Armstead, Johnson break Combine 40 record
INDIANAPOLIS -- Arkansas Pine-Bluff offensive tackle Terron Armstead was one of the first prospects to run his 40-yard dash at the 2013 scouting combine. And it was one we won't soon forget.
Armstead ran an unofficial 4.65 in his first attempt at the 40-yard dash, which would be a new combine record for the drill. Former Maryland offensive lineman Bruce Campbell currently holds the mark with a 4.75 40-yard dash in 2010. A scout at Lucas Oil Stadium told NFLDraftScout.com he clocked Armstead at 4.70 seconds on both of his 40 runs.
When NFL.com's "official" result was posted, Armstead was credited with a 4.71, which would still break Campbell's record should it hold up in the official reports provided to teams after the combine. Oklahoma's Lane Johnson was just a tenth of a second behind at 4.72.
The most important aspect of the 40-yard dash for offensive linemen is the first 10 yards (10-yard split) because it shows explosion and get-off quickness. Armstead's unofficial 1.64 10-yard split was the best among the first group of offensive linemen.
"I've been blessed with a unique skill-set," said Armstead, who commented during his media session this week that his goal was to run a sub-4.7 40-yard dash. "I'm extremely light on my feet for a big guy, I have to say. It's a blessing. It was nothing that was coached."
Armstead, who is currently rated as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 10 offensive tackle, is a fluid athlete for the position and looks natural in motion. He needs to be more aggressive with his hands and develop better strength for the position, but his mobility and natural foot quickness will make him a hot commodity on draft day. Armstead could move into the second-round conversation, but he's rated as a solid third-round pick and his athletic testing results were expected to be at or near the top of the OL group.
"I just want to show them my athleticism, speed, quickness, be smooth, be fluid," Armstead added. "I have some pretty good technique, but I know I need some work on every aspect of my game."
Coming from the FCS, Armstead will have to answer questions about the level of competition, but wowing in the agility drills is a great start to his professional football career.
Dane Brugler is an Analyst for www.NFLDraftScout.com, published by The Sports Xchange.
