Who Is The Fastest Lineman In The Nfl?
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It’s a debate as old as time itself: who is the fastest lineman in the NFL? We take a look at the data and try to answer this burning question.
Offensive Linemen
In the NFL, the offensive line is one of the most important units on the field. They are responsible for protecting the quarterback and opening up holes for the running backs. A good offensive line can make or break a team. So, who is the fastest offensive lineman in the NFL?
Quenton Nelson
At 6’5 and 330 pounds, Quenton Nelson is a massive offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts.
Nelson was drafted 6th overall in the 2018 NFL draft, and has quickly become one of the best offensive linemen in the league. He was named a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019.
Nelson is known for his strength and power, but he also has surprisingly good speed for a man of his size. He ran a 5.21 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which is impressive for a man of his stature.
While Nelson may not be the fastest lineman in the NFL, he is definitely one of the best. He has only been in the league for two years, but he has already established himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the game.
Taylor Decker
Taylor Decker is an offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State University, and was drafted by the Lions in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Decker is widely considered to be one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice (in 2018 and 2019) and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2019.
Ryan Ramczyk
Ryan Ramczyk is an offensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints. He was drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.
Ramczyk was considered one of the best offensive tackles in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was ranked as the second best offensive tackle by NFL analyst Mike Mayock and was ranked the third best offensive tackle by Sports Illustrated.
Defensive Linemen
Defensive linemen are usually the biggest and strongest players on the field. They line up on the defensive line of scrimmage, which is the line that the offense has to stay behind. Their job is to stop the other team’s running plays and to pressure the quarterback into making a bad throw.
Aaron Donald
Aaron Donald is an American football defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Pitt, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 13th overall pick. With 32.5 sacks through his first four seasons, Donald has more sacks than any other interior lineman in NFL history.
Donald holds the Rams franchise record for sacks in a season (20.5 in 2018) and ranks second in career sacks (59.5). He has been selected to six Pro Bowls, won four consecutive Associated Press (AP) Defensive Player of the Year Awards (2017–2020), and is a three-time AP first-team All-Pro selection (2017–2019). In 2018 and 2019, he was also named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s head coaches.
Chris Jones
Chris Jones is a professional American football defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Mississippi State University, and was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
DeForest Buckner
Buckner was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of Starla Buckner. He is of Samoan descent on his father’s side. He attended Punahou School, where he played football and ran track. In football, he was a two-time first-team all-state selection and helped lead his team to an undefeated season and the state championship as a senior in 2010. In track & field, Buckner competed as a jumper and was one of the state’s top performers in the high jump (peaking at 2.03m) and triple jump (14.11m).
Special Teams
When it comes to the question of who is the fastest lineman in the NFL, the answer is usually a matter of perspective. Some people will say that it is the player who can run the 40-yard dash in the shortest amount of time. Others will say that it is the player who can get to the quarterback the quickest.
Matthew Slater
Matthew Slater is the fastest lineman in the NFL. He ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine.
T.J. Watt
There are many special teams in the NFL, but there is only one that can be considered the fastest. That team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and their star player is T.J. Watt.
Watt is a defensive end/outside linebacker who was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He is 6’4″ and weighs 245 pounds, making him one of the biggest players on the team. But despite his size, Watt is incredibly fast. He has been clocked at 4.69 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is absolutely blazing speed for a player of his stature.
In addition to his speed, Watt also has excellent strength and athleticism. He is a very versatile player who can lined up all over the field, and he is a big reason why the Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL. If you’re looking for a player who can make an impact on special teams, T.J. Watt is definitely your guy.
Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson (born March 13, 1991) is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Tennessee, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Patterson has been selected to two Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro as a return specialist in 2016. He holds the NFL record for the longest kickoff return in a game with 109 yards, accomplished on November 17, 2013 against the Green Bay Packers. He has also played running back and has rushing touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.