Fastest 40-yard dash times by defensive backs at 2023 NFL Combine

Once the free-agency frenzy begins, it’s full speed ahead. The first step in building the 2023-2024 Philadelphia Eagles roster is already underway as the front office, their coaches, and scouts are attending the NFL Combine. The first day of the new league year and the free agency frenzy follow.

There are many questions that need answers, most of which are on the defensive side of the ball, and that includes two that are being asked about Philly’s starting outside cornerback tandem from this past season.

Together, Darius Slay and James Bradberry combined to form an all-star duo. Individually, they have been unable to escape the rumor mill since the season wrapped.

Big Play’s 2023 cap hit exceeds $26.1 million. He represents $21.2 million in dead cap space. There are rumors that he might be trade bait for that reason.

Bradberry has worked his way into a possible monster-level payday. The questions are about whether that payday will come in Philly or on another roster.

The Eagles haven’t taken a defensive back during the first round of any NFL Draft since 2002 (Lito Sheppard), and they’ve only done so three times in their history. If there was ever a time to break the trend, this would be the year.

Defensive back prospects participated in on-field workouts at the NFL Combine on Friday. Let’s talk about one of the highlights, the oft-mentioned 40-yard dash. Eagles fan favorite Devon Witherspoon didn’t participate in any events as he works his way back from a tweaked hamstring.

Here are the fastest 40-yard dash times posted by the defensive backs that starred at the 2023 NFL Combine.

Running a great 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine doesn’t guarantee NFL stardom, but it sure as heck is interesting. Here are the 15 best 40-yard dash times posted by participating defensive back prospects at the NFL Combine.

Cornerbacks

1. D.J. Turner, Michigan – 4.26 seconds
2. Jakorian Bennett, Maryland – 4.30 seconds
3. (TIE) Deonte Banks (Maryland) & Emmanuel Forbes (Miss St.) – 4.35 seconds
4. (TIE) Kelee Ringo (Georgia), Darius Rush (South Carolina) – 4.36 seconds
   
5. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon – 4.38 seconds
6. (TIE) Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU), Terell Smith (Minnesota) – 4.41 seconds
7. Kei’Trel Clark (Louisville) – 4.42 seconds
8. Cam Smith, South Carolina – 4.43 seconds
9. (TIE) Riley Moss  (Iowa), Tyrique Stevenson (Miami) – 4.45 seconds
10. (TIE) Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), Darrell Luter (South Alabama) – 4.46 seconds
11. (TIE) Cameron Mitchell (Northwestern), Cory Trice Jr. (Purdue), Mekhi Blackmon (USC) – 4.47 seconds
12. (TIE) Nic Jones, Ball State, Clark Phillips III, Utah – 4.51 seconds
13. Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford – 4.52 seconds
14. Julius Brents, Kansas State – 4.53 seconds
    
15. Arquon Bush, Cincinnati – 4.54 seconds

Safeties

1. Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh – 4.44 seconds
2. Daniel Scott, California – 4.45 seconds
3. Jartavius Martin, Illinois – 4.46 seconds
4. Sydney Brown, Illinois – 4.48 seconds
5. Jordan Howden, Minnesota – 4.49 seconds
6. Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State – 4.50 seconds
7. (TIE) Tyreque Jones (Boise State), Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M), Chamarri Conner (Va Tech) – 4.52 seconds
8. Anthony Johnson, Iowa State – 4.54 seconds
9. Jordan Battle, Alabama – 4.56 seconds
10. DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama – 4.58 seconds
11. Jammie Robinson, Florida State – 4.59 seconds
12. (TIE) Christopher Smith (Georgia), Brandon Joseph (Notre Dame), Kaevon Merriweather (Iowa) – 4.62 seconds
13. Ji’Ayir Brown (Penn State) – 4.65 seconds
14. Rashad Torrence II, Florida – 4.72 seconds
15. Trey Dean, Florida – 4.75 seconds

Cornerbacks and safeties will never run in a straight line for 40 yards during their NFL careers unless, of course, they take a pick-six straight up the sideline. They will, however, be asked to rely on their athleticism, and this draft class has plenty of those. Might one of these young men wind up in an Eagles jersey?