Check out the interesting article written by Joe Fortenbaugh of the National Football Post on the players who have ran a sub-4.3 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine since 1999. He delves into who they were, what teams drafted them and where they are now. The most fascinating fact is that of the nine players that have ran like the wind in breaking that super-fast threshold, four of them were drafted by the speed-addicted Oakland Raiders. Of course, the Silver-and Black most recently took both Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey (2009) and Clemson's Jacoby Ford (2010) in the NFL Draft, who both crossed the finish line under 4.3 seconds.
Look for a Baltimore Raven on this list as well. The year 1999 was selected as the beginning date, as it was the first time electronic timing was utilized. Surprising to see was in that draft, the Denver Broncos' Champ Bailey ran a 4.28 forty, was drafted by the Washington Redskins (1st round #7 overall), traded to the Denver Broncos for Clinton Portis and is now a free agent who still is considered one of the better corners in the league.
Check out all the stories over at the National Football Post, as they look at the game of football from every point of view, with writers from backgrounds that includes players, coaches, and agents.