2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Top 10 fastest 40-yard dash times for safeties

One of the big risers on the NFL Draft board, Nick Emmanwori further increased his draft stock during the 40-yard dash. He came in at 4.38 seconds after his second attempt, adding to a huge day in Indianapolis.

Emmanwori played a crucial role on the South Carolina defensive line the last three seasons, but saved his best year for last. In 2024, he totaled 88 tackles, three tackles for loss and added four interceptions, including two pick-sixes.

3. Kitan Crawford, Nevada – 4.41 seconds

After starting his career at Texas, Kitan Crawford played his final year of college football at Nevada. He had a huge season, and he showcased his speed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Crawford broke out for Nevada in 2024, totaling 76 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions. That came after four years at Texas when he had 61 tackles and one pick.

4. Billy Bowman, Oklahoma – 4.42 seconds

One of the pillars of Brent Venables’ defense at Oklahoma, Billy Bowman impressed during the 40-yard dash. He clocked in at 4.42 seconds, which puts him middle-of-the-pack among safeties.

Bowman could’ve declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but opted to run it back at OU for one final go-round. He totaled 54 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions – one year after recording six interceptions, including three picks.

T5. Andrew Mukuba, Texas – 4.45 seconds

Following three years at Clemson, Andrew Mukuba headed to Texas and broke out in a big way. His athleticism was also on full display with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.

Mukuba turned in a career year as he became a focal point of the Longhorns’ defense. He had a team-high six interceptions while totaling a career-high 69 tackles and four tackles for loss.

T5. Craig Woodson, Cal – 4.45 seconds

One of a slew of Cal Golden Bears at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Craig Woodson had a solid showing in the 40-yard dash. He clocked in at 4.45 seconds to sit tied for fifth among safeties.

Woodson played five seasons at Cal, but made his mark the last three years. During that time, he totaled 226 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five interceptions as a key piece of the defense.

7. Jonas Sanker, Virginia – 4.48 seconds

Jonas Sanker is coming off two dominant years at Virginia before declaring for the NFL Draft. He was strong during the 40-yard dash, as well, with a time of 4.48 seconds.

Sanker led the ACC in solo tackles each of the last two seasons while at UVA. Over that time, he had 138 solo stops while totaling 205 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

T8. R.J. Mickens, Clemson – 4.49 seconds

A fifth season at Clemson was a productive one for R.J. Mickens. He put up the best numbers of his career and had a strong 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at 4.49 seconds.

Mickens was impressive during the 2024 season while helping Clemson to the College Football Playoff. He totaled 75 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks.

T8. Jaylen Reed, Penn State – 4.49 seconds

As Penn State rode a strong defense to the College Football Playoff semifinals, Jaylen Reed was a big reason why. He also came in the Top 10 among safeties in the 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.49 seconds.

Reed flourished under Tom Allen’s watch, putting up career numbers in 2024. He totaled 98 tackles seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks to lead the charge.

T10. Malaki Starks, Georgia – 4.50 seconds

One of the key contributors to Georgia’s vaunted defense, Malaki Starks is looking to become the latest former Bulldog to succeed in the NFL. He had a solid showing in the 40-yard dash, as well, with a time of 4.50 seconds.

Starks put up the best numbers of his career in 2024 while helping Georgia to an SEC title. He had 77 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and an interception to cement himself as a strong prospect in the draft.

T10. Alijah Clark, Syracuse – 4.50 seconds

Staying at Syracuse under new head coach Fran Brown proved to be worthwhile for Alijah Clark. He also rounded out the Top 10 fastest safeties at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at 4.50 seconds.

Clark totaled 61 tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception in his final season at Syracuse. That came after he recorded a career-best 66 tackles in 2023, and will now wait to see how his Combine performance impacts his draft stock.

Rest of 40-yard dash times for safeties

Maxen Hook, Toledo – 4.55 seconds
Rayuan Lane III, Navy – 4.57 seconds
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin – 4.57 seconds
Sebastian Castro, Iowa – 4.59 seconds

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine runs through the weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. From there, the sprint is on to Green Bay for the NFL Draft April 24-26.