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2020 NFL scouting combine recap: Jonathan Taylor blazes with 4.39 forty time

By Evan Groat

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Running back Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Running back Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Taylor #RB27 of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Jonathan Taylor
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Taylor #RB27 of the Wisconsin Badgers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local caption *** Jonathan Taylor /

The Las Vegas Raiders got their star running back in the 2019 NFL Draft, but other teams have a few elite players to choose from this April.

Last year the Raiders struck gold with running back Josh Jacobs in round one of the 2019 NFL Draft.  It is expected that they will look to bolster the back field with a running mate for Jacobs, whether that be through free agency or the draft.

Georgia’s DeAndre Swift is the consensus number one running back in this years draft and looked the part in the on field drills. During his time with the Bulldogs, Swift showed he could be a major threat in the passing and running game, a skill set that will certainly play at the next level.

Other backs that really helped themselves were Cam Akers from Florida State and Johnathan Taylor from Wisconsin.  Akers and Taylor will both push J.K. Dobbins over the next several weeks for the number two running back two spot.

Akers looked like a complete back showing off 4.4 speed, ability as a pass catcher, and pistons as feet in the “Duce Staley” bag drill.  He solidified his spot as a high day two selection.

Johnathan Taylor who is coming off back to back 2,000 yard seasons at Wisconsin blazed in the forty going sub 4.4 seconds.  Did I mention Taylor tipped the scales at 226 pounds, sheesh.

Speaking of J.K. Dobbins, he opted to save his workout for his pro day.

Bench Press

Nearly 30 reps when it comes to bench pressing 225 pounds is quite impressive, as the running back group put up offensive linemen-type numbers. Scottie Phillips from Mississippi led the way with 29, but overall, there were ten guys who eclipsed the 20 mark, including Boston College’s A.J. Dillon, a potential first round pick.

  1. Phillips, Scottie, Mississippi, 29
  2. Olonilua, Sewo, TCU, 25
  3. LeMay, Benny, Charlotte, 24
  4. Robinson, James, Illinois St., 24
  5. Dillion, A.J., Boston College, 23
  6. Dobbins, J.K., Ohio St., 23
  7. Kelley, Joshua, UCLA, 23
  8. Perine, La’Mical, Florida, 22
  9. Akers, Cam, Florida St., 20
  10. Calais, Raymond, Lousiana-Layfayette, 20

40-Yard Dash

When it comes to any of the speed weapons, whether at running back, or at wide receiver, the 40-yard dash is going to be the drill all the scouts keep an eye on. This year, it was Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor that stole the show, as the muscly back posted a 40-yard dash below 4.40, the only one in his position group to do so.

  1. Taylor, Johnathan, Wisconsin, 4.39
  2. Evans, Darrynton, Appalachian St., 4.41
  3. Calais, Raymond, Lousiana-Layfayette, 4.42
  4. McFarland, Anthony, Maryland, 4.44
  5. Akers, Cam, Florida St., 4.47
  6. Swift, D’Andre, Georgia, 4.48
  7. Kelley, Joshua, UCLA, 4.49
  8. Bellamy, LeVante, Western Michigan, 4.50
  9. Vaughn, Ke’Shawn, Vanderbilt, 4.51
  10. Dillion, A.J., Boston College, 4.53
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