Odds Favor a Defensive Back Recording Fastest 40 at 2019 NFL Combine

• A defensive back is favored to run the fastest 40 at this year’s NFL Combine
• Wide receivers have run eight of the 17 fastest times since 1999, compared to seven by cornerbacks and two by running backs
• What are the best bets for the 40-yard dash props?

College Football’s top draft eligible prospects are set to gather in Indianapolis on Tuesday (February 26) for the latest instalment of the NFL combine, AKA the underwear Olympics.

The weeklong showcase tests all areas of athleticism, with the most attention paid to speed.

John Ross Breaks the 40 yard dash record ? pic.twitter.com/ynIaHKqj4M

— UnderRecruited Preps (@UnderRecruited) March 4, 2017

While none of this year’s invitees are expected to challenge John Ross’ electrifying record in the 40 yard dash, the quickest player out of the 2019 crop is expected to be a defensive back.

Odds to Run Fastest 40-Yard Dash By Position

All odds taken 2/23.

Last year, defensive backs were responsible for the three fastest 40 times, as Donte Jackson, Parry Nicholson, and Denzel Ward all clocked in at 4.32 seconds.

Which position group has the edge?

On average cornerbacks and wide receivers run the fastest 40 times (4.48) of all NFL players, with running backs (4.49) close behind.

Since electronic timing was implemented in 1999, wide receivers account for eight of the 17 quickest 40 yard times at the Combine, compared to seven by cornerbacks and two by running backs.

Don’t put too much stock into the 40-time for wide receivers. Since 2003, there have been more Pro Bowl WRs (4) who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds-or-slower than Pro Bowl WRs who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds-or-faster (3)

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 3, 2018

There doesn’t appear to be any generational speedsters in this year’s class, and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, one of the fastest wideouts in the Nation, will miss the Combine due to a foot injury.

The fastest player projects to be Ohio State cornerback Kendall Sheffield, who just happens to be a track star.

Kendall Sheffield wins the 60-meter dash at the Buckeye Tune-Up in 6.63 seconds, fastest time in the Big Ten this season. pic.twitter.com/PL27htO1Ox

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) February 16, 2018

He won a silver medal in the 60-meter dash at the 2018 Big Ten Indoor Track and Field Championships, and was rated the fastest player in College football by NFL.com prior to last season.

I’ll bet he follows in the footsteps of his former Buckeyes teammate Ward, and that a defensive back runs the fastest 40 for the second straight year.

Odds to Run Fastest 40-Yard Dash By Group

If you’re in line with my thinking, the more favorable prop to attack from an odds standpoint, is whether it will be an offensive or defensive player who runs the best 40.

Sure, you’ll get more bullets if you side with the offense, but I’d rather stick with defense, and the pedigree of an elite sprinter.

SCHOOL RECORD for Kendall Sheffield with a 6.63 in the 60m dash! It’s No. 1 in the Big Ten and ranks 14th in the NCAA! #GoBucks @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/zfctIFOdSV

— Ohio State T&F/XC (@OhioStateTFXC) February 17, 2018

Sheffield has been dominating track and field meets since High School, and won’t be affected by the pressure that accompanies the 40 yard dash. His body is bursting with fast twitch muscle fibers, and his Ohio State coaches claim he’s just as fast as Ward, if not quicker.

Kendall Sheffield
DB@OhioStateFB

Fast ?✅
Loose Hips ✅

Kendall can get himself into the right positions on time with his footwork. pic.twitter.com/wpURcqInCb

— Footwork_King ?? (@footwork_king1) July 3, 2017

Bet the defense and parlay the two props together if you can find a book that will take that action.