The 2023 NFL Draft Combine takes place this week in Indianapolis, and while the event isn't anything like a real game, bettors can still get action down by wagering on select props for the combine's events.
From a fan perspective, the 40-yard dash is arguably the most appealing event to watch, and you can make the event even more interesting if you opt to wager on this year's crop of speedsters.
DraftKings Sportsbook recently posted two 40-yard dash-centric markets, so we're going to look at both and see if any worthwhile betting opportunities arise.
2023 NFL Combine 40-yard dash odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Anyone to break the 40-yard dash combine record (4.22 seconds)?
| Yes | No |
| +400 | -650 |
As the odds suggest, chances are John Ross' 2017 40-yard time of 4.22 seconds won't be broken this year, with a -650 price (implied probability 86.67 percent) on the "no." While Ross had a productive collegiate career at Washington, he catapulted into the top 10 in the '17 thanks in large part to his record time. Who will be this year's biggest rise via their 40-time?
There are certainly some speedsters who could make things interesting and boost their draft stock in the process. Texas A&M's Devon Achane ran a 6.63 second 60 meter for the Aggies' track team last year and appears to be the biggest threat to challenge Ross' record.
Mamma, there goes that man 😮💨
— Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country (@aggietfxc) February 12, 2022
🥇 6.63 (PR)@ffvmousvon_ | #GigEm
💻 https://t.co/kjQPoiQTb1 pic.twitter.com/JOP9q6Pn6G
Then there's Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott, who ran a 4.29 40 last spring. Scott, alongside fellow WRs Derius Davis (TCU) and Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee), are the top contenders to run the fastest 40 times in their position group.
If you miss out on Jalin Hyatt in the first round, Cincy WR Tyler Scott is the man you want on Day 2
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) February 26, 2023
Ran a 4.29 40 with a 40.5" vert and 11' broad last spring according to @BruceFeldmanCFB and it shows on tape💨 pic.twitter.com/f2nSuKMy8r
So, should you bet on Ross' 4.22 40-yard dash record to be topped?
SN's advice: While a +400 payday on the "yes" cashing is enticing, it's unlikely anyone ends up breaking Ross' record this year. We also wouldn't lay -650 to bet against any of these speedsters, so we'd pass on betting this prop and focus our attention on the over/under for the fastest 40-time.
Fastest 40-yard dash time
| OVER 4.275 seconds | UNDER 4.275 seconds |
| -120 | -110 |
With Scott running a 4.29 40 time last spring, he's certainly capable of running a sub-4.275 40 at the combine. Davis could also run a sub-4.275 40, as he was clocked with an in-game speed of 22.7 MPH, according to Reel Analytics.
Here are a few of the NFL Combine participants’ in-game max speed expected to run a fast 40.
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) February 25, 2023
Derius Davis 22.7 mph
Keaton Mitchell 22.6 mph
Jahmyr Gibbs 22.3 mph
Devon Achane 22.2mph
Andrei Iosivas 22.2 mph
Trey Palmer 20.6 mph
https://t.co/iBwNIHWTOs
East Carolina RB Keaton Mithcell and Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs weren't far behind Davis' top speed, so both RBs are also in the conversation to run a sub-4.275.
Last year, WRs Tyquan Thornton and Chris Olave both ran unofficial sub-4.275 40's, but their official times came in higher with Olave clocking in with a 4.39 and Thornton a 4.28. We'll see if any of this year's draft hopefuls show out and run a blazing 40-time.
SN's advice: There aren't many who would enjoy wagering on OVER 4.275 seconds while sweating out each player's 40 times, and we're not one of them. We'll take our chances on either Davis, Scott, Achane, or Gibbs running a sub-4.275, so give us the UNDER!
