Lightly regarded receiving class blazes 2013 NFL Combine in the 40

With just a handful of prospects projected to be taken in the first round of April's NFL Draft, the crop of receivers has received less than stellar marks. On Sunday, though, five receivers turned heads with times under 4.40 in the 40-yard dash. Former Texas wideout Marquise Goodwin had the fastest time in 4.27 seconds.

Former Longhorn Marquise Goodwin finished with the fastest time among wideouts at 4.27. (USATSI)

A year after four wide receivers were selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, there has been considerable less buzz surrounding this year’s crop of wideouts.

But for a team looking for value in the middle rounds, there could be a glut of burners available on Day 2 of the Draft. On Sunday at the NFL Scouting combine, five wide receivers ran a sub 4.40 in the 40-yard dash, matching the figure produced last year in Indianapolis.

Former University of Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin finished fastest among wideouts with an official time of 4.27 -- the second-fastest time at the combine since 2006. Goodwin, a former World Junior Champion in the 4 X 100 meter-relay, set out to break Chris Johnson’s record of 4.24 from the 2008 combine. The 5-9, 183-pound receiver has a personal best of 10.03 in the 100 meters and 4.24 in the 40.

“(I’m) proud to be standing strong,” Johnson told Scott Hanson of NFL Network.

Goodwin, meanwhile, is trying to convince teams that he is more than just a downfield threat.

“I have proved I have more than linear speed,” Goodwin said. “Track guys really are known to not be able to catch. I have good hands, I run routes and get out of my breaks. I have taken on hits and have blocked. I even got an MVP for blocking in one game and I didn’t even touch a ball that game.”

Tavon Austin of West Virginia (4.34), Ryan Swope of Texas A&M (4.34), Kenny Stills of Oklahoma (4.38) and Josh Boyce of TCU (4.38) also finished with times below 4.40. Adidas took out a full page advertisement in Saturday’s Indianapolis Star to offer an endorsement deal to the prospect with the fastest 40-time at the combine. 

The Rams, Texans, Patriots, Dolphins, Steelers and Bears could pursue a wide receiver with an early round pick. 

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