AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas wide receiver led the field in the 40-yard dash Saturday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, but it wasn’t the one who said he’d break the record.
Matthew Golden sped to a time of 4.29 seconds, the fastest time in his group and second-fastest overall. Only Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston was faster at 4.28 seconds.
Isaiah Bond said “for sure” that we would break the combine record of 4.21 seconds set last year by current Kansas City Chiefs wideout and former Longhorn Xavier Worthy, but he didn’t even come close.
Bond needed his second attempt to turn in his best time of 4.39 after he told reporters Friday that he was running around 4.3 during training sessions. He said if “he was feeling great,” he could lower his time to 4.1 seconds. That didn’t happen.
He performed well in other drills, and pundits on the NFL Network broadcast said scouts agreed that Bond “helped his stock” even though he didn’t deliver on his big promise.
Bond tied for third among Longhorns in the 40. Running back Jaydon Blue showcased his breakaway speed, covering 40 yards in 4.38 seconds as the second-fastest back in the competition. Defensive back Jahdae Barron ran a 4.39 on Friday.
Golden has the third-highest overall draft grade of wide receivers at 6.20 out of a possible 8, according to the NFL Network. Scouts believe he’ll be a contributing starting receiver within his first two years in the league. Bond’s grade is 6.33. Among running backs, Blue graded out at 6.11 with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty leading the way at 7.15.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash, only three quarterbacks did, but he threw to receivers in various passing drills. Kurt Warner, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and analyst for NFL Network, said that Ewers and Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart “jumped out as the two guys who have had the best days among quarterbacks.”
The combine continues through Sunday.
