Running 40 yards in a straight line in as little clothing as possible is not exactly an actual football activity. How often do you see an NFL player have that much runway on a Sunday?
Nonetheless, the 40-yard dash is the most understandable and relatable of the drills at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week, so it warrants the most notice from the general public and from oddsmakers.
Yes, you can bet on the 40-yard dash.
It used to be that sportsbooks would offer specific Over/Under times for many players. Now it is more common to simply have chances to bet on who will be fastest overall, and who will be the fastest by position.
Those such bets are more like short-term futures. There is always a clear frontrunner. The question is, where is the value when making free betting picks and NFL Draft Combine predictions?
NFL Draft Combine predictions
Fastest 40-yard dash overall
| Player |  |
|---|---|
| Arian Smith | +250 |
| Isaiah Bond | +370 |
| Darien Porter | +750 |
| Nick Emmanwori | +1000 |
| KeAndre Lambert-Smith | +1100 |
Odds as of 2-27.
Isaiah Bond fought an ankle injury for much of the 2024 season. When he managed only three catches for 16 yards in Texas’ two biggest regular-season games in mid-October, his ankle was clearly slowing him. It then cost him the entire game at Vanderbilt a week later.
Bond reaggravated the ankle against Georgia in the SEC championship game, and he then missed the first round of the College Football Playoff. He showed clear discomfort in the Longhorns’ following two Playoff games, catching just one pass for eight yards.
All of which is to say, we have not seen Bond at full throttle since September, when he took 15 catches for an average of 20.2 yards per reception. He needs to re-prove himself to help his draft stock.
Only former Georgia receiver Arian Smith has lower odds than Bond to post the fastest 40-yard dash this week. But betting on Bond provides more value, and he has the motivation to show off this week.
Pick: Isaiah Bond (+370 at FanDuel)
Will the 40-yard dash record be broken?
This is aggressive, but the thought comes entirely from reports that new turf has been installed in Lucas Oil Stadium. In theory, the new turf provides better traction.
And it takes only one scorching dash to reward this +800 play.
Pick: Under 4.21 Seconds (+800 at FanDuel)
