2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Fastest 40-yard dash times for defensive tackles
Athletic testing got going at the 2024 NFL Combine on Thursday afternoon, with defensive tackles taking to the 40-yard dash. And some impressive times were clocked.
Of the more than 20 defensive tackles on hand in Indianapolis for the combine, 19 ended up running on Thursday. All told, just six cracked under the 5 second threshold, with one doing it impressively so.
Here are the top runners in the 40-yard dash among defensive tackles, with unofficial times.
1. Braden Fiske, Florida State — 4.78
Fiske churned out his top time on his first try. And he made up for some underwhelming length measurements with the pop he showed running.
Plus, as he crossed the finish line, Fiske let loose some celebration, saying ‘Oh yeah!’ to himself as he crossed the line.
2. Mekhi Wingo, LSU — 4.86
Wingo showed some top-level athleticism that he flashed at times in college. And his 40-yard dash time backs that up.
The defensive tackle is a bit undersized, but his gap-shooting potential will be intriguing to NFL teams.
3. Byron Murphy II, Texas — 4.88
Widely expected to be one of the best all-around testers, Murphy backed it up with his quick 40. He continued to flash his ability in the workout portion of defensive tackle drills, too.
His balance of agility, quickness and power at his size make him the top defensive tackle on most draft boards.
4. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson — 4.90
Never quite the top-of-game plan force at Clemson, Orhorhoro (pronounced as if the Hs are silent, O-ro-ro-ro) showed off some serious speed. Not a surprise for a player who was an edge rusher at times in college.
Orhorhoro might not have the complete package of traits teams wish to see at DT, but his athletic upside is among the best in the group.
5. Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan — 4.91
One of the centerpieces of Michigan’s national championship defense, Jenkins is also the son of a longtime NFL defensive tackle. And he has some of the traits that his dad, known as “The Mutant,” had.
That includes some speed, as Jenkins ran his 4.91 after clocking a 5.02 in his first run.
6. Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State — 4.98
Mississippi State keeps producing NFL defensive tackles and Crumedy showed why he’s likely the next to join Chris Jones and Jeffrey Simmons in the league. Time will tell if he can get to that level, though.
But with the ability to run sub-5 seconds in the 40, Crumedy clearly has some of the tools needed to cause problems for an opposing offense.
7. DeWayne Carter, Duke — 5.00
Carter was key to helping Duke to some serious success the last two seasons, and is looking to parlay that into an NFL career. His time of 5 seconds flat won’t blow evaluators away, but it’s still a strong showing.
Carter is likely a Day 2 or 3 selection, but where in those rounds will hinge on his workouts, in part.
8. Tyler Davis, Clemson — 5.02
Davis spent six years at Clemson, coming into the draft a bit older than most prospects. And while his age might be a ding, his play isn’t.
And he showed he’s got a decent dose of athleticism with his 40 time.
9. Maason Smith, LSU — 5.02
A former top-shelf recruit, Smith never quite got things going to the level most expected he could reach in college. But at the combine, he’ll have a chance to remind why he was such a highly rated prospect.
Posting one of the top 40 times at his position is a good start.
10. Gabe Hall, Baylor — 5.04
Another longtime college player, Hall spent six years playing collegiately. And much like Davis, he’s going to have to deal with whatever teams think of his age.
But he flashed in the 40 on Thursday and could keep showing teams he can make a quick impact.
The rest of the DT 40 times
11. Logan Lee, Iowa — 5.05
12. Marcus Harris, Auburn — 5.07
13. Leonard Taylor, Miami — 5.12
14. Zion Logue, Georgia — 5.14
15. Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois — 5.16
16. Justin Eboigbe, Alabama — 5.18
17. Myles Murphy, North Carolina — 5.21
18. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M — 5.26
19. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas — 5.27
The following defensive tackles didn’t run at the combine: Mike Hall Jr., Ohio State, Jordan Jefferson, LSU, Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton, Illinois, Fabien Lovett Sr., Florida State and Justin Rogers, Auburn.
Oregon’s Brandon Dorlus also ran with the defensive tackles, clocking a 4.85, but is being classed as a defensive end by the NFL in official results.