Why is the 40-yard dash so significant?  The 40-yard dash doesn't predict statistical success in the NFL as much as its a measuring stick to predict your ability to MAKE PLAYS.  Take two college running backs, one runs a 4.6 40 and the other a 4.3 40.  The distance in time is only three tenths but in a foot race the distance could be three to five yards.  This time difference assuming the blocking is average can mean the difference between a 50-yard touchdown burst and a three-yard gain.  LaDanian Tomlinson by the way ran a 4.3 at his combine.  You see how he performs on the field.  He's a classic example of an explosive back that can hit the edge as well as burst between the tackles for long gains.

     Linebackers and edge pass rushers who can run a 4.5 40 will be instant millionaires because they can be used so effectively to cause havoc on opposing offenses and trust me the times are dropping.  If you're a cornerback and run a low 4.5 or 4.6 you may not get drafted, especially if you're from a small school.  You'd better have some size so they can try you at the safety position. Wide receivers had better be tall if they're times aren't up to standard. A three hundred pound defensive lineman now runs 4.8 forties at the combines. That’s scary.

     Lets examine two classic cases, Peter Warrick from the 2000 draft and Vernon Davis from the 2006 draft. Peter Warrick, a Heisman Candidate and All-American wide receiver from Florida State helped his team win the national championship over the Michael Vick led Hokies of Virginia Tech.  Warrick on paper was a high first round draft prospect until the combine.  Warrick measured out at 5' 11" but ran a rather pedestrian 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.  Instantly, his stocked dropped.  The Cincinnati Bengals did draft Warrick in the first round but he never blossomed on the professional level.

     Fast forward to 2006.  Vernon Davis, a beast of a tight end from Maryland was on the radar of every NFL scout, exploded onto the scene with a 4.38 40, the fastest time ever recorded for a tight end.  His reward? The 49ers selected Davis fifth and he received a multimillion-dollar signing bonus.  His future on field success is yet to be determined.

     The 40-yard dash doesn't measure intelligence, maturity, work ethic, character, heart, and raw football instincts, in fact I'd venture to say that some of the fastest players don't pan out, but like the SATs, its a standard, plain and simple. Watch the NFL scouting combine this weekend and when you see that cornerback blaze a 4.29 or a running back eek out a low 4.6 look at the expression on their faces.  You will see and understand that football really is a game of inches and seconds.