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There are a handful of events at the NFL Combine, but few are as heralded as the 40-yard dash. This is the ultimate speed test among NFL prospects, and players typically go all out in this event.
Yes, the bench press and vertical jump are exciting events, but they couldn't hold the candle to the 40-yard dash.
This event has been ever present in the NFL Combine and will be around for a while. So, in honor of the 2023 NFL Combine and customary 40-yard dash, we present you with the fastest dash in Combine history.
The fastest 40-yard dash in the NFL Combine history
John Ross of Washington University has the fastest (4.22 seconds) 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history, and he achieved this feat at the 2017 Combine. The speedster helped Washington reach the College Football playoffs in his last season, during which he had his breakout year.
Ross put up a stat line of 81 receptions, 1,150 yards, and 17 touchdowns in his last year at college. Thanks to these stats, he was named the AP Pac-12 Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.
Ross entered the 2017 Combine with a torn labrum in his shoulder, but that didn't stop him from writing his name in the history books. Just imagine what he could have done if he wasn't recovering from a niggling injury.
Following his stellar showing at the Combine, Ross was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as the ninth overall pick. Unfortunately, Ross has yet to meet lofty expectations since entering the league.
For his career, he has a stat line of 62 catches for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns over five NFL seasons. That's alright, but it's not all that impressive for a player who raced into the league with immense expectations.
Who has run the fastest 40-yard dash in the 2023 NFL Combine so far?
At the time of writing, Nolan Smith has run the fastest 40-yard dash of this year's Combine. The Georgia Bulldogs alum pulled off a 4.39-second run on day one, with is the best so far.
In the process, Nolan became the early parameter for 40-yard excellence in this year's Combine. He is easily the fastest at his position, with second place, Bryon Young coming in at 4.43 seconds.
However, it's only the first day, and we are yet to see the offensive players show their stuff. The offensive-minded players typically put up the best 40-yard dashes at the Combine. Thankfully, it won't be a long wait, as quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends will be out on full display on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
