Running backs and wide receivers are finished running the 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Combine. Maryland Terrapins RB Da’Rel Scott turned in the year’s fastest time among all offensive players, running a 4.35-second 40. Defensive backs will get their shot on Tuesday, but that’s going to be a tough target to shoot for.
Very closely behind, Auburn Tigers RB Mario Fannin, Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates, and Fort Valley State WR Ricardo Lockette all ran 4.37-second 40s. We know Lockette had a meeting scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, among other teams.
Towering Alabama Crimson Tide WR Julio Jones turned in a 4.39, but he’ll be long gone by the time the Falcons pick. Oklahoma Sooners RB DeMarco Murray produced the only other sub-4.4 40, though he also is very unlikely to wind up in Atlanta.
The Falcons are expected to pick a versatile offensive weapon with one of their picks, though they’ll likely look for a value pick later in the draft. Leonard Hankerson, Randall Cobb, and Torrey Smith, all who’ve been of interest to Falcons fans, all ran under 4.5.
For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.