The 10 Most Jaw-Dropping Performances in NFL Combine History

With the NFL Combine and Draft 2011 coming up very soon, teams will be preparing to take a look at the players they want to scout out.

The NFL Combine has grown significantly in importance over the last few years and looks to be bigger and better than ever this time around.

With college athletes coming from all around the USA, the NFL Combine is one of the biggest event of the year for the sport.

Here are the 10 most jaw-dropping performances in the event's history...

10. Mario Williams

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 14: Mario Williams #90 of the Houston Texans looks on during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 14, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Year: 2006

Position: Defensive End

In the 2006 NFL Combine, Mario Williams performed better than anyone expected. In fact he was so good at the event that the Texans selected him over Reggie Bush, much to the surprise of many people.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.75, Bench - 35 reps, Vertical Jump - 40.5

9. Mike Mamula

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

10 Nov 1996: Linebacker Mike Mamula of the Philadelphia Eagles sits on the sidelines during a game against the Bufffalo Bills at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Bills won the game 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

Year: 1995

Position: Defensive End

Mike Mamula managed to make himself go from obscurity to the seventh pick of the 1995 NFL draft all thanks to the Combine.

Thanks to his work with one of the Boston Bruins conditioning coaches, Mamula completed every test to the very peak of his ability.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.62, Bench - 26 reps, Vertical Jump - 38.5

8. Chris Johnson

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Eric Foster #68 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Year: 2008

Position: Running Back

Originally predicted as a second- to third-round pick, Johnson managed to boost himself up to the first round thanks to his Combine results.

Despite scoring a lowly 10 on the Wonderlic test, he tied with the second all-time mark to ensure he became a higher pick.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.24, Broad Jump - 10ft 10in, Vertical Jump - 43.5

7. John Engelberger

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - NOVEMBER 02: Defensive end John Engelberger #60 of the Denver Broncos defends against the Miami Dolphins during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 2, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Dolphins defeated the Broncos 26-17. (Photo by

Year: 2000

Position: Defensive End

His results may not be the best looking, but for a giant defensive linesman, Engelberger earned some spectacular results.

As a result, he was drafted in the second round, 35th overall by the San Francisco 49ers.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.65, Three Cone Drill - 6.95, Vertical Jump - 34

6. Chris Chambers

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 03: Chris Chambers #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a first down reception to the two yard line as D.J. Williams #55 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on January 3, 2010 in Denver, C

Year: 2001

Position: Wide Receiver

In 2001, Chris Chambers posted some of the best results the NFL combine has ever seen.

It was already known that he was a very athletic competitor, but the results Chambers secured made sure that he was a solid draft pick for the Dolphins in the second round.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.31, 20 Yard Shuttle - 4.00, Vertical Jump - 45

5. Rondel Melendez

Year: 1999

Position: Wide Receiver

Although Melendez was a flop in the NFL, there can be no denying his combine results.

He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons but failed to match up to his combine performance. His results are still extremely close to a number of all-time records.  

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.24, 10 Yard Time - 1.47

4. Dwight Freeney

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 26: Dwight Freeney #93 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a sack against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 26, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty

Year: 2002

Position: Defensive End

Freeney wasn't originally seen as a particularly choice pick in the draft due to his small size considering his position, but with a strong performance in the Combine, he is now a six-time Pro Bowler. Thanks to his combine results, he was drafted by the Colts in 2002.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.48, Bench - 28 reps, Vertical Jump - 37

3. Antwan Harris

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

03 Feb 2002: Antwan Harris of the New England Patriots reacts during the game against the St.Louis Rams at Superbowl XXXVI at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Patriots won 20-17, with a 48-yard field goal by kicker Adam Vinatieri with 10 se

Year: 2006

Position: Defensive Back

Harris' results at the 2000 NFL combine led to him being picked up by the Patriots in the same year as none other than Tom Brady.

While not the most impressive pick on show, Harris managed to raise his stock very significantly at the Combine; enough to eventually win two Super Bowl rings. 

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.34, Broad Jump - 10ft 01in, Vertical Jump - 39

2. Vernon Davis

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 12: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a tochdown after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on December 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/G

Year: 2006

Position: Tight End

Originally thought to be too small to be a good tight end, some of Davis' performances and his NFL Combine results made him one of the best prospects in the year's draft.

His NFL career has since been very productive, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2009.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.38, Bench - 33 reps, Vertical Jump - 42, Broad Jump - 10ft 8in

1. Deion Sanders

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 5: Deion Sanders looks on after being inducted into the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame class during an announcement at the Super Bowl XLV media center on February 5, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Year: 1989

Position: Cornerback

Rumour has it from some sources that Deion Sanders ran the 40 as low as 4.17, although the result was hand timed.

He has gone on to be recognised as the fastest player of all time, which was first put on show at the 1989 Combine.

Results: 40 Yard Dash - 4.17 (Hand timed)