The skill position players from the 2025 NFL Draft took part in the iconic 40-yard dash today and while Xavier Worthy’s record-setting time of 4.21 seconds was safe, there were still some absolute burners in Indy today.
Speed isn’t everything and there are just as many players who set elite 40-yard times that never amount to anything as there are ones who become starters. But it’s still a mark that can seriously upgrade a prospect’s NFL draft chances, especially if there’s on the fringe to begin with.
21 of the 23 players who have run under a 4.30 have been drafted, even if it’s been near the bottom of the draft.
Let’s take a look at the five players who may have seen their draft stock skyrocket just by running a straight line:
5. Bhayshul Tuten, Running Back, Virginia Tech – 4.32 seconds
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In just two seasons at Virginia Tech after transferring over from North Carolina A&T, Bhayshul Tuten emerged as one of the best rushers in the ACC. He was a two-time All-ACC selection and finished his career with 406 touches for 2,342 yards and 29 touchdowns.
3 (tie). Dont’e Thornton Jr., Wide Receiver, Tennessee – 4.30 seconds
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Dont’e Thornton is a bonafide burner of a wide receiver, proving it at Oregon and Tennessee with a 21.9 yard/catch average over 47 games for the two programs.
This past season was his masterpiece as he turned a mere 26 catches in 661 yards and six touchdowns, leading the nation with a whopping 25.4 yards per catch – a full three yards/catch more than any player from the power conferences.
3 (tie). Darien Porter, Cornerback, Iowa State – 4.30 seconds
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Arguably the most experienced player in the entire draft, Porter played in over 60 games for the Cyclones over six seasons, initially playing wide receiver before switching to cornerback.
The positional switch served him well, and could wind up serving an NFL team well.
2. Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas – 4.29 seconds
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24 hours before Golden set out to run the 40-yard dash, his teammate Isaiah Bond pledged to not only have the fastest time, but beat the record previously set by Xavier Worthy last year.
Well, after Bond ran a 4.39, Golden showed that Bond wasn’t even the fastest player in his own receiving corps as Golden ran a 4.29. The Texas wideout now boasts the distinction of being the fastest offensive player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But he isn’t the fastest overall. That distinction goes to a defender…
1. Maxwell Hairston, Cornerback, Kentucky – 4.28 seconds
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Over the past two seasons at Kentucky, Hairston has been one of the elite cornerbacks in the SEC. He’s a two-time Second-Team All-SEC selection who led the conference in interceptions, interception yards and pick sixes in 2023.
Hairston has a nose for the ball and his speed should set him up for success as either a starter or a supporting role in the NFL for quite some time.
Last year, cornerback Nate Wiggins had the fastest time for a defensive player in the NFL Draft and he wound up going in the first round to the Baltimore Ravens.
Suffice it to say, these five men have a lot to be proud of today.
Related: Texas WR Isaiah Bond Said He’d Break 40-Yard Dash Record – Here’s How He Did
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