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Owen Pappoe runs fastest 40 time of LB group at NFL Combine

Cole Pinkstonby:Cole Pinkston•03/02/23•

ColePinkston

Owen Pappoe
Owen Pappoe Combine - Getty Images

Owen Pappoe remains “The Freak” indeed.

Once a five-star, always a five-star in his case. In a pool of the best linebackers college football has to offer for the 2023 draft class, former Tiger linebacker, Pappoe, ran the fastest time.

He is truly in a category of his own when it comes to speed, and it has been proven once again.

Pappoe initially ran a 4.50 to start his three attempts at the NFL Combine. He then trimmed that time down to a 4.46 on his next try as the announcers noted he was off to the right in his start.

Then, Pappoe pulled off a 4.39 40 time. That is just one tick shy of the fastest linebacker time ever recorded. That was accomplished by former UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin who ran a 4.38.

Pappoe ties the 40 time of former Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

Draft buzz

The latest draft buzz has Pappoe going in the 2nd or 3rd round of the NFL Draft. nfldraftbuzz.com provided a summary of his draft-ablility.

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Pappoe may not be the biggest or strongest linebacker prospect in the SEC, but he does flash the kind of elite playmaking ability with crazy speed and range that NFL teams love. He, however, needs to play up to his athletic traits which thus far he has fallen a little short of doing so. Pappoe has great potential if he can hone his skills and is positioned in a scheme that takes full advantage of his talents. We expect Pappoe to be selected in the second/third round in the 2023 NFL Draft and develop into a playmaker at the next level.

According to the site, Pappoe carries a draft grade of 83.6 out of 100, and ranks as the 16th best linebacker in the draft class.

Does the blazing 40 time raise Pappoe’s draft grade? There will be several NFL times wanting to take a chance on him after seeing his Combine numbers.

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