Fastest 40 times from DTs on Day 1 at the NFL Combine

Thursday at the 2023 NFL Combine was all about defenders as defensive tackles, defensive ends and then linebackers and edge rushers kicked off the on field workouts. To start, it was the defensive tackles hitting the 40 yard dash.

There was a lot to learn, from a few sub-five second runs to some guys who turned in slower times. One notable prospect expected to test well, Michigan’s Mazi Smith, did not run or participate in drills due to a hamstring injury.

While no one running on Thursday was going to set any records, they did give decision makers one of the first in-person looks as pro prospects. And a reminder, all the times included here are unofficial.

The fastest DT 40 yard dashes from 2023 NFL Combine

Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh: 4.67 seconds

Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma: 4.81 seconds

Dante Stills, West Virginia: 4.85 seconds

Bryan Bresee, Clemson: 4.86 seconds

Gervon Dexter Sr., Florida: 4.88 seconds

Zacch Pickens, South Carolina: 4.89 seconds

The rest of the DT participants finished above the five second mark.

Bryan Bresee ‘happy’ to be healthy at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee is healthy and showed out at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. The projected first-round pick battled illnesses throughout the season but proved he was good to go.

There were questions if Bresee could hold up during the evaluation. He put those to rest with a 4.93-second 40-yard dash, which ranked in the top five among defensive tackles.

Overall, it was a good day for the former Clemson Tiger.

“Yeah, that was the main goal today. Come out here and show people what a healthy Bryan Bresee looks like,” Bresee said to NFL Network’s Stacy Dales. “A lot of illnesses this year, so I was just happy I was able to come out here and compete … I had a kidney infection early on, upper respiratory infections, strep throat later in the season. Sick this year.

“Just, you know, real sick … Obviously it was a tough year but you know, I’m healthy now. I wanted everyone to see that.”

Bresee went into the week at the NFL Combine with his accolades preceding him. 

He was named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 in his first season, while also earning first-team All-ACC recognition by the Associated Press. He was limited in 2020 due to injury but managed to carve out a spot as a second-team All-ACC selection in 2022 as a junior.

Bresee finished his college career with 51 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four pass deflections and one forced fumble.