NFL Combine 2015: Workout Schedule and Predictions for Fastest Players
The NFL Scouting Combine has many features, but the biggest draw for fans is seeing which players are the fastest in each class.
Each position group will have its interviews and workouts, with the players partaking in various drills from the bench press to the broad jump to the three-cone drill. However, the most notable event is clearly the 40-yard dash.
Chris Johnson holds the current combine record for the speed test with a time of 4.24 seconds, set in 2008. Still, there are some athletes in this class who will want to break this record, or at least present a challenge to the mark. Here are some predictions for who will finish with the fastest 40-yard dash time in 2015.
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| Friday, Feb. 20 | Specialists, Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends |
| Saturday, Feb. 21 | Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers |
| Sunday, Feb. 22 | Defensive Linemen, Linebackers |
| Monday, Feb. 23 | Defensive Backs |
Fastest Players
Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Although you can't always trust the stopwatches being manned by coaching staffs, Phillip Dorsett set a school record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash last summer, according to Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald.
Even though he'll likely run a slower time at the combine, Mike Mayock of NFL.com (via NFL.com's Mike Huguenin) still believes the receiver will put up an impressive number:
"He might run sub-4.3 (in the 40). My introduction to him came (as a broadcaster) two years ago at Notre Dame, when he dropped two passes on the first series where he was 5 to 10 yards beyond the closest Notre Dame player. I don't think Notre Dame had ever seen a guy run that fast.
He flies and he's gotten more consistent with his hands and route-running. This kid can play and pick the top off any zone.
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The on-field production hasn't always been great for Dorsett, which is going to keep the receiver from being taken too early in the draft. However, a great 40-yard dash time is certainly going to push him up boards.
Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Add Dorsett's speed to someone with a little more size and the ability to make big plays, and you have Devin Smith.
The Ohio State receiver was a big part of the team's success down the stretch, totaling seven catches of at least 39 yards in the season's final four games. This included three touchdowns against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game and some big plays against Alabama and Oregon in the College Football Playoff.
Sigmund Bloom of Footballguys explained what makes Smith such a good prospect:
He and Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates will have a chance to not only put up impressive marks in the 40, but they will also show that they can be complete receivers who will succeed in the NFL.
Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Looking at the defensive side of the ball, it's hard to imagine anyone beating Florida State cornerback Ronald Darby in a foot race.
The former track star has elite straight-line speed, and the scouting combine is simply a perfect atmosphere to show off his best attribute.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller believes this skill could lead to more upside:
Darby has been upstaged at Florida State by fellow cornerback P.J. Williams, who has shown the ability to be more physical on the field. However, there are plenty of teams that could use a speedster who is still growing as a player.
Duke Johnson, RB, Miami
Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley are likely the two top picks at running back, with Gordon specifically known for his speed. However, the fastest running back in the class will likely be Duke Johnson.
The 5'9" running back had a breakout 2014 with 1,652 rushing yards, showing off his pure speed whenever he got an open lane.
Of course, Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel believes the player is more than just speed:
While the young player's film is great on its own, Johnson has a chance to really turn some heads with his wheels at the combine.
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