NFL Combine 2011: The Top 10 40-Times for Defensive Backs

The combine came to an end on Tuesday, but not before the defensive backs took center stage in an attempt to impress scouts and improve their draft stock. 

Players such as Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson set out to prove why many people have them labeled as top-10 picks, while other players such as Curtis Marsh set out to improve their draft status and possibly catapult themselves into the draft's first round.

One of the most important events at the combine is the 40-yard dash, with most teams putting a major emphasis on the result.  The times could determine whether a team views a player as a corner or a safety, and if a player has the necessary speed to run with some of the NFL's elite wide receivers.

 Here are 10 players that recorded the top unofficial 40-times.

10. Jimmy Smith

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Cody Green #17 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers slips past Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric Fran

40-time: 4.46

College: Colorado

Talent as never been a question with Smith, as he has always been regarded as one of the top corners in his class.  Based on talent alone, Smith would be a first-round lock.  The time Smith posted in the 40 is very impressive for someone his size, at 6'2" and 211 pounds.

Unfortunately for Smith, the draft isn't just based on talent alone.  According to the Denver Post, Smith has and will continue to face questions from NFL teams about his troubled past.  In 2007, Smith tested positive during a drug test, and also has been arrested twice for possession of alcohol as a minor.

Smith will have to prove to teams that he has matured and is ready to move on.

9. Byron Maxwell

40-time: 4.46

College: Clemson

Despite a good showing in the 40, Maxwell is still likely to be picked somewhere in the middle rounds.  He has very good upper body strength, but struggles to turn and run with receivers.  He also has very good ball skills and excels when he is given time to read the play. 

Due to this, he will likely be asked to play safety and not cornerback at the next level.

8. Curtis Marsh

40-time: 4.46

College: Utah St.

Marsh is a bit raw, but has all of the physical tools he needs to excel at the next level.  He is a very good athlete with good height and excellent recovery speed.  He is also a sure tackler and is willing to step up and stop the run.  However, he is somewhat unproven against top competition.

He is likely to be taken somewhere in the middle rounds, but has more upside than most.

7. Ras-I Dowling

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

40-time: 4.46

College: Virginia

One of the biggest questions facing Dowling coming into the combine was his durability.  Dowling did nothing to silence those questions, as he pulled his hamstring at the end of his only 40 attempt.  His stock continues to drop.

6. Joe Lefeged

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PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 18: Michael Smith #80 of the Connecticut Huskies runs the ball after a reception against Joe Lefeged #26 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Rutgers Stadium on October 18, 2008 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Gett

40-time: 4.43

College: Rutgers

Lacks the cover skills to make an impact at the cornerback position, and also struggles with his technique once he leaves his stance.  However, he is a good tackler and excels when coming off the edge in blitz situations.

Lefeged will be taken in the later rounds, and will likely be asked to convert to safety.

5. Prince Amukamara

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 30: Prince Amukamara #21 of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers defends the play during the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against University of Arizona Wildcats on December 30, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Co

40-time: 4.43

College: Nebraska

What made Amukamara so impressive on film was his ball skills and lateral quickness.  He was a projected top-15 pick on those skills alone.

However, one of the questions Amukamara faced was his pure, straight-line speed. 

Prince answered those questions Tuesday with a very impressive 40, showing he had the elite speed to go along with everything else he brings to the table. 

With this performance, he is now a safe bet to be a top-10 pick.

4. Chris Culliver

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Chris Culliver #17 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

40-time: 4.40

College: South Carolina

Culliver will be a project at the next level, but could develop into a solid NFL cornerback.  He got a late start at the position, as he was originally a wide receiver at South Carolina.

He is very versatile, with skills to play both corner and safety.  His speed will also make him an asset in the return game.  Needs to work on technique.  He is also a poor tackler and struggles to step up and defend the run.

3. Chimdi Chekwa

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Chimdi Chekwa #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is unable to come up with an interception as he goes up for the ball against Cobi Hamilton #11 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second quarter during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at th

40-time: 4.40

College: Ohio St.

Chekwa is undersized and struggles with his lateral movement, which is likely to cause his stock to drop.  He had a good showing in the 40, but that was expected from him.

2. Patrick Peterson

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers breaks up a pass intended for Korvic Neat #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Gett

40-time: 4.34

College: LSU

Peterson showed why he should be the top defensive back chosen in April's draft.

Peterson has excellent size and incredible strength, and also can turn his hips with ease to run with receivers. 

He showed he had another gear with this 40 time.

1. DeMarcus Van Dyke

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes battles with DeMarcus Van Dyke #8 for possession of a pass at Ohio Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. The pass was incomplete. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

40-time: 4.28

College: Miami

Van Dyke has blazing speed but just average cover skills at best.  He also lacks lateral quickness for someone with his straight-line speed.  He also doesn't have ideal size, and will need to get more physical at the point of attack.

However, with his speed, he can't be ignored, even if its just for special teams.