sports

2026 NFL Combine: Defensive Backs Set Speed Record

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine featured the fastest defensive back class in history, highlighted by Toriano Pride Jr.'s 4.32‑second 40‑yard dash.

The 2026 NFL Combine showcased an unprecedented speed surge among defensive backs, with cornerbacks posting times under 4.5 seconds. Toriano Pride Jr. of Missouri led the pack with a 4.32‑second dash, the fastest of the event, while Charles Demmings and Daylen Everette also posted sub‑4.4 times, drawing attention from teams seeking elite coverage.

These performances underscore the depth of talent in the secondary, a key need for franchises like the New York Giants. The record‑setting speeds suggest a new era of quicker, more agile defensive backs ready to counter modern passing offenses.