By Mark Pszonak
Running the fastest 40 time is a much sought after achievement each year at the NFL Combine. It doesn’t necessarily translate to success at the next level, but it does quickly make a player relevant if he was looking for that extra boost.
First, a quick look at the four fastest times in NFL Combine history and how those players then performed at the next level:
1. WR Xavier Worthy (Texas/Kansas City Chiefs): 4.21
Worthy was drafted with the 28th overall pick in 2024. He had 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns during his rookie season. He also had three rushing touchdowns.
2. WR John Ross (Washington/Cincinnati Bengals): 4.22
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Ross was drafted with the 9th overall pick in 2017. His NFL career has never taken off, as he has totaled 63 receptions for 963 yards and 11 touchdowns.
3. CB Kalon Barnes (Baylor/Carolina Panthers): 4.23
Barnes was drafted in the 7th round in 2022, but he waived prior to the start of his rookie season. He then bounced around amongst six other teams but never saw the field. He is currently in the UFL with the San Antonio Brahmas.
4. RB Chris Johnson (East Carolina/Tennessee Titans): 4.24
Johnson was drafted with the 24th overall pick in 2008. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 with the Titans and a three-time Pro Bowler. He rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns during his NFL career.
So who should everyone be keeping an eye on this year?
1. WR Arian Smith (Georgia): If there were Vegas odds for a favorite, which there probably are, Smith would be at the top. An All-American sprinter on the Georgia track team, Smith is made for this.
2. CB Darien Porter (Iowa State): Porter was never a star at Iowa State, but had his best season in 2024 with three interceptions. His speed was elite at the Senior Bowl, which immediately makes him a contender for the fastest athlete at the combine.
3. WR Isaiah Bond (Texas): Could Texas produce the fastest combine time in consecutive years? An elite sprinter in high school, Bond showcased his breakaway speed on several occasions over the last two years with Alabama and then Texas.
4. WR Jimmy Horn Jr. (Colorado): Horn was also a top-level high school sprinter, then flashed his speed at both USF and Colorado as a receiver and on special teams.
5. WR Tez Johnson (Oregon): Johnson was explosive at Oregon, but does he have elite track speed? The potential is there for him to be a darkhorse candidate to walk away with the fastest time.
Porter will run on Friday, while Smith, Bond, Horn Jr. and Johnson will all go on Saturday.
