 games and had nine catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. As a sophomore, he had 17 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 21 kickoffs for 574 yards and a touchdown.
As a junior, Hardman caught 27 passes for 513 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned 22 kickoffs for 644 yards and a touchdown. After the season, he was named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press.
Mecole Hardman’s NFL career
Mecole Hardman was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Hardman played college football at the University of Georgia, and was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the draft. He was selected to play in the Senior Bowl, and was widely projected to be a first or second round pick by most analysts and scouts.
Hardman had a successful rookie season, catching 31 passes for 539 yards and six touchdowns. He also returned 17 kicks for 486 yards and one touchdown. His total of 1,025 all-purpose yards was second among all rookie receivers behind only A.J. Brown of the Tennessee Titans. Hardman’s performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
In 2020, Hardman caught 52 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns. He also returned 22 kicks for 534 yards and one touchdown. His total of 1,321 all-purpose yards led all Chiefs receivers, and he was selected to his first Pro Bowl as a kick returner.
Hardman is known for his speed, having run a 4.33 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is tied for the third-fastest time ever recorded at the event. His speed has helped him become one of the top big-play threats in the NFL, with 19 of his 53 career receptions going for over 40 yards.
The Case for Henry Ruggs
This past season, there were only four wide receivers who clocked in a 4.3 or faster 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine. One of those four was Alabama’s Henry Ruggs, who blazed a 4.27-second time. That kind of speed is incredibly valuable in the NFL, where one split-second can mean the difference between a first down and a touchback.
Henry Ruggs’ college career
Henry Ruggs III played college football at the University of Alabama, where he was a two-time consensus All-American and a member of Alabama’s 2019 National Championship team.
Ruggs was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2020 NFL Draft, and was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round with the 12th overall pick.
Henry Ruggs’ NFL career
Henry Ruggs III (born December 16, 1998) is an American football wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama, and was drafted by the Raiders 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Ruggs attended and played high school football at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama. As a senior in 2016, he caught 45 passes for 703 yards and 11 touchdowns. Ruggs committed to play college football at Alabama over offers from Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee.
The Case for Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor put up one of the best seasons for a receiver in school history in 2019. He did it all while playing with a quarterback, Justin Herbert, who is now in the NFL. Reagor’s numbers speak for themselves. He hauled in 58 receptions for 904 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jalen Reagor’s college career
Reagor was a consensus All-American as a punt returner in 2018, when he also was voted the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year. He became the first player in TCU history to be named a first-team All-American punt returner. As a junior in 2018, he also was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to college football’s most versatile player.
Reagor was spectacular in both the return game and as a receiver during his TCU career. He returned eight punts for touchdowns in his collegiate career, which is tied for the second-most in NCAA history. He also had 178 receptions for 2,248 yards and 22 touchdowns in his three years with the Horned Frogs.
Jalen Reagor’s NFL career
It would be hard to find a more explosive athlete than Jalen Reagor. The 5-foot-11, 206-pound receiver turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, the third-fastest time among receivers.
Reagor’s speed was on display during his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, when he caught 31 passes for 396 yards and a touchdown. But he also showed he could be a big-play threat, averaging 18.9 yards per catch.
Reagor’s biggest asset is his speed, but he is also a talented route runner with good hands. He should be a solid No. 2 receiver for the Eagles this season and could develop into a No. 1 receiver down the road.
The Case for Tee Higgins
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Tee Higgins with the 33rd pick in the 2nd round. The Clemson product was known for his size, speed, and ability to make contested catches. Immediately, people began to wonder if he could be the next great Bengals receiver. In his rookie season, he didn’t disappoint.
Tee Higgins’ college career
Higgins was a wide receiver for Clemson University from 2016 to 2019. In his four years with the team, he caught 176 passes for 2,448 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was a key part of Clemson’s 2018 national championship team, catching nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers’ 44-16 win over Alabama.
Higgins declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his junior year and is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft. He is expected to be a first or second round pick.
Tee Higgins’ NFL career
Tee Higgins was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Many people were surprised that he was not drafted in the first round. In his rookie season, he caught 33 passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds.
Higgins has the perfect combination of size and speed. He is 6’4″ and can run the 40-yard dash in under 4.6 seconds. That is an incredible feat for a man of his size. Some people have even compared him to Calvin Johnson, who is one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.
The Bengals are lucky to have him on their team. He has the potential to be a top wide receiver in the NFL for many years to come.
The Case for CeeDee Lamb
It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys boast one of the most talented young rosters in the NFL. A large part of that youth movement is due to their star-studded 2019 draft class, which included wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The former Oklahoma Sooners star has already made a name for himself in his short time in the league, and many believe he has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the game.
CeeDee Lamb’s college career
CeeDee Lamb was a wide receiver for the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2017 to 2019. He was a consensus All-American in 2019 and a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation’s best college receiver. In three seasons at Oklahoma, Lamb caught 173 passes for 3,292 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also had nine catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns in three bowl games.
CeeDee Lamb’s NFL career
CeeDee Lamb was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he was a three-time consensus All-American. Lamb was born in Richmond, Texas, and attended Foster High School in Richmond. He played wide receiver and defensive back for the Foster Falcons football team. As a senior in 2016, he was named the District Defensive MVP after recording 45 tackles and four interceptions on defense, and catching 35 passes for 1,196 yards and 21 touchdowns on offense.
Lamb enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in 2017. As a freshman that year, he had 33 receptions for 499 yards and seven touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2018, he had 62 receptions for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2019, his junior year, he had 69 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns en route to being named a consensus first-team All-American. After the 2019 season, Lamb decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Lamb with the seventeenth overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the Cowboys on July 28, 2020.