/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66416178/usa_today_14094826.0.jpg)
TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor turned heads during the early portion of his NFL Draft Combine workout over the weekend, recording a 42-inch vertical jump and adding an 11-foot-6-inch broad jump that even had other prospects in awe.
This is what an 11'6" broad jump looks like... ✌️
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) February 28, 2020
Second-highest mark of all receivers. SLIDE @jalenreagor!! #ProFrogs pic.twitter.com/sY07O1D3Ra
That excitement soon turned into disappointment, however, when Reagor toed the line to run the 40-yard dash. Many fans and scouts expected Reagor to land in the 4.3-second range, but were left confused when he recorded unofficial times of 4.47 and 4.50 seconds.
TCU WR Jalen Reagor runs a 4.47 in his first attempt.
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 28, 2020
pic.twitter.com/olSMy6y6gI
Most of us at home would dream to run a 40-yard dash this quickly, but for a wide receiver aiming to become a first-round draft pick? Any marginal deficiencies will be highlighted during the combine and Pro Day process. But are Reagor’s times really a big deal?
It doesn’t seem that many scouts are overly concerned, and for a few reasons. Most importantly, TCU has its Pro Day later this month, which will give the Horned Frog standout another chance to clock in with a faster time. Secondly, scouts are quick to point to the tape when examining Reagor’s speed on the field.
TCU WR Jalen Reagor disappointed in the agility drills at the #Combine, but I'm not too concerned
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 28, 2020
What the three cone tries to measure
Where we can find similar skills on Reagor's film
How it helps him win on the field
Reagor's *EXPLOSIVENESS* is still ELITE!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/b9EIJtTCqc
It’s also a little unfair to let these times overshadow how well Reagor tested physically during the weekend’s combine drills. Not only did the 5-foot-11, 206-pounder tie for second in the broad jump with Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, but he took second individually among wide receivers in the vertical jump and tied for seventh with 17 reps on the bench press.
Reagor’s agility and speed drills may have been underwhelming, but let’s stop and compare his performances to some recent athletes who went through the combine process. When we take a closer look, Reagor’s times reflect those of some of the elite athletes in the NFL, even one who took last year’s combine by storm with his freakish physique.
Are we going to get endless articles about Reagor’s 3-cone like we did Metcalf’s last year??
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) February 28, 2020
D.K. Metcalf 3-cone: 7.38
Jalen Reagor 3-cone: 7.31
Your 40 time doesn't define your ability to get open or your potential in NFL
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 31, 2020
Antonio Brown 4.56
Davante Adams 4.56
Michael Thomas 4.57
Allen Robinson 4.60
Keenan Allen 4.71
Will opinion change on guys like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Van Jefferson if you don't see a 4.4?
Ultimately, the consensus seems to be that Reagor tested as well as expected in the physical drills, but fell a little short in the speed and agility drills. Overall, however, Reagor’s combine performance still keeps him among the top 10 wide receivers to come off the board during the draft, and Reagor himself doesn’t seem very bothered about his 40 times.
Don’t let up bro ✌ https://t.co/VRsoHpYCXa
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) February 28, 2020
Interestingly enough, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill replied to the above tweet, which may not be surprising given that Reagor compared himself to two NFL receivers during his combine interview, with one being Hill. Both are physically gifted, and both are dynamic athletes who can not only shine on offense, but special teams as well.
While it’ll be extremely tough to catch the cheetah, a faster 40 time from Reagor at the TCU Pro Day could make the comparison even more valid.
Wide receiver Jalen Reagor (@TCUFootball) has met with #49ers at #NFLCombine, says he has Deebo Samuel’s versatility and Tyreek Hill’s speed (aiming for 4.2 in 40). “I’m a big play waiting to happen.” pic.twitter.com/ThVef8TEXy
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) February 25, 2020