Receivers Run Wild

March 4, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Day 1: QBs, WRs & TEs Who Shined; 9 Wide Receivers Run Sub-4.4 40-Yard Dash

The first day of field drills at the NFL Combine brought speed, speed and more speed. Nine wide receivers clocked in a 40-yard dash time at 4.4 seconds or under — the most since 2006. Among them was Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton, who ran the fastest time of the day (4.28). Plenty of those receivers saw their draft stock rise with blazing speed. Here are the top standouts from Thursday.

 

Players Who Shined on Day 1

 

WR Alec Pierce (Cincinnati): Pierce’s 4.33 40-yard time was impressive, but his overall athleticism drew praise with a 40.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump.

 

QB Malik Willis (Liberty): Projected to go in the 1st round, Willis showcased his superior arm strength and looked good in the QB drills.

 

QB Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati): Two Bearcats on the list. Ridder’s passing game was average, but he ran a 4.52 40 time to boost his stock as a dual-threat QB.

 

Fun Fact: Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett’s hands measured at 8.5 inches — smaller than any active QB in the NFL. He still excelled in passing drills and he’s expected to be a 1st-round pick regardless.

 

NFL Combine Schedule

Friday: Running Backs, Offensive Linemen

Saturday: Defensive Linemen, Linebackers

Sunday: Defensive Backs, Kickers

 

NFL Combine Tracker (Full Results)

 

Additional Storylines

NFL: 2022 NFL Scouting Combine Day 1 Winners & Losers

Sporting News: NFL Combine Results: Highlights, Top Performers from Workouts