The 40‑yard dash remains the crown jewel of the NFL Combine — a simple sprint that can transform a prospect’s draft stock in under five seconds.
While the drill doesn’t guarantee NFL success, it offers a clear, measurable look at a player’s explosiveness and long‑speed. And every year, fans want to know one thing: who ran the fastest 40?
Below is a complete, position‑by‑position breakdown of the fastest 40‑yard dash times ever recorded at the NFL Combine, including quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs, and even offensive linemen.
Fastest Quarterback 40‑Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
Quarterbacks aren’t typically known for blazing speed, but several dual‑threat passers have posted elite times.
The fastest QB 40 in Combine history belongs to Robert Griffin III, who clocked an incredible 4.33 seconds in 2012 — a time that would be elite for a wide receiver.
Other standout quarterback times include:
- Michael Vick – 4.33 seconds (unofficial pre‑Combine time often cited by scouts)
- Marcus Mariota – 4.52 seconds
- Justin Fields – 4.44 seconds (unofficial Pro Day time)
- Anthony Richardson – 4.43 seconds
As the NFL continues shifting toward mobile quarterbacks, these times matter more than ever.
Fastest Wide Receiver 40‑Yard Dash Times
Wide receivers dominate the Combine’s speed leaderboard.
The all‑time record belongs to John Ross, who ran a jaw‑dropping 4.22 seconds in 2017.
Other elite WR times include:
- Henry Ruggs III – 4.27 seconds
- Marquise Goodwin – 4.27 seconds
- Tyquan Thornton – 4.28 seconds
These performances helped redefine what teams expect from deep‑threat receivers.
Fastest Cornerback 40‑Yard Dash Times
Cornerbacks consistently produce some of the fastest times at the Combine. The position demands elite recovery speed, and the numbers prove it.
Top CB times include:
- DJ Turner – 4.26 seconds
- Jalen Myrick – 4.28 seconds
- Jamel Dean – 4.30 seconds
Speed is the great equalizer in the secondary, and these prospects showcased it in full.
Fastest Running Back 40‑Yard Dash Times
Running backs have delivered some of the Combine’s most iconic speed moments.
The legendary Chris Johnson ran a 4.24 in 2008, a record that stood for nearly a decade.
Other top RB times:
- Dri Archer – 4.26 seconds
- Reggie Bush – 4.33 seconds
Johnson’s run helped cement his “CJ2K” identity long before he hit 2,000 rushing yards.
Fastest Tight End, Linebacker, and Lineman 40‑Yard Dash Times
Even the big men have produced jaw‑dropping speed:
- TE Vernon Davis – 4.38 seconds
- LB Shaquem Griffin – 4.38 seconds
- DL Montez Sweat – 4.41 seconds
- OL Terron Armstead – 4.71 seconds
These times shattered expectations for their positions.
Why the 40‑Yard Dash Still Matters in NFL Draft Evaluations
The 40 remains a crucial data point for teams evaluating:
- Burst and acceleration
- Long‑speed in open‑field situations
- Special teams upside
- Overall athletic ceiling
It may not predict NFL greatness, but it continues to be the Combine’s most electrifying moment — and a key part of draft‑day narratives.
