Pinned
Link copied
Looks like we're wrapping up the Saturday coverage. We'll be back tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET to break down the defensive backs. Thanks for joining us!
If your'e an NFL general manager looking for a fast inside linebacker, the 2020 NFL Draft has plenty of them. On Saturday night, 10 linebackers ran a sub 4.6 for the 40-yard dash that included a jaw-dropping performance by Clemson's Isaiah Simmons, who has now positioned himself as a possible top-five pick in this year's draft.
While Simmons' performance was the headliner, there were several other impressive individual performances from the linebacker, defensive line and edge positions on Saturday. Below is a look at the top 40-yard dash runs from Saturday night, along with the other highlights from the second to last day of the combine.
Notable official 40-yard dash times
LB Isaiah Simmons: 4.39
LB Willie Gay Jr.: 4.46
LB Davion Taylor: 4.49
LB Patrick Queen: 4.50
LB Shaun Bradley: 4.51
LB Kenneth Murray: 4.52
LB Jordyn Brooks: 4.54
LB Zack Baun: 4.65
EDGE James Smith-Williams: 4.60
EDGE Jabari Zuniga: 4.64
EDGE Alton Robinson: 4.69
EDGE Alex Highsmith: 4.70
EDGE D.J. Wonnum: 4.73
EDGE Derrek Tuszka: 4.79
EDGE A.J. Epenesa: 5.04
DL Khalil Davis: 4.75
DL Neville Gallimore: 4.79
DL Carlos Davis: 4.82
DL Justin Madiubuike: 4.83
DL Malcolm Roach: 4.84
DL Ross Blalock: 4.90
DL Robert Windsor: 4.90
DL Marlon Davidson: 5.04
DL Derrick Brown: 5.16
Simmons shines
Simmons headed into Saturday as the top ranked linebacker prospect in the draft. But after dropping a remarkable 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, Simmons is now in play to go as high as the top five overall.
While he was expected to run fast, not many people expected Simmons to break 4.4 in the 40. Simmons decided not to run a second 40 after his jaw-dropping time, and he declined to work out in the position drills. He did post a 39-inch vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump, the latter ranking second at the position.
Other linebackers fly
While Simmons led the pack, several other linebackers turned in impressive 40 times. Mississippi State's Willie Gay Jr. joined Simmons in the sub-4.5 club, while Colorado's Devin Taylor ran a 4.5 flat. Temple's Shaun Bradley, LSU's Patrick Queen and Oklahoma's Kenneth Murray also ran times of 5.2 or better while likely improving their draft stock. Queen and Murray did appear to sustain injuries on Saturday, however, as both players were unable to finish their on-field workouts.
Brown more than holds his own
Auburn's Derrick Brown, CBS Sports' top-ranked DL prospect, enjoyed solid performances in the 40 and during his on-field work on Saturday night. Along with posting a 5.1 40 time, Brown, who was a top-five pick in CBS Sports draft analyst Ryan Wilson's most recent mock draft, stood out during his on-field work that included an impressive performance during his hoop drill. Earlier in the week, Brown had a solid performance during his bench press, as his 28 reps put him the top-10 at his position.
Brown wasn't the only DL that enjoyed a solid Saturday night. Nebraska's Khalil Davis turned in an incredible time in the 40-yard dash, coming in with a time of 4.75 to lead the group. Neville Gallimore, who finished second amongst DL in the 40, also showed out during his on-field work.
Texas A&M's Justin Madiubuike, tabbed by CBS Sports as the seventh best DL prospect, also enjoyed a strong showing Saturday night, finishing fourth among defensive linemen in the 40 before having an impressive on-field performance.
More on Saturday
With Ohio State's Chase Young not participating in Saturday's on-field work, several other edge rushers made the most of their opportunity. NC State's James Smith-Williams led the way in the 40, while North Texas' LaDarius Hamilton showed impressive explosion during his on-field work, specifically during the four-bag drill.
While his 40 time left something to be desired, Iowa's A.J. Epenesa, currently tabbed as the second best edge rusher and 12th best player in the draft, rebounded with a nice showing during the on-field work.
Re-live Saturday's real time coverage by checking out our live blog below. Sunday's coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET when the defensive backs take the stage for their on-field work. You can watch on NFL Network or stream on fuboTV (Try for free).
