Pro Day Speed Burners: 6 Forty Times That Caught NFL Scouts Attention
Here are six players whose NFL Draft stock is on the rise after their electrifying pro day performances.
Speed is king in the NFL, and every year, teams search for players who possess the ability to blaze past their opponents. The 2023 NFL Draft class is no exception, with several players showcasing their lightning-fast speed during their pro day workouts. From a cornerback who can keep up with anyone to a linebacker who can outrun them all, the draft class offers a variety of speedsters who could make an impact at the next level. In this essay, we'll take a closer look at some of the fastest players in the 2023 NFL Draft class and what they bring to the table.
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The debate as to just who the fastest player in the 2023 NFL Draft Class may never be settled but UAB CB Starling Thomas [5096/194] is certainly in the conversation. Previous reports indicated that his in-game speed had reached up to 24mph on the Catapult technology and he did not disappoint at his pro day. Scouts in attendance had Thomas in the high 4.2 / low 4.3-range during his forty-yard dash attempts (the school website posted 4.30). He added a 37.5” vertical jump and 10-foot-5 broad jump. The slot specialist possesses the talent and speed to be considered a solid late round draft selection.
One player who proved he deserved to be in Indianapolis was Michigan State OLB Ben VanSumeren [6020/231], who put on a freak show with for the representatives from all 32 NFL teams in attendance! The hyper-stacked backer blazed a 4.45 forty-yard dash (1.52 ten-yard split), with 29 bench press reps of 225 pounds, a 42.5” vertical jump, 10-fooot-11 broad jump, 4.46 short shuttle and 7.10 three-cone drill. After transferring from rival Michigan, VanSumeren has spent the past two seasons with the Spartans and had 81 tackles in 2022 after battling injuries the prior year. He stands a very strong chance to hear his name called come April.
Another Michigan State defender turned heads at his workout was lengthy defensive back Ameer Speed [6033/209], who lived up to his name, running an eye-popping 4.34 forty-yard dash (1.56 ten-yard split), with 4.26 short shuttle and 6.99 three-cone times. The size and movement skills are similar to that of Tariq Woolen (Seahawks) a year ago. While some evaluators had Speed pegged as a safety, this demonstration of speed may be enough persuasion to stick at cornerback in the pros. The one-time Georgia recruit possesses a combination of size, speed, athleticism and versatility that bodes well for his chances at the next level.
It’s been nearly a decade since a player from Kent State (Dri Archer in 2014) has been selected in the NFL draft but SS Nico Bolden [6033/208] has a chance to put an end to the dry spell. A defensive chess piece, Bolden flashed his versatility to play either safety position, or linebacker during the week of NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practices and he followed that up with a superb pro day. The combination of size and speed is impressive, as Bolden checked in with a 4.44 forty-yard dash (1.64 ten-yard split), plus a 41” vertical jump and 10-foot-7 broad jump. Bolden can get more physical than Richard Simmons, as evidenced by his 102 tackles this past season. The mainstream media has been asleep at the wheel on this young man, we suspect NFL decision-makers might know better.
Remember the name of BYU CB Kaleb Hayes [5113/196] who dazzled with his pro day workout. The grad transfer from Oregon State, clocked in at 4.31 in the forty-yard dash, adding a 40” vertical jump and 10-foot-8 broad jump. Hayes finished with 113 tackles and 18 pass breakups over the past two seasons in Provo. It’s quite possible that he has done enough to get drafted next month, as his well-balanced overall game should help him contend for a spot on a 53-man roster come August.
Auburn long-striding WR Shedrick Jackson [6012/193] turned in an overall impressive performance, timing 4.31 in the forty-yard dash (1.50 ten-yard split), with a 38.5” vertical jump and 11-fooot-2 broad jump. Jackson then proceeded to make several nice grabs during positional drills, as he was on the receiving end of passes from quarterback Cam Newton, who checked-in at Tigers pro day for his latest comeback attempt. While Jackson lacks physical traits, his speed certainly provides an element of potential worth latching onto as a special teamer early on (has gunner experience), as he continues to develop.
In a league where speed can be the difference between winning and losing, the players who possess it are highly coveted. The 2023 NFL Draft class offers a number of prospects who have demonstrated their lightning-fast speed and potential to succeed at the next level. Whether it's UAB cornerback Starling Thomas, Michigan State linebacker Ben VanSumeren, or BYU cornerback Kaleb Hayes, these players could make a significant impact on their teams if they continue to develop their skills. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see where these speedsters end up and how they perform at the pro level.
2023 NFL Draft Big Board & Position Rankings
The Pro Day Tracker is a continuously updated resource that provides fans with valuable information on prospects from colleges and universities across the country. From 40-yard dash times to bench press reps, vertical jumps to three-cone drills, the Pro Day Tracker offers a comprehensive overview of each prospect's performance and highlights their strengths and weaknesses as they look to impress NFL teams ahead of the draft.
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