The 2018 NFL combine is upon us, and that means it's showtime for many looking to take the next step in their football careers.
Over 300 players will put their raw talent on display this week as the combine kicks off Tuesday, and their efforts will subsequently be dissected and analyzed by NFL executives for weeks until draft day arrives in April. Many of those discussions could revolve around splitting hairs between fractions of seconds or individual reps, but it's possible a few individuals could steal the show and force teams to take a long, hard look at their draft targets.
Here is a look at some of the most memorable performances in the combine's history from those who went above and beyond in making their case for the draft.
John Ross - 2017
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The label of fastest man in NFL history was bestowed upon someone new last season, as Ross stunned football fans around the country when he clocked a record time of 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. The mark eclipsed the previous record of 4.24 held by Chris Johnson, and is now viewed as the gold standard since Bo Jackson's mark of 4.12 in 1986 has been discredited for being hand-timed.
Byron Jones - 2015
Setting an NFL combine record is impressive in its own right, but setting a world record at the same time is jaw-dropping. Jones, currently with the Dallas Cowboys, did just that in 2015 by recording a jump of 12 feet 2.75 inches, which surpassed the previous record of 12 feet 2 inches set by Norwegian shot putter Arne Tvervaag in 1968. Jones' leap may be considered an unofficial record rather than a competition record, but it remains illustrious regardless.
Chris Conley - 2015
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Jones was not the only prospect turning heads in 2015, as Conley proved on multiple levels that he was arguably the premiere athlete of his class. Along with punching his ticket on a 4.35 40-yard time, the wide receiver also set what is considered to be the combine record 45-inch vertical jump, equaling the total previously set by Donald Washington in 2009. To add a little context, LeBron James' vertical leap is believed to be somewhere just north of 40 inches, so while Conley has yet to take that next step into NFL stardom, no one can deny his pure physical ability.
Jamie Collins - 2013
Collins was not only one of the premiere performers in the entire class of 2013, but his numbers have stood the test of time thus far when it comes to impressiveness. He continues to hold the honor of longest broad jump by a linebacker since 2006 at 11 feet, 7 inches, and his vertical jump of 41.5 inches remains in the top five for linebackers over that span as well.
Dontari Poe - 2012
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There is something inherently terrifying about watching large men move a lot faster than you think they should, and perhaps no one personified that fear more so than Poe. The former 11th overall pick clocked a remarkable 4.98 in the 40-yard dash, and then pumped out 44 reps (225 lbs) in the bench press portion of the combine. He also just missed out on the 30-inch mark in the vertical jump (29.5 in), if the rest wasn't already impressive enough.
Stephen Paea - 2011, Justin Ernest - 1999
The bench press competition is one of the most interesting measurements of brute strength, but feats of raw strength have not always guaranteed NFL opportunities. According to NFL.com, the record holder in the event is defensive tackle Stephen Paea, who put up 49 reps at 225 pounds in 2011, but the all-time leader is in fact former Eastern Kentucky defensive tackle Justin Ernest, who cranked out 51 reps in 1999. Despite being the true king of the event, Ernest never played a game in the NFL while Paea went on to play seven seasons.
Vernon Davis - 2006
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As far as tight ends go, Davis ranks as one of the best combine performers ever. Not only does he hold the best-ever 40-yard time at the position (4.38), but he also sits third in the vertical jump (42 inches), and tied for seventh in the broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches). Davis' efforts at the combine likely went a long way in cementing his status as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and he has justified that with an impressive 12-year career to date.
Bo Jackson - 1986
His 4.12 40-yard time is no longer considered the benchmark since hand-timing the event has been replaced by modern technology, but it's hard to forget about the legend that surrounds Jackson's athletic prowess. The former multi-sport superstar doesn't need the record to be considered one of the most superior pure athletes of all time.
Bonus:
Pat O'Donnell - 2014
OK, punters aren't exactly who executives and fans watch the combine for, but O'Donnell made sure he was going to get noticed back in 2014. The current Chicago Bears punter clocked a 4.64 40-yard time, which was very impressive considering Johnny Manziel posted a 4.68 that same year.
