2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Fastest 40-yard dash times for EDGE rushers
The 2024 NFL combine is underway in Indianapolis. EDGE rushers, defensive tackles and linebackers are going through drills on Thursday, with other position groups set to work out in the coming days.
The 40-yard dash is one of several drills that NFL hopefuls are competing in on Thursday at the NFL combine. Having top-end speed isn’t a must for EDGE rushers to be successful, but possessing a quick burst and having speed to get after quarterbacks certainly doesn’t hurt.
Here is a breakdown of how EDGE rushers performed in the 40-yard dash. We take a look at the top-10 performers and list how others performed, too.
Chop Robinson, Penn State — 4.48
Former Penn State star Chop Robinson is one of the best EDGE rushers in the NFL Draft. Robinson was the fastest EDGE rusher by an impressive amount on Thursday.
He recorded 15 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks across 10 games in 2023. He could be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State — 4.57
Mohamed Kamara might not be a household name, but he impressed at the NFL combine on Thursday. The Colorado State standout was the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year last year.
Kamara had 17 tackles for loss and 13 sacks last season. He likely improved his draft stock with his performance on Thursday.
Jared Verse, Florida State — 4.58
After starting his career at Albany, Jared Verse transferred to Florida State. He was a star for the Seminoles and helped FSU to an undefeated regular season in 2023.
Verse is projected by some as a top-20 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. His performance in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine should only help his stock.
Xavier Thomas, Clemson — 4.62
Another ACC EDGE rusher, Xavier Thomas battled injuries throughout his college career but was an impact player when healthy. Thomas was ranked as a five-star recruit coming out of high school, before spending six seasons at Clemson.
Thomas played in 12 games, with 11 starts in 2023. He tallied 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss — 4.63
Johnson opted to turn pro early after a strong 2023 season. He started 10 games, while playing in 12 contests last year.
Johnson was named honorable mention All-SEC in 2023 after finishing with 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. A strong showing in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine could help his draft stock.
Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian University — 4.64
Hunt had an impressive season in 2023, racking up 46 tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. He isn’t a player with a lot of hype, but he is an impressive athlete.
Hunt started his college career at safety. After adding weight, he’s now an EDGE rusher who still has some speed.
Laiatu Latu, UCLA — 4.64
Latu transferred from Washington to UCLA and ended up transforming into one of the best EDGE rushers in the country. Latu started all 12 games in 2023 and won the Lombardi Award and the Ted Hendricks Award.
Last season he had 13 sacks, which ranked fourth nationally. He is expected to go in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame — 4.66
A report surfaced before EDGE rusher drills began at the NFL combine that Javontae Jean-Baptiste was dealing with a sickness. Still, he participated in drills and performed well in the 40-yard dash.
Jean-Baptiste played in all 13 games, with 12 starts in 2023. He finished the year with 49 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.
Myles Cole, Texas Tech — 4.67
Myles Cole started his career at Louisiana-Monroe, before transferring to Texas Tech. He proved that he can make plays in the Big 12 during his two seasons with the Red Raiders.
Cole finished with 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season. He likely helped his draft stock with his speed at the NFL combine.
Eric Watts, Connecticut — 4.67
Rounding out the top 10 as far as fastest EDGE rushers in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine was Eric Watts. Watts had 6.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks last season.
He ran quickly, which could help him to get drafted. Watts had 7 tackles for loss in 2022.
The rest of the EDGE 40 times at the NFL combine
Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas — 4.69
Brennan Jackson, Washington State — 4.69
Bralen Trice, Washington — 4.72
Javon Solomon, Troy — 4.72
Adisa Isaac, Penn State — 4.74
Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan — 4.75
Austin Booker, Kansas — 4.79
Brandon Dorlus, Oregon — 4.85
Darius Robinson, Missouri — 4.95
Chop Robinson had the fastest time of any EDGE in the 40 at the NFL combine, but others impressed with their speed, too. It will be interesting to see how the NFL combine impacts the NFL draft.
On3 will have continued coverage of the combine in the coming days as quarterbacks, receivers and others participate in drills.