Riddles for you. What do you call a wide receiver that runs in the 4.61-4.72 range in the 40 at the NFL Combine or Pro Day?
What about a running back that runs 4.66-4.69?
A bust?
Yeah, in February. Maybe in April. But you better try on some different labels for the guy come September.
NFL starter. League receptions leader. Perennial Pro Bowler. Super Bowl star. Here are some notable 40 times for players in the annual Underwear Olympics broadcast on NFL Network.
4.61 – Wes Welker
4.62 – Brandon Lloyd
4.63 – Larry Fitzgerald
4.72 – Anquan Boldin
4.61 – T.J. Housmandzadeh
Here are some some 4.5-4.6 guys that play faster where it counts than they are in compression shorts and running in a straight line.
4.55 – Hines Ward
4.57 – Brandon Marshall
4.53 – Greg Jennings
4.54 – Chad Ochocinco
4.51 – Jordy Nelson
Other notable times for QBs and RBs.
4.55 – Steven Jackson and Ahmad Bradshaw
4.66 – Frank Gore
4.69 – Arian Foster
4.67 – Drew Brees
4.8 -Peyton Manning
5.23 Tom Brady
4.71 Aaron Rodgers
I could name more, but I have to get back to studying games. Just thought you might need some perspective today to cut through the hype about wide receivers, runners, and quarterbacks with 4.3-4.4 straight line speed.