Pure speed isn't the only indication of a wide receiver's value in the 2014 NFL Draft. But it sure makes a case for talented players — and lack of speed can send stock plummeting.
So it's worth noting the fast 40s in Sunday's Combine testing.
Oregon State's Brandin Cooks and Pittsburgh State's John Brown smoked the track at 4.3 seconds. A tick behind: LSU's Odell Beckham and South Carolina's Bruce Ellington at 4.31.
That's well and good, but who should benefit from their 40 times? NFL.com noted three examples: Clemson's Martavis Bryant at 4.34; Texas A&M's Mike Evans at 4.47; and Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis, also at 4.47.
Here's why: Bryant and Evans are prototypical big receivers, while Abbrederis excels in his route skills.
Sammy Watkins, the other half of Clemson's lightning receiver duo, also performed as expected.
Believe your own eyes by checking out these videos:
Watkins | Southern Cal's Marquis Lee | Saginaw Valley State's Jeff Janis | Beckham | Ellington | Cooks | Bryant | Brown | Evans | More video
Janis could be a player to watch ahead of the May 8 NFL Draft. Out of the spotlight at a Division II school, he is 6-3, 219 with 40 times in the 4.3s.