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

Thursday evening, it was the linebackers’ turn at the 40-yard dash during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. NFL Draft hopefuls were looking to improve their stock in the event, and some of them turned in impressive times.

There were 19 linebackers preparing to participate in the 40-yard dash – the third position group to run during Thursday’s workouts. The headliner of the group was Payton Wilson, who turned in the best time of the day at 4.44 seconds.

Here’s a look at the full list of times for linebackers the 40-yard dash. All times are unofficial.

Payton Wilson, NC State – 4.44 seconds

Payton Wilson turned in the fastest time of the day at the 40-yard dash, running a 4.44 on his first attempt. That not only put him at No. 1 in the linebacker group, but it was also the top time of the first day of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

Wilson put together a standout career at NC State and had an impressive senior season in 2023. He totaled 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks to set career-highs in all three categories and become a coveted pick in the draft.

Dallas Turner, Alabama – 4.47 seconds

Dallas Turner raised some eyebrows with his 40-yard dash time, as well. The former Alabama star logged a 4.47 in the event to finish tied for second among the linebackers.

Although he ran with the linebackers, Turner was known for his ability to get to the passer in Tuscaloosa. This past season, he finished with 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks to cap off an impressive career under Nick Saban’s watchful eye, and he’s viewed as a first round-caliber talent in the draft.

Kalen DeLoach, Florida State – 4.47 seconds

On his second 40-yard dash attempt, Kalen DeLoach matched Dallas Turner’s mark. He logged an identical 4.47 to tie for second among linebackers.

DeLoach had the best year of his career this past season at Florida State, helping the Seminoles to a 13-0 record in the regular season and an ACC championship. He had 68 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks to anchor the defense – and he likely improved his draft stock on Thursday.

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M – 4.52 seconds

Entering the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Edgerrin Cooper emerged as a name to watch on draft boards. The former Texas A&M star continued to turn heads in the 40-yard dash, as well, with a 4.52 showing.

Cooper put up huge numbers for the Aggies in 2023 with 84 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks. He had just 0.5 sack in his previous three years, which showed the leap he took as a senior in College Station.

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky – 4.52 seconds

Trevin Wallace is another player who impressed during the 40-yard dash, matching Edgerrin Cooper with a 4.52-second run. The former Kentucky star had an impressive 2023 season with the Wildcats, and scouts likely took notice of his run Thursday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Wallace set new career-highs with 80 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks to anchor the Kentucky defense. He appeared on The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s updated Freaks List, and the hype is building with the draft just two months away.

Jordan Magee, Temple – 4.55 seconds

After back-to-back impressive seasons at Temple, Jordan Magee is looking to carry that momentum to the NFL. He got off to a great start with the 40-yard dash on Thursday, turning in a 4.55-second run in the event.

Magee shined for the Owls over the last two seasons and ended his career on a high note. He totaled 80 tackles, a career-high 14.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks before declaring for the draft.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington – 4.56 seconds

A crucial piece of Washington’s defense en route to a national championship appearance, Edefuan Ulofoshio also broke the 4.6-second mark in the 40-yard dash on Thursday. His time of 4.56 put him inside the top 10 for the event and among the top linebackers in the draft.

Ulofoshio had by far the biggest year of his career in Seattle in 2023 with 94 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks to help the Huskies to the national title game. He brings plenty of experience to the next level, and his 40-yard dash time could play a role in teams’ decisions come April.

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State – 4.58 seconds

The Penn State defense was loaded in 2023, and Curtis Jacobs was a big part of it. He turned in an impressive 4.58-second 40-yard dash on Thursday as he looks to join the lengthy list of Nittany Lions linebackers in the NFL.

Jacobs flourished in Manny Diaz’s scheme in 2023, and he’ll try to replicate that success at the next level. He finished his college career with 171 total tackles, 24.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks over his four years in Happy Valley.

Chris Braswell, Alabama – 4.60 seconds

The Alabama linebacker core was impressive in 2023, and Chris Braswell was another reason why. His 4.6-second run in the 40-yard dash vaulted him into the top 10 on his second attempt, as well, as he looks to improve his draft stock.

Braswell had a career year this past season, as well, in Kevin Steele’s defense. He finished with 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks as Alabama made it back to the College Football Playoff before Nick Saban’s retirement.

Tyrice Knight, UTEP – 4.63 seconds

One of the top tacklers in the nation, Tyrice Knight rounded out the top 10 in the 40-yard dash on Thursday. He had a time of 4.63 seconds.

Knight put together a monster 2023 season at UTEP, finishing sixth in the nation with 140 total tackles. He also added 15.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to his name, and he could find his way onto draft boards come April.

The rest of the 40-yard dash times for linebackers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Cedric Gray, North Carolina – 4.64 seconds
Marist Liufau, Notre Dame – 4.64 seconds
Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State – 4.64 seconds
Gabriel Murphy, UCLA – 4.68 seconds
Darius Muasau, UCLA – 4.70 seconds
Easton Gibbs, Wyoming – 4.74 seconds
Aaron Casey, Indiana – 4.75 seconds
Khalid Duke, Kansas State – 4.80 seconds
Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin – 4.92 seconds

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25. Then, the second and third rounds will be April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds April 27. The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine runs through March 4 in Indianapolis.