10 Fastest Minnesota Vikings 40-Yard Dash Times at NFL Scouting Combine
Fastest Minnesota Vikings 40-Yard Dash times at the NFL Scouting Combine:
Who are the fastest players on the current Minnesota Vikings roster? That question can be answered in a variety of different ways. But with the NFL Scouting Combine starting Tuesday, it feels appropriate to focus on the top-10 40-yard dash times.
There have been a lot of burners to wear purple and gold over the years and the current depth chart is loaded with speed too. But… who ran the fastest at the combine? You’re sure to be surprised by some of the names on this list.
Because the new league year doesn’t start until March 13, 2024 this list includes players who may be free agents, or on different teams, just a couple of weeks from now. We will update it at that time and keep it current throughout the offseason.
No. 1: (RB) Kene Nwangwu – 4.32 seconds
It doesn’t get much faster for running backs than this. Nwangwu’s speed is the biggest reason why the Vikings took a chance on him in the 4th round of the 2021 draft. The former Iowa State star is currently one of the best return men in the NFL. He was named an All-Pro back in 2022 after being tied for the league lead in kick returns with 35.
After an injury-plagued 2023 season, Nwangwu will look to once again make a massive impact on special teams and in a limited offensive role before his contract comes an end. At full strength, the speedster is one of the most dangerous special teams players in the game.
No. 2: (WR) Lucky Jackson – 4.36 seconds
One of the quieter Minnesota Vikings just happens to be one of the fastest. After going undrafted in 2020 and making stops in the Spring league, the CFL, and the XFL, Lucky Jackson got his first NFL opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings last season. He was promoted to the active roster for the first time on January 6th, 2024.
Now, it is no guarantee that he makes the team in 2024 seeing as he has mostly been a member of the practice squad. But when he gets the ball, he has the real potential to make magic happen. The Hilltoppers record-holder was both an All-Conference USA selection and an All-XFL selection.
No. 3: (S) Lewis Cine – 4.37 seconds
Another young player in Minnesota with elite speed is Lewis Cine. He was drafted by Minnesota in 2022 after becoming one of the best defenders on the best team in the country in the Georgia Bulldogs. His speed is nothing to snuff at as he ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the Combine two years ago.
Unfortunately, the former CFP National Championship Defensive MVP has played sparingly in his first two NFL seasons. A compound fracture ended his rookie season. Additionally, veteran safeties Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus played well together as they dominated snaps in 2023. Cine needs to remain healthy and come in with a different mindset in 2024 if he wants make a big impact in Minnesota.
No. 4: (RB) Ty Chandler – 4.38 seconds
Ty Chandler is another running back on this list with wheels. The backup running back is one of the best playmakers in Kevin O’Connell’s offense when given the opportunity. The former 5th-round pick out of North Carolina has a career mark of 4.5 yards per carry.
In the last four games that he started for Minnesota to end 2023, he recorded 461 yards and 3 touchdowns. He should be a vital piece on the offense heading into the 2024 season.
No. 5: (WR) Justin Jefferson – 4.43 seconds
Arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson has been a smash hit since he arrived in Minnesota back in 2020. The former LSU star has made an All-Pro team in three out of his four career seasons in the Twin Cities. He currently holds the NFL record for most receiving yards per game on average (98.3).
His speed has been the most underrated part of his game as he is also one of the league’s best route-runners. The former national champion should be a staple in Minnesota for years to come.
Related: Justin Jefferson Trade Steam Increasing Alongside NFL Salary Cap is No Coincidence
No. 6: (CB) Akayleb Evans – 4.46 seconds
Cornerback Akayleb Evans has made an impact as defender on the boundary in his first two seasons. The former Tulsa and Missouri star recorded 65 tackles in his sophomore season after recording just 23 as a rookie. He also has recorded four forced fumbles and nine pass deflections in total over his first two years.
His 4.46 speed isn’t anything flashy, but he has proven to be an ascending defender in Brian Flores’s defense. He’ll be a player to watch as the focus turns to the 2024 season.
No. 7: (RB) Cam Akers – 4.47 seconds
It has been an interesting first four years for running back Cam Akers in the NFL. He was a member of the Rams’ Super Bowl team in 2021 and has flashed his potential. However, injuries have been a big concern as he has never played a full season and has already had two seasons with less than eight games played.
After being traded to Minnesota part-way through the 2023 season, Akers appeared in six games and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. However, the former Florida State star is rehabbing from an achilles injury that shortened his season. If fully healthy, Akers should be able to make a splash in his former coach’s offense, especially with that sub-4.5 speed.
No. 8: (WR) K.J. Osborn – 4.48 seconds
K.J. Osborn is one of the most beloved players on the Vikings. The former Miami Hurricane star has been a steady role player ever since he was drafted in the 5th round back in 2020. In the last three seasons, Osborn has recorded 158 receptions for 1,845 yard and 15 touchdowns.
He isn’t an All-Pro, but he has proven to be very reliable. Additionally, what many non-Vikings fans may not know is that he saved a man’s life from a burning car. He plays fast on the field, and it is also proof that he is a true hero off of it.
No. 9: (WR) Jordan Addison – 4.49 seconds
It appears as though the Minnesota Vikings might have another standout wide receiver opposite of Justin Jefferson. His name is Jordan Addison, and he proved how clutch he can be in his rookie season. With Justin Jefferson out for a large portion of the 2023 season, Addison would go on to lead the team in receiving touchdowns with 10.
The former 1st-round pick out of USC won’t necessarily blow defenders away with his speed. But he is twitchy and with his elite footwork, defenders will have a tough time going against him for years to come.
No. 10: (WR) Trishton Jackson – 4.50 seconds
Trishton Jackson joins Lucky Jackson as another wide receiver on this list with limited production and playing experience despite being in the NFL for four years. He started with the Rams in 2020 before coming over to Minnesota the following season. He has just two career receptions.
However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t talented. He has a tall frame (6-1) but weighs a little lighter (191 lbs), which means he is quicker than most. Look for the Syracuse alum to compete for a roster spot heading into the 2024 season.
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