Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory, Vic Beasley impress with sub-4.7 40-yard dashes

A dynamic trio of edge rushers strengthened their cases to be the first defensive player selected at the NFL Draft during the NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday.

Florida's Dante Fowler Jr., Nebraska's Randy Gregory and Clemson's Vic Beasley all ran sub-4.7 40-yard dash times, showcasing their short-yardage acceleration and top-end speed. 

Beasley ran an unofficial 4.53 40-yard dash, the fastest time of his group, while Gregory and Fowler Jr. posted unofficial runs of 4.57 and 4.61 seconds, respectively. 

All three players are listed as linebackers, although some of them played defensive end in college and could take snaps at that position on third downs in the NFL. 

Fowler Jr. and Gregory are considered by many to be top-10 draft picks, while Beasley drew comparisons to Denver Broncos' star outside linebacker Von Miller. 

Seven linebackers ran with defensive linemen during the morning workout, including Virginia's Eli Harold who ran an unofficial 4.53 40-yard dash.