NFL Draft 2011: Top 10 Combine Performances of All Time
Most people's job interviews are just questions and answers, but for NFL draft prospects, the Scouting Combine is their job interview.
At the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, prospects go through several physical and mental tests including the 40-yard dash and interviews with each team.
It seems like almost every season, one player stands out from the crowd during the Combine, and he can improve or solidify his draft position.
Here are the top 10 NFL Scouting Combine performances of all time.
No. 10: Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn, 1986
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Bo Jackson's appearance in the 1986 Combine was a remarkable one–he ran the 40 yard dash in just 4.12 seconds, which was the fastest time ever recorded.
Jackson was then drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but as a multi-sport athlete, he opted to sign with the Kansas City Royals to play professional baseball.
No. 9: Scott Fujita, LB, California, 2002
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Scott Fujita posted impressive numbers in the 2002 Combine, with a 4.43 second 40 and a 42 inch vertical leap.
It's even more impressive because he was 6'5" and 250 lbs.
No. 8: Matt Jones, QB/WR, Arkansas, 2008
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The former do-it-all quarterback was in the process of transitioning to wide receiver when he put up a 39.5 inch vertical and a 4.37 in the 40.
Those numbers are good for a wide receiver, but incredible for a quarterback.
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No. 7: John Engelberger, DL, Virginia Tech, 2000
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John Engelberger was a 260 pound defensive lineman who posted a 4.65 in the 40, a 6.95 in the three cone drill and a 34 inch vertical.
Those numbers aren't great for a small guy, but for a 260 pound DL, that's astonishing.
No. 6: Mario Williams, DE, North Carolina State, 2006
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At 6'6" and 290 pounds, Mario Williams put on an incredible show at the 2006 Combine.
He had a 4.66 in the 40, 35 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and a 40.5 inch vertical!
He was so good that it cemented his draft standing, and the Houston Texans picked him first overall.
No. 5: Adam Archuleta, S, Arizona State, 2001
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Adam Archuleta is widely considered to be the best Combine performance ever by a safety.
He ran a 4.42 on the 40, did 31 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press and had a vertical jump of 39 inches.
His great performance got him drafted 20th overall by the St. Louis Rams.
No. 4: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech, 2007
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Calvin Johnson is one of the best athletes to ever play in the NFL. He had high expectations coming into the 2007 Combine, and he performed even better than expected.
With a 4.35 40 yard dash, a 42 inch vertical leap and an 11'7" broad jump, Johnson was remarkable.
He got picked second overall by the Detroit Lions and is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
No. 3: Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina, 2008
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At under six feet tall, Chris Johnson somehow managed to post a 10'10" broad jump, a 35 inch vertical and, most impressively, a 4.24 in the 40.
Johnson was drafted 24th overall by the Tennessee Titans and has become one of the best running backs in the NFL.
No. 2: Dwight Freeney, DE, Syracuse, 2002
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Dwight Freeney is just 6'1" and 266 pounds—much smaller than most NFL defensive ends—but the speed and strength he demonstrated at the 2002 Combine have made him one of the best in the league.
He posted a 4.48 in the 40, 28 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press and a 37 inch vertical.
No. 1: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland, 2006
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6'3", 255 pound tight end Vernon Davis' performance at the 2006 Combine solidified his status as an elite prospect and got him drafted sixth overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Davis posted a 4.38 in the 40, a 10'8" broad jump, 33 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press and a 42 inch vertical in the most impressive Combine performance ever.
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