NFL Combine 2011: Top 10 Projected 40 Times in Indianapolis
Overblown, overhyped, and sometimes overvalued, the forty yard dash is usually the first thing fans look at when watching or reviewing the Combine, and the one concrete number that most football people can best understand and comprehend in terms of a certain skill.
So, while the forty times may not mean everything, they mean enough for teams to sometimes give these guys a shot at the very least, and maybe more (see Chris Johnson, Johnny Knox). Here are the projected top ten forty times that will be run in Indianapolis.
10. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
1 of 10
One of the more electrifying offensive weapons in the Pac-10, Rodgers has been using his game breaking speed to rack up big play stats and be a threat to break 20+ yard gains at any time. His size is a concern, so speed must be outstanding to get an NFL look.
I do think he will run well, but maybe not well enough below 4.5 to get safely in the top three rounds
Projection: 4.48
9. Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
2 of 10
One of the fastest cornerbacks at the FBS level this year, Carmichael made big plays by having great recovery skills and not letting receivers getting past him on a consistent basis.
Similar to Brandon Flowers (another Va Tech grad), Carmichael isn't a fit everywhere, but he should wow with his speed at the Combine, enough to securely put him in the third round.
Projection: 4.47
8. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
3 of 10
While I was at the Senior Bowl, a few things were apparent. Colin Kaepernick was the biggest quarterback there, Von Miller can flat out play football, and Kendall Hunter had the quickest feet no question of any player there.
While his quick feet have made him skyrocket up some boards, I think he maxes out as an undersized back and a less talented Maurice Jones-Drew. Still, a great forty like I expect could make him at least a fourth round value.
Projection: 4.47
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7. Andre Holmes, WR, Hillsdale
4 of 10
Hillsdale is maybe a little bit better known by draft fans thanks to last year's small school third rounder and current NFL starting tackle Jared Veldheer of the Raiders. However, Holmes is another small school Combine invite, and he'll have a chance to showcase his skill set as well.
His best quality is no question his speed and explosiveness and teams will look to see not only his forty to ensure it's fast, but also his 10 and 20 yard splits to see if he can be dynamic in the NFL.
Projection: 4.46
6. Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian
5 of 10
Gates had a chance to really shoot up most boards, especially mine, if he could showcase his deep speed and overall receiving skills at the Senior Bowl, but due to injury he was unable to perform.
Now he should be at full strength and able to perform all the drills at the Combine, and when I last spoke with him, he said he was planning on running in the mid-4.4s. Based on his film and his improvements, I think he very well could get to that level.
Projection: 4.45
5. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
6 of 10
The quick footed Devine has been using his speed to get to the outside running lanes for the past two years now and has been very successful in hitting the corner and picking up huge chunks of yardage at a time.
His small legs likely will limit his potential to run an extremely fast forty time like his quick feet could allow him, but it still should be sub-4.45. Regardless, however, I think his size makes him a fringe NFL draft prospect and will need the right fit.
Projection: 4.44
4. Justin Rogers, CB, Richmond
7 of 10
The most talented small school cornerback in the draft this year on our board, Rogers is both a solid number two cornerback prospect as well as one of the top returners in this draft. Obviously, his speed is crucial for both the cornerback and returner evaluation.
He isn't being talked about as being one of the fastest guys in Indianapolis and I may be going out on a limb, but based on his senior film, I think he could be a quick riser on many boards if he runs as well as I think he will.
Projection: 4.42
3. Buster Skrine, CB, Chattanooga
8 of 10
Skrine isn't a top NFL Draft prospect on my board. His height, hips, and ball skills are concerns for me, but I know he is on some teams' boards relatively high compared to our board. Still, there is a reason he was invited to the Combine, and that's because he has some NFL potential.
He is right in the mix for being the fastest player there, and being the fastest could be enough for him to get some serious looks come draft day.
Projection: 4.37
2. Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State
9 of 10
Lockette has great size for a receiver and obviously by being here he has great speed, but thanks to the offense he was in at Fort Valley State, he never got a chance to showcase his immense talent. He did get to do so at the Texas vs. Nation game, and reportedly did a very good job.
Being a long strider, he has a chance to really run a fast forty time, and sub 4.4s is definitely in his sights. However, team's will be most concerned with his 10 and 20 yard splits to see his explosion off the line.
Projection: 4.35
1. Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy
10 of 10
Our number four rated receiver, our number one rated kick returner and our number on rated slot receiver, it's obvious that we really like Jerrel Jernigan. He's a dynamic weapon on offense who can play in a variety of spots and is more developed than most versatile college players translating to the next level.
Jernigan will need to show that he's health first and foremost while at the Combine since his injury at the Senior Bowl, and he'll need to showcase good routes and reliable hands morseo than speed, but running a sub 4.4 wouldn't hurt a bit.
Projection: 4.34
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