This was the fastest DL at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash
The NFL Combine workouts officially kicked off on Thursday and this prospect out of Tennessee improved his draft stock after the 40-yard dash.
The NFL scouting combine kicked off this week with the workouts starting on Thursday for the defensive linemen and linebackers. While some of the top NFL prospects already cemented their name and proved themselves to the scouts, there are some who can significantly improve their draft stock while showing off their skills at the Combine. One of those who did so on Thursday was James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. runs fastest 40-yard dash for a DL
James Pearce Jr., edge rusher out of Tennessee, blew all the other defensive linemen out of the water with the fastest time amongst defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash. Although he had to run in a hoodie instead of a t-shirt (he reportedly forgot his athletic shirt), that didn’t stop him from being the fastest defensive lineman at the combine.
In his second attempt, Pearce ran the unofficial 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. That number helped improve his draft stock and he’s now expected to go in the first round of the NFL Draft in April.
Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. runs the first sub-4.5 40 with a 4.47u 🔥
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Pearce also happened to record the fastest 10-yard split time (tied with one other) with a time of 1.58 seconds on his first run, timed at 4.50 seconds. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen compared Pearce to New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns, who went in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft (16th overall to the Carolina Panthers).
The fastest 40-yard dash in NFL Combine history was 4.21 seconds, recorded by wide receiver Xavier Worthy in 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him 28th overall.
While Penn State’s Abdul Carter is projected to be picked in the top five, Pearce should be in the second tier behind him in the draft, which will take place from April 24 to April 26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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