The 2021 NFL draft is less than one month away and with college pro days continuing around the country, it’s time to check-in on who the best performers have been so far.
This year’s draft class is top-heavy at wide receiver, which is usually the most entertaining position to watch at the NFL Combine. But with the event being canceled due to COVID-19, we’ve been left to monitor 40-yard dash times that have trickled in from various pro-day performances.
The fastest wide receiver so far is Auburn’s Anthony Schwartz, who blazed a 4.26:
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4️⃣.2️⃣6️⃣ unofficial for @TheRealF1ash. #WarEagle | @BBVA_USA pic.twitter.com/FVth2pI4P9
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) March 18, 2021
Schwartz checked-in at 6-0, 186 and wasn’t overly impressive in the vertical jump (32″), but that 40-time is something teams who are searching for an increase in speed will covet.
Schwartz totaled 54 catches for 636 yards and three touchdowns in 2020.
Next up is Purdue’s Rondale Moore, whose 4.29 confirmed everything he shows on tape. He’s one of this year’s most exciting field-flippers and will instantly become a valued offensive weapon on the next level:
Rondale Moore with a 4.29u 40 at Purdue's Pro Day 🔥
(via @StaceyDales) pic.twitter.com/3b7bSOXCty
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 23, 2021
Moore’s biggest issue is his health. He’s appeared in just seven games over the last two seasons and while there’s no doubt about his explosive ability, it’ll be worthless if he can’t stay on the field.
Another Moore, Ole Miss’ Elijah, had himself a memorable pro day as well; he ran a 4.32. It’s a time that should boost his draft stock quite a bit, especially considering how much of an afterthought he’s been throughout the 2021 draft cycle.
The one thing all three of these speedsters have in common is their size: they all come in under the NFL’s acceptable range, be it height or weight. Schwartz and E. Moore are sub-190, while R. Moore checked-in at just 5’7. Hardly the size you’d expect to see from a pro wideout.
Still, speed kills and is always in demand in the NFL. All three prospects should be in play on Day 2 and would qualify as fantastic value picks if they slide into Day 3.