Each and every year, the 40-yard dash is the marquee event of the NFL Scouting Combine. Dozens of the most athletic people on the planet sprinting at top speed with their future careers hanging in the balance? Cinema.
But outside of gauging reactions from Rich Eisen, Daniel Jeremiah and Co., how can you actually evaluate what you’re watching across a couple hundred dashes this weekend? That’s what this article is for: a quick but comprehensive breakdown of the 40-yard dash for each position group, specifically highlighting both the average expectations and the gold standards. And for a short list at this year’s combine, check out the top contenders here.
You can stream content from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine presented by Microsoft Copilot on NFL+, including coverage of drills, live press conferences, insider analysis and breakdowns of on-field drills on your connected TV and mobile device. Learn more about how to watch here.
NOTE: All historical combine data referenced below is according to the NFL’s official database, covering every participant since 2003. Having said that, average 40-yard dash times have steadily dropped over the last 23 years. Just something to keep in mind when evaluating individual players or entire groups against the records of the past.
