NFL Combine 2012: 5 Speedsters to Watch

The 40-yard dash kicks off Saturday at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, but with the offensive linemen and tight ends running first, it's highly unlikely that Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson's record of 4.24 seconds set in 2008 will be challenged.

However, when the offensive skill positions take the field Sunday, the speedsters will begin their assault. Here's a look at some of the players who have the best chance of mounting a serious challenge.

Chris Rainey: RB, Florida

With fellow Florida Gator Jeff Demps skipping the combine to get ready for the 2012 Olympics (he's that fast), Chris Rainey probably enters Indianapolis with the title of fastest player at the combine, and the 5'9" running back has already declared his intention to run the 40-yard dash in less than 4.2 seconds.

Rainey gained over 1,200 total yards as a senior at Florida but at only 174 pounds, he seems headed for a change of pace role in the NFL. Running a blazing 40 is important to Rainey in regards to his NFL future as well as bragging rights.

Zach Brown: LB, North Carolina

It's somewhat improbable that North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown will come close to Johnson's record time at the combine, but it's not Brown's raw speed that's as remarkable as his speed relative to his size.

The 232-pound senior, who had 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions last year for the Tar Heels, is expected to run in the 4.35 second range, a ridiculous time for a linebacker that would likely cement Brown as a first round pick in April's draft.

Kendall Wright: WR, Baylor

While Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III was passing and running his way to the Heisman Trophy in 2011, someone had to be on the receiving end of all those tosses, and 108 times it was 5'10" 196-pound wide receiver Kendall Wright, who racked up 1,663 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns last year.

Wright has speed to spare, and some pundits have speculated that if Wright can crack the 4.35 second mark, he may leapfrog Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon (who is not running at the combine) and be the first wideout chosen in this year's draft.

Morris Claiborne: CB, LSU

Not only is All-American cornerback Morris Claiborne the consensus top player available at his position in the 2012 NFL draft, but the Thorpe Award winner, college football's best defensive back, a year ago may be the fastest corner as well.

It's very possible that the 6'0" 185-pound junior could crack the 4.4 second mark in the 40 at the combine, which would all but insure that Claiborne, who had 51 tackles and six interceptions a season ago, will be a top five choice in the upcoming draft.

Robert Griffin III: QB, Baylor

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III may have elected not to throw at the combine, but the 6'2" 223-pound signal-caller will still be putting on a show, as all eyes will certainly be focused on the speed that propelled Griffin to nearly 700 rushing yards and the Heisman.

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor was the fastest player under center at last year's combine with an official time of 4.51 seconds, but given Griffin's wheels, there's a very good chance he'll top that mark easily.

Must be something in the water in Waco.