There’s an ongoing debate about how much the NFL Scouting Combine helps a prospect’s draft stock.
After all, it is an opportunity for the teams to see the aspirants first hand.
They have watched these athletes play either in person or through game tape.
But it still is different seeing them in the flesh performing the drills during the annual event.
One of the activities that gets the most attention is the 40-yard dash.
Speed is a desirable factor in the NFL, especially for wide receivers, pass rushers, and defensive backs.
However, the current crop of prospects is obliterating the records set in previous years, as NFL Research tweeted.
2022 was the year of the 40-yard dash at the #NFLCombine
Combine records, since 2003
– Average 4.71 seconds (fastest ever)
– 31 players with a sub-4.4 (most ever)
– Fastest RB, WR, OL, DL, LB & DB groups ever— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) March 6, 2022
They said that “2022 was the year of the 40-yard dash at the #NFLCombine” and cited the record broken by the class.
Those records include the fastest ever average among all draft classes since 2003, with 4.71 seconds.
It’s also the group with the most sub-4.4 achievers with 31.
Finally, running backs, wide receivers, linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs were faster than their counterparts from previous years.
How Will These Numbers Translate To The NFL Game
Granted that most of these prospects build a successful career, they will make the game faster.
While speed is only one part of success in the NFL, it will become a more desirable trait.
Having a split second of an advantage can spell the difference between a reception and an interception; a sack and a successful block.
However, it is not totally indicative of a successful NFL career.
It is a brutal game wherein strength and mental toughness are important.
Reaction to various situations will also spell the difference between success and failure.
Besides, fatigue will have a drastic effect on a player’s speed, especially if he’s playing most of the snaps.
