2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Fastest 40-yard dash times for safeties
The second group of 40-yard dashes got underway at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. This time, it was the safeties, who followed the cornerbacks.
Texas Tech’s Dadrion Taylor-Demerson led the way in the safeties groups with 4.41 seconds on his second run – which bested TCU’s Millard Bradford’s second attempt by 0.01 second. All told, 20 players ran in the second event of the day, although Texas Tech’s Tyler Owens didn’t finish after suffering an injury mid-way through.
Here’s a look at the fastest 40-yard dash times from the safeties. All times are unofficial.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech – 4.41 seconds
After an impressive first attempt in the 40-yard dash, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was even better in his second go-round to bring in the best time of the safeties at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He logged a 4.41-second run as he looks to continue making an impact on NFL scouts.
Taylor-Demerson put together two big years at Texas Tech after playing primarily on special teams at the start of his career. In 2023, he had 73 tackles along with 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and four interceptions to anchor the Red Raiders secondary.
Millard ‘Nook’ Bradford, TCU – 4.42 seconds
Millard “Nook” Bradford also impressed in the 40-yard dash Friday night, finishing second among the safeties with a time of 4.42 seconds. It was second only to Taylor-Demerson, but it’s still likely to make an impression on the scouts in attendance.
Bradford was a key part of the TCU defense the last three seasons and was a big part of the 2022 team that made it to the national championship. All told, he finished his career with 231 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, a sack and four interceptions over five seasons.
Cole Bishop, Utah – 4.45 seconds
After an impressive three years at Utah, Cole Bishop turned in the third-fastest time among safeties in the 40-yard dash. He clocked in at 4.45 seconds.
Bishop had three strong seasons with the Utes, including a 2022 season in which he had a career-high 83 tackles. In 2023, he finished with 60 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two interceptions to serve as a key part of the defense.
Jaylin Simpson, Auburn – 4.45 seconds
Jaylin Simpson spent five seasons at Auburn, but he saved his best season for last. He hauled in a career-high four interceptions – including a pick-six – and will try to take his skills to the next level.
Simpson turned in a 4.45-second 40-yard dash to come in the top half of the safeties group. That came after a 39.5-inch vertical jump, meaning he put together a strong week in Indianapolis.
Tykee Smith, Georgia – 4.46 seconds
One of two former Georgia safeties in the top 10 of the 40-yard dash, Tykee Smith finished just ahead of teammate Javon Bullard in the event. He came at 4.46 as he looks to become the latest Bulldog defender to make an impact at the next level.
Smith started his career at West Virginia, but had a breakout year in Athens in 2023. He had career-highs with 70 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and four interceptions as he improved his NFL Draft stock.
Javon Bullard, Georgia – 4.47 seconds
Another key piece of the vaunted Georgia defense, Javon Bullard also impressed in the 40-yard dash. He came in at 4.47 seconds, which was seventh among safeties at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Bullard’s biggest year at Georgia was in 2022 when he had 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. His 2023 season was strong, too, with a career-best 56 tackles to go with two interceptions, as well.
Calen Bullock, USC – 4.49 seconds
USC’s defense struggled mightily in 2023, but Calen Bullock was a bright spot on the unit. He also came in the top 10 of the 40-yard dash at 4.49 seconds – with teammate Caleb Williams looking on.
Bullock followed up a career-high five interceptions in 2022 with a career mark in tackles in 2023. He totaled 63 stops as a junior before declaring for the draft, and he impressed during the Combine in Indianapolis.
Jaylon Carlies, Missouri – 4.50 seconds
Jaylon Carlies was a key part of the Missouri defense over the last three years, and he also had a top-10 40-yard dash time at 4.50 seconds. He made an impact both in the secondary and in the backfield during his time in Columbia – a skillset that could translate well in the NFL.
Carlies finished his career with 220 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and nine interceptions – all of which came over three years. He could be an intriguing prospect for teams hoping to bolster their defenses, and a strong Combine likely helped cement his case.
Dominique Hampton, Washington – 4.51 seconds
As Washington made a run to the national championship, Dominique Hampton had a breakout season for the defense. He was the team leader in tackles as the Huskies advanced to the title game, and it surely helped his draft stock.
Hampton finished the 2023 season with 109 total tackles and had his first two career interceptions as a senior. He also finished in the top 10 of the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.51 seconds as he works to hear his name called in April’s draft.
Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss – 4.56 seconds
Rounding out the top 10 of the 40-yard dash for the safeties is Daijahn Anthony, who came in at 4.56 seconds. The former Ole Miss standout had a huge season after transferring from Liberty, and it helped put him on the map in draft circles.
Anthony finished the 2023 season with 61 tackles to go with 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions to anchor Pete Golding’s defense. He also had eight passes defended as he showed his ability to wreak havoc in the secondary.
Rest of the 40-yard dash times for safeties at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
Josh Proctor, Ohio State – 4.56 seconds
Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State – 4.58 seconds
Andre’ Sam, LSU – 4.59 seconds
Jaylen Key, Alabama – 4.60 seconds
Demani Richardson, Texas A&M – 4.60 seconds
Evan Williams, Oregon – 4.61 seconds
Sione Vaki, Utah – 4.62 seconds
Kamren Kinchens, Miami – 4.65 seconds
James Williams, Miami – 4.65 seconds
Tyler Owens, Texas Tech – DNF (injury)
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25. Then, the second and third rounds will be April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds April 27. The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine runs through March 4 in Indianapolis.