NFL Combine Records: Vertical jump, 40-yard dash, bench press, more newsthirst.

As the NFL Draft draws closer, players are heading to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. 

As normal, there will be a mix of players in attendance, from those who are likely to be top picks, those who are hoping to move up with an impressive display, and others who are hoping to get their name on the draft boards of NFL teams.

The combine can be a nerve-racking event with the slightest misstep leading scouts to question a player’s potential impact. Still, it can also be a huge help and deliver a massive boost to players, shooting them up draft boards and giving those players a massive increase in guaranteed money depending on the draft slot.

Amazingly enough, some players who dazzled in previous combines still hold records that they set years ago. 

But much of the buzz at the event comes from the 40-yard dash, where the record of 4.22 — previously set in 2017 by then-Washington wide receiver John Ross, was broken last year by Texas wideout Xavier Worthy. 

But what are the records for all the events?

This is a list of the record-holders for each combine event:

(Note: these records are since 2006, when the NFL began officially keeping track of the data and using an electric timing system)

10-yard split

Record: RB Chris Johnson (East Carolina): 1.4 seconds (2008)

Next closest:

• WR Henry Ruggs (Alabama): 1.43 seconds (2020)
• WR Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia): 1.43 seconds (2016)

20-yard shuttle

Record: WR Brandin Cooks (Oregon State): 3.81 seconds (2014)

Next closest:

• CB Jason Allen (Tennessee): 3.81 seconds (2006)
• CB Bobby McCain (Memphis): 3.82 (2015)

40-yard dash

Record: Xavier Worthy (Texas): 4.21 seconds (2024)

Next closest:

• WR John Ross (Washington): 4.22 seconds (2017)
• CB Kalon Barnes (Baylor): 4.23 seconds (2022)
• RB Chris Johnson (East Carolina): 4.24 (2008)

3-Cone drill

Record: WR Jeff Maehl (Oregon): 6.42 seconds (2011)

Next closest:

• DB Buster Skrine (Tennessee-Chattanooga): 6.44 seconds (2011)
• LB David Long (West Virginia): 6.45 seconds
• WR Scott Long (Louisville): 6.45 seconds

Vertical jump

Record: WR Chris Conley (Georgia): 45 inches (2015); CB Donald Washington (Ohio State): 45 inches (2009)

Next closest:

• WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan): 44.5 inches (2020)
• CB Byron Jones (UConn): 44.5 inches (2015)

Broad jump

Record: CB Byron Jones (UConn): 12′ 3” (2015)

Next closest:

• WR Emanuel Hall (Missouri): 11’9” (2019)
• S Juan Thornhill (Virginia): 11’9” (2019)
• S Obi Melifonwu (UConn): 11’9” (2017)

Bench Press

Record: DT Stephen Paea (Oregon State): 49 reps of 225 lbs (2011)

Next closest:

• OL Mitch Petrus (Arkansas): 45 reps of 225 lbs (2010)
• DL Mike Kudla (Ohio State): 45 reps of 225 lbs (2006)