Combine 101: 40-Yard Dash

Leading up to the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, theScore's staff will take you through all the events the top prospects will participate in. The combine takes place in Indianapolis from Feb. 17-23.

Combine Events
40-Yard Dash | Bench Press
Vertical Jump | Broad Jump
3-Cone Drill | Shuttle Run

40-Yard Dash

The 40-yard dash is the combine's premier event. Athletes run 40 yards in a straight line and are timed at the 10- and 20-yard intervals to determine their short-burst ability. This drill is useful to evaluate all positions, but especially cornerback, running back and wide receiver. 

Top All-Time Performers

Notable Performances

Johnson sets the record
The fastest electronically timed 40-yard dash in NFL Scouting Combine history belongs to Chris Johnson. The East Carolina running back was known to have game-breaking ability, but absolutely dazzled scouts with his speed. 

Johnson was selected 24th overall by the Tennessee Titans and showcased his quickness during the 2009 season when he rushed for 2,006 yards.

In 2014, Johnson almost saw his record broken by Dri Archer and tweeted about it:

Brady runs a 5.28
Dressed in one of the most humiliating combine wardrobes committed to film, Tom Brady ran a 5.28 at the 2000 combine. Wearing what looks like a XXXL T-shirt and shorts made out of a reappropriated burlap sack, Brady beat only one non-lineman (QB Chris Redman - 5.37) in the foot race.

Sanders takes a bow
Deion Sanders ran a 4.27 40-yard dash at the 1989 combine and kept right on going through the finish line and into the locker room, according to Gil Brandt. He apparently had to be coaxed into running at all, doing it as a favor to Brandt. Legend also has it that Sanders ran the 40 in 4.35 backwards. But that is legend.

2015 Top Prospect Prediction 

Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State
An absolute burner, Grant has an unofficial, electronically timed 4.32 on his resume, which would position him atop the combine in most years. He'll have some competition from Roland Darby, another corner out of Florida State, but Grant is a safe bet.