The beauty of speed in the NFL is a sight to behold. An athlete with high agility leaves fans entertained with their grace and power.
In the NFL, three positions are required to require great speed skills. They are Wide Receiver, Running Back, and Cornerback. A WR outrunning a CB can result in a great TD, while a fast CB can defend the deep pass calls easily.
A speedy player will get ample opportunities to create a big play and force the defensive side to make tough decisions. For example. do they double-team the fast WR, or risk a big play? These situations will arise in every play call.
The NFL has many running tests during the NFL Combine, the most famous being the 40-yard dash.
Whether we witness the graceful leaps of a defensive back, the fluid strides of an RB, or the explosive cuts of a WR, these fast players symbolize human potential. it reminds people what the human body is capable of.
Here is a list of the top 15 players that have graced the NFL's field with their speedy athleticism.
With the nickname The Cheetah, Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill is the fastest player in the NFL today. Hill holds the record for having the fastest speed in a game, i.e. 23.24 mph in his 2016 rookie year.
In 2023, Hill reached speeds of 21.66 mph (Week 1), 21.52 mph (Week 1), and 22.07 mph (Week 3) for the Miami Dolphins.
His 15-yard catch for 22.07 mph against the Broncos is the 2023 season's second top speed. Per the Next Gen Stats, Hill records 4 of the top 20 fastest speeds in 2023.
Tyreek clocked an impressive 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Moreover, the Dolphins WR is also involved in the Track, holding the record for the 942nd fastest 100-meter dash of all time at 10.19 seconds.
Making records after records, Tyreek solidified his status as the Cheetah when he ran for 22.01 mph during the Week 5 game gainst the New York Giants in 2023.
DK Metcalf's electrifying speed has allowed him to stretch the field vertically, creating deep threats and making big plays and game-changing moments.
He has the fastest recorded speed in the 2023 season's NFL game, i.e. 22.23 mph during the Week 13 match's 73-yard TD against the Cowboys. This speed is second only to Tyreek Hill's all-time record.
A consistent presence in the Next Gen's top speedy athletes, Metcalf has generated top speed throughout his career. In the 2021 match against the Saints, he clocked 21.31 mph to make an 84-yard TD reception.
Metcalf was a track athlete and has participated in 2021 USATF’s Golden Games for the 100m race against Olympic athletes. His 4.33 seconds at the 40-yard dash is also impressive.
Rookie Achane recorded the second-fastest speed in an NFL game in 2023, clocking 21.93 mph in the Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos. This speed is just 0.33 mph slower than Tyreek Hill''s all-time record of 23.24 mph.
The Dolphins RB also displayed a 4.32-second at the 40-yard dash, which tied for the third-fastest among all players at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
Although 2023 is his rookie year, Achane has already shown explosive performance in multiple games. In the Week 5 game against the New York Giants, De'Von clocked 21.76 mph for a 76-yard TD.
Achane also was involved in Track and Field during college. He ran on the Texas A&M;'s All-American 4x100 relay team.
Cleveland Browns Marquise Goodwin registered a 21.68 mph during his Week 9 game against the Arizona Cardinals in 2017. In that play, he made a 55-yard catch.
He also ran 4.27 seconds on the 40-yard dash. These events sealed him as one of the fastest players in the NFL.
Goodwin is known for being a vertical threat with long TD catches, like the 83-yard TD reception in 2017. His powerful acceleration has helped him make quick breakthroughs and contribute to big scoring plays.
Per Nick Wagoner, Goodwin reached 22.56 miles per hour during the 49ers punt play in the 2019 season. He started 10 yards and took off with a bang, leaving the defenders to dust.
Furthermore, Goodwin had also participated on the University of Texas track team.
Another Dolphins RB on this list, Mostert recorded an impressive 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash during his Combine. Mostert has registered multiple top-10 speeds in his career, making him a speed machine.
His best speed in an NFL game occurred in Week 2 of 2023 when he clocked 21.62 seconds. He secured a 43-yard touchdown run during this play against the New England Patriots.
His other top speed was registered during his time at the San Francisco 49ers. Mostert clocked 23.1 mph for an 80-yard TD against the New York Giants in 2020.
Raheem Mostert was a Track and Field athlete at Purdue and won multiple titles like the 100m and 200m ones. He also got inducted as the second-team All-American in the 4x100m relay.
A young Cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, Tariq Woolen is known for his blazing speed and pass-defense threat. Woolen registered a marvelous 4.26-second on the 40-yard dash during Combine. He has made many top-notch interceptions and blocks.
His fastest speed recorded was during the Week 4 match of the 2023 season. Woolen reached 22.25 mph while blocking for teammate Devon Witherspoon's pick-six against the New York Giants. This cemented his status as one of the fastest in the League.
Woolen showcased his explosiveness on a40-yard pick-six against the Detroit Lions in the October game. Tariq clocked at 21.58 mph for the run, outrunning the opposing team and making his first career TD.
At his high school, Tariq was involved in the 100m, 200m and 400m relays.
Per Pro Football Focus, Jalin Hyatt was the one of elite players in NCAA football. He averaged 21.83 mph on his receptions. The former Tennessee Vols WR has continued his speedy momentum in the NFL.
A player with elite acceleration, Hyatt made headlines when he garnered 24 mph during his practice session at the Giants training camp. If it were made in an actual game, Jalin could have broken Tyreek's record.
Hyatt clocked 4.4 seconds at the 40-time during the 2023 NFL Combine. Only 5 other receivers were faster than Jalin's record.
During his collegiate days, the WR has had five receiving TDs of over 50 yards, including a 94-yard one against Alabama in 2022. His prowess in combining speed with his catching and route-running skills marks him as any offense's lethal machine.
Christian Watson, aka The Flash, is the rising star for the Green Bay Packers with his explosive speed and big scoring plays. With his ability to quickly stretch the field, Watson has established himself as a threat to the opposing defense.
Watson recorded 4.36 seconds at the 2022 NFL Combine's 40-yard dash. This elite time tied him for the third-fastest among all the WRs.
His best speed came during the Week 13 game in his rookie 2022 season. He ran for 21.72 mph against the Chicago Bears defense for a 46-yard TD.
The WR also garnered 21.53 mph during the 2023 game against the Detroit Lions, hauling in a 53-yard catch. This was his second-best speed.
With lots of explosive plays, Watson has recorded multiple fast plays,
Alongside DK Metcalf, the Seattle Seahawks have another speedy player on their side, Kenneth Walker III. The Running Back is known for his explosive flashy plays and powerful strides.
The RB showcased his elite athleticism when he clocked 4.38 seconds at the 40-yard dash during the 2022 NFL Combine. This placed him among the top 10 fastest RBs at the Combine.
His fast-paced plays have been witnessed in multiple plays throughout his career. In the Week 7 game of 2022 against the LA Chargers, Walker registered 22.09 mph for a 74-yard TD.
Another flashy play happened when Walker recorded 20.93 miles per hour during his 64-yard TD against the Washington Commanders in Week 10, 2023.
Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is one of the fastest NFL players who clocked 22.13 mph during his 2021 game against the New England Patriots. He hammered a 67-yard TD in that play.
He was the 2021 rushing yards and TD leader, showcasing his skill to outrun defenders and score in big plays.
Another one of Taylor's flashy plays occurred on November 4, 2021, when the RB scored a 78-yard TD run by clocking at 22.05 mph. He exploded past the Jets defense and ran through the end zone.
Jonathan showcased a 4.39-second record during his 40-yard dash, and it was the fastest in the RB category in 2020.
Taylor also participated in the Track and Field before his NFL career. He was present in the 400m relay race for the Wisconsin Badgers at the Penn Relays. He had been a star during his high school.
Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle is known for two things: his incredible speed and Penguin TD dance. Waddle and Hill are collectively referred to as The Blur Brothers by former player Brian Baldinger.
Waddle has displayed great speed in many plays during his NFL career. His top speed featured against the Green Bay Packers on the 2022 season's Christmas Day. He clocked 21.68 mph to create a spectacular 84-yard TD run.
Although Waddle didn't participate in the 2021 Combine, NFL Gameday stated that he had made the 40 time in 4.37 seconds.
Alongside Waddle, the Dolphins have an explosive speedy arsenal on their side like Hill, Mostert, and Achane.
An elite Wide Receiver for the New York Giants, Parris Campbell is one of the fastest players to grace the NFL today. Campbell recorded an impressive 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash during the 2019 Combine.
Having an explosive Burst and great route-running ability, Campbell has made many flashy plays in his NFL career. His top speed was registered in the 2022 season's Week 18 game when he clocked 22.11 miles per hour against the Houston Texans.
In the 2023 fixture against the Seahawks, Next Gen Stats stated that Campbell had reached a speed of 20.54 mph.
His other top runs include the 38-yard during the Week 8 game against the Commanders in 2022, and the 51-yard route against Houston Texans in Week 6, 2021.
Breece Hall displayed a solid 4.39 seconds at the 40-yard dash during the 2022 Combine. Hall's ability to make sharp cuts and change direction easily has benefited him from outrunning the defenders.
The Jets RB has earned the nickname Breece Lightning due to his incredible speed. in the Week 5 game of 2023, Hall ran for a 72-yard TD against the Broncos, while clocking 21.5 miles per hour.
In the 2022 season, Hall carried the ball for an 83-yard TD during the season opener against the Buffalo Bills. He clocked 20.54 mph until CB Christian Benford took him to the sidelines.
Hall also holds the record for having the most scrimmage yards by a Jets rookie (197 yards). It was made against the Dolphins on October 9, 2022.
New York Jets Cornerback Kalon Barnes ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash at 4.23 seconds. His speed was just 0.01 seconds behind John Ross's iconic 4.22 seconds.
A Baylor graduate, Barnes was selected in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers. He was originally a WR but then converted to a CB before 2018.
However, he has not had many game times in his career and currently sits in the New York Jets practice squad.
Barnes was also involved in the Track and Field during his high school years. He was crowned a State Champion sprinter and established a Texas state record in the 100m dash at 10.22 seconds.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB star Travis Etienne Jr is one of the fastest NFL athletes to grace the field today. He is one of the prominent TD makers for the team and is known for his excellent hands and route-running abilities.
Etienne blazed through the 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine by running at 4.45 seconds, displaying his exceptional speed and explosiveness.
On October 20, 2023, Etienne made a quick 17-yard TD run against New Orleans Saints. The RB reached a top speed of 20.27 mph.
In the 2022 season, Etienne created the second-most runs at 20-plus mph and ranked behind Bears QB Justin Fields.
