The NFL Combine: Why The 40 Is The Most Overrated Draft Tool

February 23, 2010   ·   Kevin DeBenedetto   ·   Jump to comments

I know, I know.
You read the title, and think I am crazy. But it is true after all. People read the stats, watch all the game film, and here nothing but good thing. But have a defensive back run a 4.5 forty time, and all of a sudden he could be dropped into the second round or later.
Can someone please tell me why a 40 time is so important? The athlete is running in a straight line, without pads; that is suppose to translate to on the field play? How does that help a quarterback? Or an offensive lineman? What about a defensive lineman?
Now I know what you might be saying. "But it is important for a defensive back or wide receiver!" My question is, why?
How often does a receiver run a straight line on the field? Once, maybe twice a game? Same with defensive back. Give me a defensive back who can run the three cone drill in six seconds, and has great hip movement running a 4.5 forty over someone who can run the forty in 4.35.
Look at these past recent years, ...

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