Wide receiver Shedrick Jackson ran a blistering 4.25 second 40-yard dash at Auburn's pro day on Tuesday which, if official, would put him just a whisker outside of what many deem to be a near unbreakable NFL Draft Combine record.
Most attention leading up to the NFL Draft is devoted to the official Combine but many executives and scouts get a closer look at prospects at their individual pro days. And Jackson managed to steal the headlines for his blinding pace, while also excelling with his 38.5-inch vertical jump and 11-foot two-inches broad leap.
The Auburn senior logged a time which would have seen him rank fourth all-time behind Rondel Melendez and Chris Johnson, who both recorded times of 4.24 seconds in 1999 and 2008 respectively. Kalon Barnes ran the 40-yard dash in a time of 4.23 seconds in 2022, but the mark of 4.22 seconds set by John Ross in 2017 remains unassailable.
Though speaking after the event, Jackson believed he could have run even faster saying: “I think I was decent today. I’ve got more to show. I’m not done yet. I’m not on a team and I’m not satisfied with that."
Despite missing out on the historic crown, Jackson’s time did eclipsed the official 2023 NFL Draft Combine 40-yard dash mark set by Michigan cornerback DJ Turner II, who clocked in at 4.26 seconds earlier this month.
Auburn’s pro day also showcased the talents of former New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The 33-year-old, hoping to find a spot on a roster for the 2023 season, threw in front of representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Jackson, who was one of three players to catch passes from the 2015 MVP, was impressed by the ex-Auburn man’s touch.
"That was actually fun," he added. "That was probably my most favourite part, just learning his lingo, seeing his cadence. He’s got good touch on the ball." The other two receivers were Newton’s younger brother, Caylin, and tight end John Samuel Shenker.
Jackson has caught 66 passes for 874 yards and has a touchdown in his five seasons with the Auburn Tigers. His eye-catching display could see the former four-star prospect muscle his way into the conversations of NFL executives come April.
The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft takes place on Thursday April 27 ahead of rounds two and three on Friday April 28. The final round will commence on Saturday April 29 with the event hosted at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.
