5 Fastest 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History

The NFL Combine gives possible draftees the opportunity to showcase their physical abilities to all 32 teams in hopes of improving their draft stock. One of the most popular events is the 40-yard dash, where participants can show off both their raw speed and explosive acceleration. 2020 participants at the Combine will aim to see their name mentioned among these five speed demons, who posted the five fastest times in NFL Combine history.

5. Marquise Goodwin, 4.27 seconds, 2013

San Francisco 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin ran a 4.27 40-yard dash in 2013. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

In 2013, Texas product Marquise Goodwin showed of his speed by running for a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash. Goodwin's great combine performance led him to being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round. He currently is still in the league with the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers and caught 12 receptions in 2019.

4. Jerome Mathis, 4.26 seconds, 2005

Former Houston Texans WR Jerome Mathis ran a 4.26 40-yard dash in 2005. /

Jerome Mathis held the record for the 40-yard dash time until it was broken in 2010. Mathis was known for his speed as he holds the NCAA record for career kick return average as a member of Hampton University. His 4.27-second dash time was enough to see him selected in the fourth round by the Texans, though his NFL career spanned just 17 games.

3. Dri Archer, 4.26 seconds, 2014

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Dri Archer ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash in 2014. / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Dri Archer's speed was revered as he came out of Kent State. He stunned during the Combine by posting a blazing 4.26 40, which he parlayed into a third-round draft selection by the Steelers. Unfortunately, he saw the field in just 20 games before his career stalled out.

2. Chris Johnson, 4.24 seconds, 2008

Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Chris Johnson's NFL Combine record stood for nearly a decade after he stole the show with a 4.24 second 40-yard dash coming out of East Carolina. He went on to use that speed to record a 2,000+ rushing yard campaign in his second season in the league. Johnson's career was prolific and he will always be remembered as one of the Combine's most explosive participants.

1. John Ross, 4.22 seconds, 2017

Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

John Ross made a statement in the 2017 NFL Combine as he recorded the fastest time to date. The wide receiver from Washington ran a 4.22 second 40-yard time to dethrone the record previously set by CJ2K. Ross's draft stock went up exponentially as he was selected ninth overall in the Draft. While he showed glimpses last year, injuries derailed what looked to be a promising campaign. The speedster will look to get back on track in Year 4.