Speed defines the new NFL, and the 2019 Scouting Combine illuminated this trend. The 2019 Scouting Combine class was the fastest, on average (4.73), of any group since official 40-yard dash data was tracked in 2003. The wide receivers (4.50), linebackers (4.64), defensive line (4.91) and offensive line (5.17) all set group records for the 40-yard dash in 2019.

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins posted a 5.04-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which may seem insignificant to a quarterback not known for his running ability. However, only one quarterback to run a 5.0+ 40-yard dash has been selected in the first round of the NFL since official combine data was tracked in 2003. The player? Mark Sanchez who was drafted 5th overall by the Jets in 2009.

Mississippi State pass rusher Montez Sweat ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.41) by a defensive lineman and by a player weighing 260+ pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003, which is faster than Julio Jones (4.42), Odell Beckham Jr. (4.43) and Antonio Brown (4.57). In fact, Sweat ran a faster time than all but two quarterbacks at the combine over that span, Reggie McNeal (4.35) & Matt Jones (4.38). McNeal and Jones both converted to wide receiver in the NFL.

Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is a savage. The wide receiver ran a faster 40-yard dash (4.33) than the NFL's all-time return TD leader Devin Hester (4.43), put up more bench reps (27) than All-Pro tackle Trent Williams (23), had a higher vertical jump (40 1/2") than the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (38 1/2") and he had a longer broad jump (11'2"), used to measure explosiveness, than big-play specialist DeSean Jackson (10'). Oh...Metcalf also weighed more (228) than Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (223).

D.K. Metcalf ran the fastest official 40-yard dash among players to weigh 225+ pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003. However, there could be a different drill that worries NFL decision makers: the 3-cone drill (used to measure agility). Metcalf finished the 3-cone drill in 7.38 seconds. Since 2003, there are 39 players to weigh 300+ pounds that have run a faster 3-cone drill, including All-Pro guard David DeCastro (7.30). In fact, there have been 208 quarterbacks to finish the drill with a faster time, including new Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury (6.91).

Quarterbacks beware: Alabama DT Quinnen Williams is big (303 lbs), fast (4.83 40-yard dash) and talented (Daniel Jeremiah's #2 prospect). If drafted in the first round, Williams will have the 3rd-fastest 40-yard dash among 300-pound players selected in the first round. Among notable active QBs that Williams could chase down (based on 40 time): Baker Mayfield (4.84), Sam Darnold (4.85), Kirk Cousins (4.93), Matt Ryan (4.95) and Jimmy Garoppolo (4.97).

There have only been two running backs to post a 4.40-or-faster 40-yard dash and a 40+ inch vertical jump: 2018 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Saquon Barkley and Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill.

One of the major storylines entering the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine: how small is Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray. Despite measuring bigger than many expected, Murray could make history for his size. Murray was the shortest quarterback measured at the combine (5'10 1/8") since 2003, and if selected in the first round, he would be the shortest and lightest (207 pounds, tied with Johnny Manziel) quarterback selected in the first round over that span.