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!
2020 NFL combine results: Isaiah Simmons crushes 40-yard dash and more times, workouts for DLs and LBs
Simmons headlined a group of speedy linebackers that stole the headlines during Saturday's combine workouts
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).
I know this was a while ago, but we had 10 linebackers run sub 4.6 in the 40. That's wild.
Temple's Shaun Bradley has looked good in drills tonight. He also ran a good time in the 40-yard dash.
Baun looking good in the backpedal moving in space. Some question on whether he's an edge or a linebacker, but he looks like the latter to me today.
David Woodward makes a tough, leaping catch after showing good change of direction.
I might have to go back to the tape this week on Colorado LB Davion Taylor and Minnesota LB Carter Coughlin. I didn't see that speed from Coughlin.
Chris mentioned Greenard below. His name has started attaining more buzz lately. Do not be surprised if you start hearing his name in Day 2 conversation moving forward.
Jacob Phillips with a solid job on his first on-field drill. Looked very fluid backpedaling, then charging forward and making the catch.
Seeing quite a few drops during this first LB on-field drill.
Jonathan Greenard from Florida finished second among defensive linemen in the three cone at 7.13
First look at Anfernee Jennings after he skipped the 40. He dropped the potential pick-six.
Three-cone times are in for defensive line. Derrek Tuska from North Dakota State the top time at 6.87. Only defensive linemen under seven seconds.
I really liked David Woodward's instincts and ability to get off blocks but his lack of speed will hurt him through this process. Over the past five years, 20 linebackers have been named All-Pro by at least one outlet. Only two of those players ran slower than a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.
Boo, no Simmons in the drills either. If Murray and Queen are out with injury, that gives some guys the opportunity to step up and own this part of the night.
Unofficial 40 times for the linebackers:
Joe Bachie - 4.67 | 4.80
Zack Baun - 4.65 | 4.71
Francis Bernard - 4.82 | 4.86
Daniel Bituli - 4.84 | 4.89
Shaun Bradley - 4.51 | 4.63
Jordyn Brooks - 4.55 | 4.54
Cam Brown - 4.73 | 4.86
Nick Coe - 4.89 | 4.91
Carter Coughlin - 4.58 | 4.63
Michael Divinity Jr. - 4.91 | 4.85
Cale Garrett - 4.93 | 4.92
Willie Gay Jr. - 4.46 | 4.48
De'Jon Harris - 4.70 | 4.76
Malik Harrison - 4.66 | 4.69
Khaleke Hudson - 4.57 | 4.57
Azur Kamara - 4.59 | 4.67
Kenneth Murray - 4.52
Dante Olson - 4.89 | 4.89
Jacob Phillips - 4.66 | 4.78
Shaquille Quarterman - 4.78 | 4.75
Patrick Queen - 4.56 | 4.51
Chapelle Russell - 4.70 | 4.71
Isaiah Simmons - 4.39
Justin Strnad - 4.74 | 4.79
Davion Taylor - 4.53 | 4.50
Casey Toohill - 4.68 | 4.65
Mykal Walker - 4.65 | 4.71
Evan Weaver - 4.76 | 4.85
Logan Wilson - 4.63
David Woodward - 4.83 | 4.80
David Woodward: 4.83 I 4.80
Evan Weaver: 4.76 I 4.85
Mykal Walker: 4.65 I 4.71
Casey Toohill: 4.68 I 4.65
Davion Taylor: 4.53 I 4.50
Justin Strnad: 4.74 I 4.79
Kenneth Murray is firmly in the first round for me. Patrick Queen would likely be there as well but I have some concerns with his ability to get players to the ground. He was a little heavier at the weigh-in than expected, which should help that narrative moving forward. Isaiah Simmons is obviously a unicorn.
It's a 4.71 for Russell.
Chapelle Russell: 4.70 I 6.01 (2nd time doesn't appear to be right)
Wow, a big time for Queen. But he grabbed his left leg after the finish. Would be devastating for us if we don't get to see Murray or Queen the rest of the night.
Patrick Queen: 4.56 I 4.51