The Giants have not had much speed to brag about in recent years (Odell ran a 4.43 40 at the combine, but who else fast got on the field before Saquon?). Seemingly, Darius Slayton is the fastest one on the team at this time based on his Combine 40 time of 4.39 (and his high school and college track background), with Saquon right behind him at 4.41. If he makes the final 53, Corey Ballentine may be in "the fastest man" discussion as well after his 4.47 Combine time and track records:
[quote]
[Ballentine [was] a college track star, recording the nine fastest times in the 60m in school history and the six fastest times in the indoor 200m. He also holds the school record in the outdoor 100m (10.51), outdoor 200m (21.25) and has eight of the 10 fastest times in the 100m and the top six times in the outdoor 200m in school history. [quoted text]
After about 50 yards, only Slayton is likely to edge Ballentine out (I believe Saquon's size and build will work against him in a longer sprint). Both are really fast for collegiate track men, and much more so for NFL players.
I am excited to see Ballentine catch someone from behind on a long gain just as much as seeing Slayton take the top off the defense on a long pass. Nothing beats Saquon breaking a long run of course.
We are lucky to have found so much upside in 5th and 6th round picks. Hats off to the Giants' scouting department and GM Gettleman.
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And 340 lb DLaw ran nearly a 5.0.
Hope I'm wrong, he has exciting potential, and he's really good with the ball in his hands.
Hope I'm wrong, he has exciting potential, and he's really good with the ball in his hands.
Was going to post the exact same thing. Hopefully he doesn't have anymore flare ups before the season starts. I was counting on him to be the guy to be able to take the top off a defense even if he's a decoy.
Any other nominations?
Hope I'm wrong, he has exciting potential, and he's really good with the ball in his hands.
On the flip-side, there are also recent examples of rookies having hamstring injuries and having a fine season. OBJ and Barkley come to mind, though they are obviously elite talents. As long as he isn’t rushed back and lets it heal fully, he should be fine.
Corey Coleman chose not to run the 40 at the Combine, then ran an unofficial 4.37 at Baylor's pro day. Now, after his ACL, we will have to wait and see if he can recover his outstanding speed.
Evan Engram ran a smokin' 4.42 at the Combine, faster than anyone on the offense not named Saquon.
Lorenzo Carter ran a 4.46 at the NFL Combine, making him the fastest guy on the defense.
Anyone else?