2024 NFL Combine observations from day three: Xavier Worthy breaks 40-yard dash record

Here are observations from day three at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy ran the fastest 40-yard dash in the history of the NFL Combine, running it in 4.21 seconds officially.

It broke the previous record set in 2017 by John Ross, who ran it in 4.22 seconds.

There were two incredible parts to Worthy’s record-breaking performance:

Worthy’s performance drew the loudest cheers of the weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium.

When Worthy initially tied Ross’ record, he decided not to participate in any of the other wide receiver workouts. Selfishly, I would have loved to have seen how fast Worthy could have run in the wide receiver gauntlet drill. The best receivers are able to run around 20 mph during this drill, which requires a receiver to run the length of the field horizontally, which is 53.3 yards.

An NFL scout told WRAL Sports that Worthy will maximize his pro potential by getting selected to a team with an offensive-minded coach who is innovative enough to utilize his speed. The list includes Kansas City’s Andy Reid, San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan, Los Angeles’ Sean McVay and Miami’s Mike McDaniel among only a few others.

North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker ran his 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. It ranked fourth-best among the receivers who ran on Saturday.

Only Worthy (4.21), LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. (4.33) and Texas’ Adonai Mitchell (4.34) ran faster.

Walker also posted a 40.5-inch vertical (fifth among wide receivers) and an 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump (second among wide receivers).

In the receiver drills, Walker showcased his fluidity in his movement getting in and out of breaks.

Specifically, Walker’s long and deep speed will help take the top off opposing defenses.

When asked by a reporter how to describe his game in three words, Walker said, “very, very fast.”

The general consensus among draft experts is the top three quarterbacks are USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. None of the three players participated in on-field drills on Saturday at the combine.

Williams is expected be the first overall pick, which is currently held by the Chicago Bears. A big point of discussion throughout the weekend is which quarterback will get selected second between Maye and Daniels.

The Washington Commanders currently have the second overall pick and the New England Patriots have the third pick. Both teams need quarterbacks.

Maye told reporters he spoke this week with leadership on the Bears, Commanders and Patriots.

Evaluating the best NFL team fits for North Carolina QB Drake Maye

Both the Patriots (Eliot Wolf) and Commanders (Adam Peters) also have new general managers this season too.

NFL free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 13.

It’s not so much that the Patriots or Commanders would make a move to sign a free-agent quarterback. However, depending on what other teams do, it could limit or open up trade possibilities.

Another possibility if Maye falls: The New York Giants hold the sixth overall pick. They could draft a quarterback despite signing Daniel Jones to a big contract extension a year ago.

Also, Maye said he spoke with the Denver Broncos, who currently hold the 12th overall pick. The Broncos would likely need to trade up if they want to select Maye.

Offensive linemen are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET Sunday to finish up the 2024 NFL Combine.

Duke’s Graham Barton and Jacob Monk are expected to participate along with NC State’s Dylan McMahon.

Some draft experts expect Barton to be a first-round pick.