Chris Johnson’s 40 Yard Dash Record Broken By John Ross
Former Tennessee Titan Chris Johnson’s 40 yard dash record stood for nearly a decade before Washington’s John Ross broke it today.
During the 2008 NFL Combine, a lesser-known running back out of East Carolina set the football world on fire by blazing a 4.24 40 yard dash. He broke a record previously held by Jerome Mathis. His combine catapulted him into the first round, where the Tennessee Titans took him at No. 24 overall. The rest is history. But today, history was re-written. University of Washington wide receiver prospect John Ross edged out Johnson’s time by 0.02 seconds and became the sole possessor of “fastest football player”.
Perhaps this wouldn’t be as big of a deal for Titans fans if the team didn’t have a need at receiver and Ross wasn’t an option. But with the Titans needing to add pass catcher this offseason, and Ross being able to provide an element of speed unforeseen in this offense since Johnson, this was important. Ross has been a possibility with the No. 18 overall pick ever since the draft process started. His speed and route running ability makes him an enticing option.
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The reservations about Ross have nothing to do with his on-field play. He isn’t a one-trick pony, as many might believe. He can stretch the field vertically, traverse the field horizontally, and win at every level of the field. But there are valid concerns about his medical history. Ross has had two major knee injuries, one to each, and is set for shoulder surgery in a couple of weeks. His medical tests at the combine are arguably a lot more important than the tests of athleticism that snatches the eyeballs of most.
If his medical with the Titans goes well, he will be considered strongly if he’s there at No. 18. That is, of course, if Corey Davis isn’t there or has already been drafted by the Titans, or if Brandin Cooks is traded for or Alshon Jeffery has been signed. There is so much yet to happen between now and the draft. For now, though, a former Titans legend’s record has fallen thanks to a Titans draft prospect.