Back in 2008, Chris Johnson ran the fastest recorded 40-yard dash at the annual NFL combine. Since that time, other prospects have said they'd break his mark (4.24), but none have done it. Now there's another hat in the ring.
"I'm going to break the record," says Kent State running back Dri Archer. Archer claims he's run a 4.21, and evidently expects to do so when he gets his chance at running the 40 on Sunday.
If he does, or at least comes close to it, he'll be firmly in the discussion as a Day 2 pick (rounds 2-3). He's on the small side (5-8. 173), and most likely won't be viewed as a starter, but that won't keep him from having fantasy value if he winds up in a timeshare where he plays half the time, including in passing situations.
In any case, as Chris Johnson showed right from Day One, speed counts plenty in the NFL, and gets the attention of teams (to a fault at times). Darren McFadden ran a 4.33 and has been a good pro (when healthy, which isn't quite often enough). Buffalo wide receiver Marquise Goodwin ran a 4.27 at the combine a year ago.
This link from NFL.com shows the 10 fastest official 40 times, from Johnson's 4.24 to the 4.30 recorded by a couple of guys who didn't really pan out as pros (wideouts Darrius Heyward-Bey and Yamon Figurs). Johnson's the only running back in the group; perhaps Archer will join him.
--Andy Richardson