2024 NFL Combine observations from day one: NC State's Payton Wilson runs fastest 40-yard dash among linebackers
Posted March 1, 2024 10:03 a.m. EST
Updated March 4, 2024 5:18 p.m. EST
Indianapolis — Incoming rookie defensive lineman and linebackers worked out Thursday, the first day of the 2024 NFL Combine.
Players are showcasing their best abilities in hopes of hearing their names called by one of 32 teams during the NFL Draft from April 25-27.
Here are some observations from day one at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis:
Payton Wilson runs fast 40-yard dash
NC State linebacker Payton Wilson has helped his draft stock in Indianapolis. He was a big point of discussion Thursday after running the 40-yard dash with an official time of 4.43 seconds (the unofficial time was initially 4.44 seconds).
Wilson’s time was the fastest among all linebackers on Thursday. He chose to run a second 40-yard dash, running a 4.49.
Wilson’s speed isn’t too surprising for Wolfpack fans. NC State head coach Dave Doeren said in September 2023 after the 45-24 loss to Notre Dame that Wilson ran faster than any player in program history, clocking in at 23.4 mph to run down a ball carrier.
On Thursday, Wilson also posted a 34.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-feet, 11-inch broad jump.
Wilson, who will turn 24 in April, is listed at 6’4”, 233 pounds.
How DeWayne Carter, Cedric Gray and Myles Murphy performed at the 2024 NFL Combine
Duke defensive lineman DeWayne Carter ran the very first 40-yard dash of the 2024 NFL Combine, posting an official time of 4.99 seconds. He’s listed 6’2”, 302 pounds.
Carter posted a 32-inch vertical; 9-foot, 1-inch broad jump; 7.95 seconds in the three-cone drill and ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.75 seconds.
North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray ran the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds. He posted a 35.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump. He’s listed at 6’1.5”, 234 pounds.
North Carolina defensive lineman Myles Murphy ran the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds. He had a 28.5-inch vertical and an 8-foot, 10-inch broad jump. He’s listed at 6’4”, 309 pounds.
Florida State’s Braden Fiske showcases athleticism
Braden Fiske is listed at nearly 6 foot, 6 inches and 292 pounds. He had the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive lineman an 4.78 seconds. He seemed to be happy with his 40 time, considering was heard saying, “Oh, yeah!” upon completing his run.
Among defensive lineman, Fiskealso had the highest vertical leap (33.5 inches) and the longest broad jump (9 feet, 9 inches). His 4.37-second short shuttle was among the top performers Thursday too.
Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat is huge
Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat wouldn’t weigh in during February’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Sweat was measured at 6’4.5”, 366 pounds.
On Thursday, Sweat ran the 40-yard dash in 5.27 seconds. He posted a 26-inch vertical and an 8-foot, 2-inch broad jump.
Speaking of huge, so is Lucas Oil Stadium
I’d seen it on television before, but Thursday marked my first time seeing Lucas Oil Stadium in person.
It is massive, listed at 1.8 million square feet.
The stadium looks like it’s in good shape after opening on Aug. 16, 2008.
St. Elmo’s cocktail sauce is delicious and HOT
Several people recommended trying the shrimp cocktail at the St. Elmo Steak House at Circle Centre Mall.
Thankfully, they were kind enough to warn me about the heat of the cocktail sauce. It is a refreshing tomato paste with hints of lemon. Despite the intense heat initially, it dissipates almost immediately. The sauce shocked my senses, yet it was still a delight to eat.
Anyone with congestion or a sinus infection should seriously consider ingesting some of the St. Elmo cocktail sauce, which you can buy online.
An employee from one NFL team said he once saw the Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga dine together at St. Elmo.
The restaurant is iconic, opening in 1902.
Ahead Friday
Defensive backs and tight ends are scheduled to work out Friday at the combine. Coverage starts on the NFL Network at 3 p.m.
