When it comes to the cornerback position, there is not a drill that gets more attention from NFL fans than the 40-yard dash.
With so many talented receivers who can absolutely fly, defensive backs have to be ready to match them with speed.
Arguably the top cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft is Terrion Arnold from Alabama.
How fast did he run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine?
Terrion Arnold’s Impressive NFL Combine Performance
How Fast Is Arnold?
Arnold posted a time of 4.50 in the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Alabama CB Terrion Arnold made these DB drills look too smooth 🙌 #NFLCombine@ArnoldTerrion | @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/neZDtpHILC
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2024
This ranked 13th out of 17 cornerbacks, but a 4.50 mark is still a very good time in the 40-yard dash.
How Old Is Arnold?
Another exciting thing for NFL teams is the fact that Arnold is one of the younger prospects in the class. He played only two seasons at Alabama, and just recently turned 21 years old on March 22.
Arnold’s Latest Scouting Report
Even though the 40-yard dash time was in the bottom portion for cornerbacks at this year’s Combine, there is no denying that Arnold is a terrific athlete.
According to the NFL Next Gen Stats’ Score Breakdown, Arnold tested out as the No. 1 cornerback at the Combine.
Last season, Arnold took a monster leap from a young, talented cornerback to a bona fide superstar. He finished with 63 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 6.5 tackles for loss, and five interceptions.
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings has Arnold ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the class, and it is his ability to impact a game in many different ways that sticks out to Cummings.
“He’s my personal CB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft class, and especially for man-heavy teams that value run support at CB, Arnold has immediate appeal and impact starter upside,” Cummings writes.
“As one might expect from a former five-star recruit, Arnold is a special mover. In short ranges, he has an incredibly uncommon mix of foot speed, hyperactive twitch, and fluidity. And as a vertical mover, he’s an instant accelerator with the long speed to recover ground. Expanding on the physical foundation, Arnold has the traits to be a lockdown cover man and a devastating support presence.
“His discipline in press-man is age-defying, and he has the reaction speed and low center of gravity to erase WRs from existence. He also has the hinge flexibility to pinch insanely tight angles overtop comeback routes. Meanwhile, in support, he’s a fast-flowing attacker with range and physicality.”
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Terrion Arnold
If there is one area Arnold will look to continue to improve, it is when he is playing zone coverage.
At times, Arnold was confused and hesitant about where he needed to be when receivers were overlapping. He has to continue to work on passing receivers off.
Basketball was Arnold’s first love, and he actually went to Alabama with the mindset of playing both sports. However, he was so good at football that he quickly scrapped that idea.
The fact Arnold is just now focusing on football and the fact that he is still only 21 years old is something Cummings thinks could make his future even brighter.
“At just 21 years old, Arnold has a long prime ahead of him,” Cummings said. “And with a little more refinement, he can be a true impact starter who specializes in man but holds his own in zone. And he has the slot versatility and playmaking authority to be the central moving piece of a secondary.”
Why Did Arnold Run the 40-Yard Dash at the NFL Combine?
Each year, many top prospects make the decision not to run at the NFL Combine. Arnold made the decision to run in large part because he is right there in the running to be the first cornerback drafted.
The opportunity to go out and compete at the NFL Combine could be the difference in him going as the first cornerback versus the second or third.
KEEP READING: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Arnold’s 40-yard dash wasn’t as fast as he would have wanted, but he still tested out very well and has an outstanding chance of being the first cornerback selected.
For Arnold, he made the right decision, and he figures to be happy on Thursday night when he hears his name called.
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