Fastest 40 times from DEs, EDGEs on Day 1 at the NFL Combine
After the defensive tackles opened the action at the 2023 NFL Combine earlier in the day, the second group comprised of defensive ends and edge rushers put on a show. From the jump, some blazing times were getting put down.
A few prospects stood on impressive first times. Of note, Clemson DE KJ Henry pulled up on his second run with an apparent injury. He ran a 4.71 40 in his first attempt. Also, Texas Tech EDGE Tyree Wilson did not participate due to an injury from November that he’s still rehabbing. Similarly, Ohio State DE Zach Harrison didn’t take part in drills due to a recent injury. Another, Myles Murphy for Clemson, didn’t participate due to an injury.
Also worth noting: Alabama star pass rusher Will Anderson will be working out with the linebacker group to finish out Thursday.
All the times are unofficial.
The fastest DE and EDGE 40 yard dashes from 2023 NFL Combine
Nolan Smith, Georgia: 4.44 seconds
Byron Young, Tennessee: 4.48 seconds
Robert Beal Jr., Georgia, 4.53 seconds
Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern: 4.54 seconds
YaYa Diaby, Louisville: 4.56 seconds
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame: 4.64 seconds
Lukas Van Ness, Iowa: 4.64 seconds
Isaiah Land, Florida A&M: 4.66 seconds
Nick Hampton, Appalachian State: 4.68 seconds
All the other competitors ran 4.7 or above.
WATCH: Georgia players react to Nolan Smith’s impressive showing at NFL Combine
Nolan Smith quickly stole headlines Thursday at the NFL Combine. The Georgia edge rusher decided to participate in just three events and crushed every single one of them. None was better than the 40-yard dash, where Smith clocked a phenomenal 4.44.
Nobody was excited about the time more than Smith’s former Georgia teammates. Those not making the jump to the NFL and looking to three-peat gathered in Athens to watch Smith run the 40-yard dash. Everybody knew from the break an impressive time was about to be recorded.
Marvin Jones Jr. caught the room’s reaction during an Instagram Live. When the 4.44 number was shown on NFL Network, everyone went crazy in celebration. Teammates supporting teammates — that’s something you love to see.
You can watch the full moment here.
An injury this season had Smith in the later parts of the first round of most mock drafts. However, those days are over after his performance in Indianapolis. We can put to bed any kind of questions over a former Georgia captain that excels at rushing the passer.