2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times for defensive ends

The first day of workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine continued Thursday night with the second position group. Defensive ends took to the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for the 40-yard dash.

The 40-yard dash is the first event of the day as NFL Draft prospects look to improve their stock. Scouts, coaches and executives from across the league made their way to Indianapolis for the Combine, which is another major event in the pre-draft process.

Tennessee star James Pearce Jr. stole the show as he led the group of defensive ends – all while running in a hoodie. That number put him in the Top 10 all-time among defensive ends at the NFL Combine. But there were some other impressive times, as well. Here are the 40-yard dash times for the DEs Thursday evening.

1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee – 4.47 seconds

Despite forgetting his workout shirt, he told NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, James Pearce Jr. led the group of defensive ends in the 40-yard dash. He ran an unofficial 4.47 seconds to sit alone in the top spot.

Pearce is coming off a standout career at Tennessee, where he served as the anchor of the Volunteers defense. As a junior this past season, he totaled 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks – but had a huge 2023 campaign when he had 15 TFLs and an SEC-leading 10 sacks.

2. Fadil Diggs, Syracuse – 4.57 seconds

A key piece of the Syracuse defense this past season, Fadil Diggs had an impressive showing in the40-yard dash. His second attempt came in at 4.57 seconds, which was second among the group of DEs.

Diggs spent one year at Syracuse after transferring from Texas A&M and turned in the best numbers of his career. He had 45 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks to anchor the Orange defense.

3. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M – 4.59 seconds

One of the biggest risers in this year’s NFL Draft, Shemar Stewart continued to put on a show at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He impressed with his 40-yard dash after recording one of the best vertical jumps by a defensive end in Combine history.

Stewart came in third among DEs in the 40-yard dash as he looks to keep flying up the board. This past season at Texas A&M, he had 31 tackles, six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to become one of the top defensive ends to declare for the draft.

4. Jah Joyner, Minnesota – 4.60 seconds

As Minnesota became one of the best defenses in the Big Ten this past season, Jah Joyner emerged as a key playmaker. He then showed off his speed in the 40-yard dash, checking in at 4.61 seconds.

Joyner emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten over the last two years. During that time, he totaled 50 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as he wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.

5. Tyler Baron, Miami – 4.62 seconds

After transferring from Tennessee this past season, Tyler Baron didn’t miss a beat at Miami. He had another impressive season, and his 4.63-second 40-yard dash was among the best among defensive ends at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Baron had big year in 2024, totaling 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His strong Combine performance could be important for his NFL Draft stock as the pre-draft process continues.

6. Jordan Burch, Oregon – 4.67 seconds

During his time at both South Carolina and Oregon, Jordan Burch proved to be a force on defense. His ability to get off the line of scrimmage is also impressive, as evidenced by his 4.68-second 40-yard dash.

Burch had the best year of his career in 2024 as he got to the quarterback, totaling 11 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks to set career-highs in both categories. His best year at South Carolina came in 2022 when he had 60 total tackles.

T7. Landon Jackson, Arkansas – 4.68 seconds

Another intriguing prospect, Landon Jackson looked to continue his strong Combine performance in the 40-yard dash. At 4.68 seconds, he ranked in the Top 10 among defensive ends.

Jackson had a strong 2023 season at Arkansas and followed it up with an equally impressive showing after opting to run it back. Over those two years, he totaled 93 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as he flourished in the Razorbacks’ scheme.

T7. Barryn Sorrell, Texas – 4.68 seconds

A three-year starter at Texas, Barryn Sorrell shined in Pete Kwiatkowski’s system. With a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, he also came in the Top 10 among defensive ends at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Sorrell was dominant during his time in Austin, capped by a big senior year. He had 44 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.

T9. David Walker, Central Arkansas – 4.69 seconds

At the FCS level this past season, David Walker emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the country. He also stayed in the Top 10 among defensive ends in the 40-yard dash with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash.

Walker had a huge 2024 season for the Bears as he wrapped up an impressive career. During his time with Central Arkansas, he totaled 30 sacks and 184 total tackles to emerge as a potential sleeper in the 2024 NFL Draft.

T9. Ethan Downs, Oklahoma – 4.70 seconds

One of the top performers in Brent Venables’ defense at Oklahoma, Ethan Downs shined over the last three seasons. He then snuck into the Top 10 fastest times among defensive ends in the 40-yard dash with a 4.70-second run.

Downs is coming off another impressive season in 2024 after running it back. He totaled 29 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks to serve as a key piece for the Sooners in their first year in the SEC.

T9. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech – 4.70 seconds

Along with Ethan Downs, Antwaun Powell-Ryland rounded out the Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times for defensive ends. He ran an identical 4.70 seconds.

Powell-Ryland started his college career at Florida before spending two years at Virginia Tech. In that time with the Hokies, he totaled 83 tackles – 34 of which were for loss – and 25.5 sacks, including 16.5 this past season.

Rest of the defensive ends’ 40-yard dash times

Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss – 4.72 seconds
Kyle Kennard, South Carolina – 4.73 seconds
Tyler Batty, BYU – 4.78 seconds
Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State – 4.78 seconds
Elijah Roberts, SMU – 4.78 seconds
Sean Martin, West Virginia – 4.88 seconds

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine runs through the weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. From there, the sprint is on to Green Bay for the NFL Draft April 24-26.