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Deadpool
these college kids literally leave college to train at a pro training facility to specifically train for the events at the combine. it's dumb. that said, if a kid runs a 4.8 as a wr, I'm not drafting him. But look at the raiders, AL Davis was obsessed with speed, and how did that work for them? Spoiler alert: not well.
There is timed track speed in tank tops and speedos and there is play speed in an NFL uniform.
4.35 is unrealistic. most of those guys are smurfs, and you hate smurfs. you get the occasional freak like ja'marr chase, or randy moss or Megatron, but that's the exception to the rule and very rare.
I prefer a 4.40-4.45 guy that's 6' tall, 200 lbs and can run a route. dbs are fast too. I'm sure you are aware, so running in a straight line at 4.35 won't get you consistently open in the NFL. Excellent footwork, being able to accelerate after a break or cut are how you create separation.
if running a 4.35 40 time is enough to become a reliable deep threat, why didn't Tutu see the field? Ever? Tutu was a 4.32 guy and timed as low as 4.27
I agree 40 times aren't everything either. Our receivers get open but they are not deep threats or speedsters. They are not 50/50 guys or off the charts athletes. It is fine to have guys that get open don't get me wrong. But having three identical type of receivers gets a little redundant when you don't have a guy that can take top off or make contested catches or can be a size mismatch. We had such a person in desean that could flat outrun most DBS and make those big play catches. While it didn't work out doesn't mean he didn't provide value in the spots he played. I wasnt lobbying for him to take over full time for VJ just to provide some snaps and plays to keep D honest and provide a speed target. We also had Jacob Harris for the 50/50 contested and speed to burn 4.39 6'5" 215 but know we lost him also to a non contact acl injury on the old turf monster.
