2024 NFL Scouting Combine: Fastest 40-yard dash times for cornerbacks

The NFL combine continued on Friday, with cornerbacks, safeties and tight ends taking part in on-field workouts. One of the drills players are competing in is the 40-yard dash, which is always entertaining.

The cornerbacks were up first, and several put up blazing fast times. Multiple cornerbacks finished in the 4.3s, while Nate Wiggins led the way with a 4.29.

Here is a breakdown of the top 10 cornerback times in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. We also have a list of all of the 40 times from cornerbacks.

Nate Wiggins, Clemson — 4.28

Nate Wiggins put up the best 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine so far this year. Unfortunately, he injured himself in the process and was only able to run once.

Wiggins is hopeful that he will be healthy enough to go through drills at Clemson’s Pro Day. He was already considered a likely first-round pick, even before running the fastest time of any cornerback.

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo — 4.33

Quinyon Mitchell put on a show at the Senior Bowl and continued to impress with his 40 time at the NFL combine. Mitchell was named a second-team All-American in 2023 and is a likely first-round pick.

This past season, Mitchell finished with 18 pass breakups, which ranked second nationally. He is also Toledo’s all-time leader in career pass breakups with 46.

Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State — 4.34

Richardson started all 12 games last season, while recording 79 tackles. For his career, he started 26 games.

The Louisiana native led all cornerbacks in the SEC in tackles in 2023. For his career, he recorded 177 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, 10 pass breakups and one fumble recovery.

Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn — 4.36

Pritchett appeared in 51 games over his five seasons at Auburn. The Alabama native recorded 22 tackles and had an interception this past season.

Pritchett also returned kicks at times during his career. He has proven to be dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Jarrian Jones, Florida State — 4.38

Jones started his career at Mississippi State, before transferring to Florida State. He played four seasons at FSU and was at least a part-time starter all four years.

In 2023, Jones appeared in 12 games, with nine starts. He had 25 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack and 3 interceptions this past year.

Daequan Hardy, Penn State — 4.38

Hardy is an excellent cornerback and punt returner. He was honored as an All-American punt returner this past season after having two touchdowns as a returner.

As a defender, Hardy appeared in 11 games, making four starts. He finished with 22 tackles, two interceptions and three tackles for loss.

Deantre Prince, Ole Miss — 4.39

Prince made 33 starts over the course of his career and was one of the top players on the Ole Miss defense. He was also one of the fastest cornerbacks at the NFL combine.

Prince had 36 tackles and an interception last season. He also had five tackles for loss and five pass breakups.

Max Melton, Rutgers — 4.39

Melton was a four-year starter for Rutgers, starting 40 games for his career. The New Jersey native played in the Senior Bowl, after being named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2023.

Melton had a team-high three interceptions for Rutgers last year. He also had 32 tackles, including 4 tackles for loss.

DJ James, Auburn — 4.42

James started his career at Oregon, spending three seasons there. He had three interceptions during his time with the Ducks, before transferring to Auburn.

The Mobile native played 24 games over two seasons with Auburn. He had 38 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 9 pass breakups in 2023.

Elijah Jones, Boston College — 4.44

Jones was named honorable mention All-ACC after starting 11 games at cornerback for Boston College in 2022. He then played in nine games this past season.

The New York native spent six seasons at Boston College. He had 25 tackles and five interceptions in 2023.

Rest of cornerback 40 times at NFL combine

Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri — 4.44
M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh — 4.45
Willie Drew, Virginia State — 4.46
Marcellas Dial, South Carolina — 4.46
Mike Sainristil, Michigan — 4.47
Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas — 4.47
Andru Phillips, Kentucky — 4.48
Renardo Green, Florida State — 4.49
Terrion Arnold, Alabama — 4.50
Myles Harden, South Dakota — 4.50
Cam Hart, Notre Dame — 4.50
Khyree Jackson, Oregon — 4.50
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri — 4.51
Josh Newton, TCU — 4.51
Tarheeb Still, Maryland — 4.52
Ryan Watts, Texas — 4.53
Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State — 4.54
Kalen King, Penn State — 4.61
Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse — 4.64