2020 NFL Draft: Which linebackers will run the fastest 40 time?
The 2020 NFL Draft has a number of linebackers who are poised to absolutely set the track ablaze in the 40-yard dash. Who will be the fastest?
The 2020 NFL Draft certainly features a number of fascinating players at linebacker, both on the inside and the edge.
When the NFL Scouting Combine rolls around, what is the most glamorized part of the workout? The 40-yard dash. While there are many other pieces of the combine workout that matter to scouts, the 40-yard dash always stands out as a number your eyes are initially drawn to.
If a guy runs a great 40-time, it doesn’t prove he’s a good football player, but it shows when a guy has an important, elite trait. On the other hand, a bad 40-yard dash time can raise red flags about a player’s ability to hold up at the next level where pretty much everyone is fast.
Which linebackers are poised to light up the track next week?
Patrick Queen, LSU (6-1, 227 pounds)
At 6-foot-1, 227 pounds, speed had better be part of Queen’s game, right?
The instinctive defender showed tremendous progress throughout his final season at LSU, cementing himself as a first-round player with a dominant run in the College Football Playoff.
Queen’s ability to react on the field is already notable, but his speed to close on the ball-carrier is what really stands out about him. He’s going to run a very fast time.
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (6-4, 230 pounds)
Don’t be shocked to see Clemson’s versatile defender Isaiah Simmons run the fastest 40-yard dash of any linebacker at the Scouting Combine.
As a matter of fact, it wouldn’t be shocking to see this rare defensive playmaker run a sub-4.4 in the 40.
There aren’t many defenders in general who can track down CeeDee Lamb from behind…except Isaiah Simmons.
Davion Taylor, Colorado (6-2, 228 pounds)
A former JUCO product, Taylor has outstanding speed at the linebacker position.
The former track star who is a bit of an NFL Draft unknown at this point is already putting it out there that he’s hoping to break Shaquem Griffin’s Combine record of 4.38 at the linebacker position.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State (6-foot-2, 215 pounds)
Davis-Gaither is built a bit more like a defensive back, but he thankfully also can run like one.
Similar to Patrick Queen, Davis-Gaither’s game is all about reading plays, diagnosing faster than most defensive players are capable of at this stage of their career, and attacking with speed.
He was a playmaker all over the field for Appalachian State.
K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU (6-4, 250 pounds)
Although he’s the biggest player on this list, don’t be shocked to see the big guy from LSU run one of the fastest 40-yard dash times of any defensive front seven player in this class.
Chaisson’s burst off the edge is exceptional. His athleticism is off the charts. Coming out of high school, before training for speed, Chaisson was running in the low 4.6 range. Watching him fly off the ball this season at LSU, don’t be shocked if he’s in the 4.4 range.