NFL Combine All-Time Records: Who Benched 225 Pounds 49 Times?

The NFL Combine has long been a showcase for aspiring professional players making the jump from college football to demonstrate their physical prowess and athletic capabilities. Over the years, numerous records have been set, highlighting the exceptional talent that enters the NFL. Here, we delve into the all-time records across various drills, showcasing the athletes who have left a lasting mark on this event.

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40-Yard Dash

Starting with the lightning-fast 40-yard dash, receiver John Ross out of Washington set an unprecedented record in 2017 with a time of 4.22 seconds, leading to his selection in the first round, ninth overall, by the Cincinnati Bengals. This drill is often considered the marquee event of the combine, where speed can significantly boost a player’s draft stock. Unfortunately, Ross couldn’t parlay that speed into much of an NFL career. After five injury-plagued seasons, he retired in 2023 at just 28 years old.

10-Yard Split

In the 10-yard split, a key measure of initial acceleration, Chris Johnson from East Carolina delivered an astonishing performance in 2008, clocking in at 1.4 seconds. His speed was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before the Tennessee Titans drafted him in the first round, 24th overall. Johnson showcased that explosiveness in a big way in his second NFL season when he rushed for over 2,000 yards and won OPOY honors.

20-Yard Shuttle

The 20-yard shuttle, which tests an athlete’s agility and lateral movement, saw Brandin Cooks from Oregon State set a record with a time of 3.81 seconds in 2014. This feat showcased his quickness, contributing to his first-round selection, 20th overall, by the New Orleans Saints. Cooks is still catching balls in the NFL, just suiting up for 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

Read SportsGrid’s Top 10 Pre-Combine QB Rankings Here.

3-Cone Drill

When it comes to the 3-cone drill, which evaluates an athlete’s ability to change directions at high speed, Jeff Maehl of Oregon set a remarkable record of 6.42 seconds in 2011. Although not drafted, his performance earned him a place in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. Maehl spent three seasons in the NFL, finishing up with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014.

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Vertical Jump

The vertical jump record is shared between Chris Conley out of Georgia and Ohio State‘s Donald Washington, both reaching 45 inches. Conley’s leap came in 2015, leading to his third-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs, while Washington’s equal performance in 2009 saw him picked in the fourth round by the same team. Conley is coming off his ninth season in the NFL, playing mostly special teams for the San Francisco 49ers last year. Washington played 32 games in the secondary for the Chiefs before hanging them up in 2011.

Read Daniel Jeremiah’s Scouting Report on Top QBs Ahead of the NFL Combine Here.

Broad Jump

The broad jump showcases an athlete’s lower-body explosion and balance. Byron Jones from UConn set the bar incredibly high in 2015 with a leap of 12 feet, 3 inches, a record that undoubtedly contributed to his first-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys. Jones lasted five seasons in Dallas before ending his career, mostly playing free safety for the Miami Dolphins from 2020 to 2021.

Bench Press

Lastly, the bench press record, a test of upper body strength, was shattered by  Stephen Paea, a defensive tackle from Oregon State, in 2011, completing 49 reps of 225 pounds. His extraordinary strength was rewarded when the Chicago Bears selected him in the second round. After four seasons with the Bears, Paea played for three different teams in his final three seasons in the league.

These records not only highlight the physical elite among NFL prospects but also underscore the intense preparation and dedication required to excel at the NFL Combine.

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