With the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl, teams are going to be looking to make the moves that can knock off the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.
One of the first ways for a team to start looking at making moves is by the NFL Combine. Fans every year look for the guys who will put on a performance that blows everyone away.
Wide receiver is as popular of a position as there is at the NFL Draft. Being able to see what the receivers run the 40-yard dash is something that all football fans love.
You hear 4.4 seconds, and you instantly think of big-time potential. What are the fastest times for a receiver, and who holds the records?
Fastest Wide Receiver 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
Xavier Worthy (2024) — 4.21 Seconds
The vaunted 2024 NFL Draft WR class tested at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The class was stocked to the brim with high-level athletes, but Texas’ Xavier Worthy separated himself as a cut above with his 40-yard dash time.
Worthy has always been a superlative speed threat, and his 40-yard dash was heavily anticipated. Now that his time is official, it’s safe to say he didn’t disappoint. Worthy officially ran a 4.21 40-yard dash on his second attempt, breaking the record previously held by Bengals first-round pick John Ross.
John Ross (2017) — 4.22 Seconds
John Ross had the NFL world buzzing in 2017 when he ran a 4.22 in the 40. He played his college career at Washington and showcased great speed. However, nobody could have seen what he did at the Combine coming.
Ross was taken with the No. 9 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had one solid year, as he had 21 catches for 210 yards and seven touchdowns in his second season.
However, he wasn’t able to sustain that, and he had short stints in both New York (Giants) and Kansas City before he retired last July. One fascinating note about Ross being taken ninth is that Patrick Mahomes was drafted right behind him.
Rondel Menendez (1999) — 4.24 Seconds
In 1999, Rondel Menendez ran the 40-yard dash in a then-record 4.24 seconds. He was tied with Chris Johnson before Ross broke their record in 2017.
Despite all the speed he had, it didn’t result in him being a high draft pick. He was selected at No. 247 in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
He flashed some big-time potential early, as he returned a punt for a touchdown in a preseason game. However, he tore his meniscus in another preseason game and was eventually released.
He played with the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles. He took time away from the NFL to take care of his mother and tried to pick up his career.
Menendez ended up in NFL Europe and was never able to sustain any more success, and he eventually retired again.
Jerome Mathis (2005) — 4.26 Seconds
The third and final receiver on this list is Jerome Mathis, who ran a 4.26 at the 2005 NFL Combine.
Mathis played his college football career at Hampton, where he made his mark as an elite returner. He holds the NCAA record for both kick return average (26.6 yards) and kick return touchdowns (six).
KEEP READING: NFL Combine Records — 40 Times, Bench Press, Vertical Jump, and More
He was drafted with the 114th pick by the Houston Texans in the 2005 draft. Mathis had an impressive rookie year, as he had 54 kick returns for 1,542 yards and two touchdowns. His longest was for 99 yards, and he went to the Pro Bowl that year. He suffered a fractured foot injury in 2006 and was never able to get back into the NFL.
This year’s wide receiver class has a ton of talent that many scouts think is one of the best receiver classes in a long time. Will any of those wideouts come close to these three guys? We will find out soon.
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