The 40-yard dash is the unmistakable face of the NFL Combine, with the debate over who will set the top times dominating pre-event conversation. Even as advanced analytics evolve to measure top “game speed,” eradicating the importance of straight-line speed performances, the event at the Combine remains a fixture of fascination. So, who will set the top 40-yard dash times at the 2022 NFL Combine?
Predicting the top 40-yard dash times
Despite the decreasing relevance to the game, there are still two positions where players are frequently required to run flat out down the length of the field: WRs and DBs. Although the average 40-yard dash time of NFL wide receivers is 4.53 seconds, players like Tyreek Hill have increased the focus on finding speedy pass catchers.
Unsurprisingly, the two positions are expected to dominate the top 40-yard dash times and performances at the 2022 NFL Combine. While it’s unlikely that anyone surpasses John Ross’ 4.22-second record, there are some genuine speeders in this 2022 NFL Draft class.
Baylor CB Kalon Barnes
There’s something in the water at Baylor University. If you line up in the Baylor secondary, it’s likely you’re a genuine speed threat. That’s exactly what Kalon Barnes is. A two-time Texas State 100m and 200m champion, Barnes owns the state 100m record. His time of 10.22 seconds is faster than multiple 100m semifinal times at the 2020 Olympics. As a result, don’t rule out a low 4.3-second mark as one of the top 40-yard dash times at the Combine.
Baylor S JT Woods
While Jalen Pitre receives a lot of attention in the 2022 NFL Draft process, don’t sleep on JT Woods. The Baylor safety had the opportunity to impress on the field at the Senior Bowl. Now, he can showcase his exceptional athletic profile with one of the top performances at the Combine.
While slower than teammate Barnes, Woods’ high school 100m time was faster than record-holder Ross’. A long strider, if he gets up a head of steam quickly, a late-4.3-second time isn’t out of his reach.
UTSA CB Tariq Woolen
Tariq Woolen is the kid that you want to keep your eyes out for this week. Despite his relative inexperience at the cornerback position, his elite athletic profile is resulting in his 2022 NFL Draft skyrocketing. He already has a laser-timed 4.34-second 40-yard dash time on his résumé. He also has an 11’5″ broad jump, an indicator of lower body explosiveness. The UTSA cornerback is convinced that he has a 4.2-second effort. That would instantly be one of the top performances at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Memphis WR Calvin Austin III
“Not so fast” says Calvin Austin III, literally, in response to Woolen’s claim to being at the top of the 40-yard dash times. Ok, so that isn’t an actual quote from the Memphis wide receiver ahead of the 2022 NFL Combine. Nevertheless, Austin is a legitimate contender to be the fastest man in Indianapolis this week.
A track star at both high school and at Memphis, Austin has a 4.3-second 40-yard dash time in his sight, which would comfortably be one of the top performances at not just this Combine but from the last one in 2020.
Penn State WR Jahan Dotson
Before the 2021 college football season, Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson reportedly set a 4.33-second 40-yard dash time. It ranks second in program history behind now Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler. While a hamstring injury meant Hamler never ran in Indianapolis in 2020, he allegedly ran a 4.27-second 40 in training. Dotson, a former long jump and 400m relay champion, would be one of the top performances at the Combine if he’s anywhere close to that time.