The NFL Combine is often where legendary players showcase their athleticism. Over its history, the event has witnessed the birth of the NFL careers of all-time greats. Here are some of the top NFL Combine performances from the NFL’s biggest stars.
Legendary NFL Combine Performances
Deion Sanders (1989), Cornerback
- 40-yard Dash: 4.28 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 36 inches
- Broad Jump: 10’3″
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.69 seconds
Deion Sanders’ 1989 NFL Combine performance solidified his reputation as one of the most athletic prospects ever. One of the most dynamic cornerbacks the NFL has ever seen, the former Atlanta Falcons fifth overall pick was timed running a 4.28 40-yard dash, with some scouts timing him even quicker.
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What makes this figure so fascinating is the ora that Sanders brings. After completing his second run, the Florida State DB didn’t stop running, waved to the fans, and sprinted down the locker room tunnel, never to be seen at the event again.
Sanders shared on CBS, “I don’t even believe I stretched. You wanna know why? Because I never saw a Cheetah stretch before he goes to get his prey.” Classic Deion Sanders.
Bo Jackson (1986), Running Back
- 40-yard Dash: 4.12 seconds (unofficial)
- Vertical Jump: 39 inches
- Bench Press: 22 reps
Although Bo Jackson’s Combine performance was not part of the official event, it remains the gold standard for athleticism. His performance is legendary, especially his remarkable 40-yard dash time of 4.12 seconds, which is still considered one of the fastest ever recorded.
Vincent “Bo” Jackson
Auburn U#Heisman winner
NFL Combine record 4.12 40
Only person named to Pro Bowl & MLB Allstar Game
Greatest ath ever pic.twitter.com/rQ61GIQOdw— Prospect Wire (@ProspectWire) February 28, 2017
The outstanding 40-yard dash, recorded at his Pro Day after the National Invitational Camp in New Orleans was canceled, places Jackson in Olympic-speed territory and has become an iconic moment in NFL Combine history. During that era, stopwatches were used to measure time.
One scout recorded Jackson’s time at 4.22 seconds, but the original 4.12-second mark has stood the test of time. Regardless of the exact time, that performance solidified his place as one of the most exceptional athletes ever to grace the NFL Draft.
J.J. Watt (2011), Defensive End
- 40-yard Dash: 4.84 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 37 inches
- Broad Jump: 10’0″ inches
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.88 seconds
- Bench Press: 34 reps
In 2011, J.J. Watt’s all-time NFL Combine performance secured his place as one of the top ten selections. At 6’5” and 290 pounds, the Wisconsin Badger had elite explosive testing numbers, running the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds and reaching 37 inches in the vertical jump and 10 feet in the board jump.
The future Houston Texan ranked top of his position group in every drill except the 40-yard dash.
Calvin Johnson (2007), Wide Receiver
- 40-yard Dash: 4.35 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 42 inches (Pro Day)
- Broad Jump: 11’7″ (Pro Day)
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.65 seconds (Pro Day)
Calvin Johnson’s 2007 NFL Combine performance is one of the most remarkable displays of athleticism ever by a wide receiver. The elite Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ wideout already looked destined to be one of the top selections in the 2007 draft, but his stunning athletic testing confirmed scouts’ prior judgments.
Adding to the myth, Johnson wasn’t even supposed to test at the NFL Combine. In fact, he lent his cleats to East Carolina quarterback James Pinkey.
However, something changed in Megatron that compelled him to run, resulting in rapturous applause in the stadium and one of the most astonishing performances we’ve seen from a 6’5”, 240-pound behemoth.
Saquon Barkley (2018), Running Back
- 40-yard Dash: 4.40 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 41 inches
- Broad Jump: 10’11”
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.77 seconds
With a Super Bowl victory now to his name, Saquon Barkley is firmly established as an NFL legend and one of the greatest running backs ever. The Penn State Nittany Lion was already a legendary college player, and his NFL Combine performance also deserves legendary status.
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His 2018 NFL Combine performance was nothing short of spectacular. Barkley’s 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical, and 10’11” broad jump proved he had the speed, strength, and explosiveness to be one of the best NFL running backs, and his Super Bowl win has only further cemented his legacy.
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