Will this be the year that Chris Johnson's NFL Scouting Combine40-yard-dash record falls? There are certainly some candidates to challenge the mark next week at the combine. Here's a look at nine of the fastest players in this year's draft. We're not offering any predictions on who will record the best time in Indianapolis, but these are guys you're not going to want to miss when they take the starting line in the 40.
Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Reported 40 time: 4.25 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Outstanding combination of size and speed. Good acceleration off the snap for a receiver with his length. Can take top off defense and open up the underneath. Will beat bold cornerbacks over the top if they wait to turn and run.
Jalen Collins, CB, LSU
Reported 40 time: 4.4 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Rare combination of height, weight and speed. Has the foot quickness and twitch to trigger on demand. Uses soft, bouncy feet to change direction and drive instantly on throws. ... Will make plays outside of his area and has speed to come across field to chase down a loose running back or receiver.
Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Reported 40 time: 4.37 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Former high school track star with "world-class speed". ... Easy swivel to his hips with ability to open, run and hit top speed quickly.
Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
Reported 40 time: 4.21 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Takes the top off the defense and throws it in the trash. Elite explosiveness. Gets to top speed quickly and is a seamless glider on crossing routes, leaving man-to-man defenses in his wake.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
Reported 40 time: 4.37 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Imposing physical specimen with outstanding height, weight and speed numbers. Smooth, effortless strides to chomp up cushion and blow by overconfident corners. Runs routes with forward lean and can activate second gear when he chooses.
Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
Reported 40 time: 4.39 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Big-time vertical speed and explosiveness. Can open up his hips and stride past corners on vertical routes. ... Has burst to post that cornerbacks need help with over the top.
Donatella Luckett, WR, Harding
Reported 40 time: 4.45 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Good size, speed and overall quickness. Ran a 10.44 100 meters for the track team. ... Can mash the gas off the snap and destroy cushion on the Div. II level. ... Has the speed to punish defenses after catch.
Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State
Reported 40 time: 4.33 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Smooth speed merchant with instant gas off the line. ... Electrifying foot quickness. Game-breaking speed with necessary feel of a downfield receiver. ... Smith isn't just combine-fast, he's game-fast and he would have had more than 12 touchdown catches during the 2014 season if he didn't have to slow down and wait on throws so often.
Julian Wilson, CB, Oklahoma
Reported 40 time: 4.35 (source)
From Zierlein's report: Heralded high school sprinter with blazing straight-line speed. Expected to run a blazing 40 time at NFL Scouting Combine. ... His combine speed will have people talking, as will his size and the classroom efforts that have helped him earn Academic All-Big 12 honors for four straight years.
Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
