Ross eclipses Johnson’s 40-yard record with 4.22
INDIANAPOLIS - It was a good run, while it lasted.
Former Titans running back Chris Johnson, who had held the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2008, saw that mark broken Saturday by former Washington wide receiver John Ross, who blazed to the finish line in 4.22 seconds.
Johnson’s modern day combine record — the fastest previously recorded since electronic timing began in 2003 — was 4.24 seconds.
“I feel like I could have run faster, just because I cramped up at the end,” Ross said in an interview on NFL Network.
Ross was limping afterward and did not run the 40 a second time after he calves tightened up.
He’s widely considered one of the top wide receiver prospects and a possible first-round draft pick, along with Clemson’s Mike Williams and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis.
The Titans, who need help at wide receiver, own the fifth and 18th overall picks in April’s draft.
Johnson took notice of Ross’ initially unofficial time of 4.22 seconds, posting a string of eyeball emojis on Twitter.
He later congratulated Ross after the time was certified as authentic.
The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Ross told reporters Friday that he was taking aim at the record.
“I’m definitely going to go for it,” he said.
But for all the hype, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock put the performance in perspective when speaking with a group of reporters Saturday evening.
“I always say fast guys run fast and slow guys run slow, OK, and it’s only a story when the opposite happens,” Mayock said. “So I knew John Ross was going to run 4.35, 4.30, so when you say does it help him? I mean, he jumped 37 inches, he broad jumped 11-1. He had an extremely athletic workout. The problem is with John Ross, and I love John Ross, OK, his tape is great. So when you compare that, put speed on top of it and all the rest, the issue is going to be medical. He’s got a small frame, he’s had multiple knee operations, he’s going to get his shoulder done, today he cramped up, couldn’t finish. So that’s going to be a theme for him going forward. There’s no doubting the speed or the talent. It didn’t help him because we all knew he was fast.”
Ross had 81 catches for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns — the second-most in the country — this season.
“Two years ago, I was sitting on a couch for the whole season, torn ACL,” Ross said on NFL Network, “and now to be in this position, I’m just really thankful.”
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