Who is the fastest player in the NFL? Where Jonathan Taylor, Rashid Shaheed rank on list of top 2025 speeds so far originally appeared on The Sporting News
The NFL is full of fast skill position players, as wide receivers and running backs often love to show off their speed.
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So many players used to be track stars and have been able to transfer those skills over to the football field. With “Next Gen Stats,” the NFL is now able to track how fast each player is on each play, giving fans a glimpse into how fast these players really are.
Here’s a look at the fastest players in the NFL so far this year.
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Fastest NFL speeds 2025 through Week 5
Rank
Player
Team
Speed (MPH)
Play Type
1.
Jonathan Taylor
Colts
22.38
43-yard reception
2.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Lions
22.34
42-yard rush
3.
Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaguars
22.13
46-yard reception
4.
Bijan Robinson
Falcons
21.85
69-yard reception
5.
Rashid Shaheed
Saints
21.72
87-yard touchdown reception
6.
Tutu Atwell
Rams
21.7
88-yard touchdown reception
7.
Nahshon Wright
Bears
21.66
74-yard pick-six
8.
Tyquan Thornton
Chiefs
21.48
28-yard kickoff return
9.
Omarion Hampton
Chargers
21.27
54-yard rushing touchdown
10.
DK Metcalf
Steelers
21.25
31-yard reception
MORE NFL NEWS:
Jonathan Taylor, Week 2
Jonathan Taylor isn’t known for his speed, but he has the fastest play in the NFL so far. The Indianapolis Colts has had a strong start to the season, as the Colts have been a surprise contender, and Taylor has been a huge part of that.
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In fact, Taylor’s play was the fastest in the NFL in five years, only trailing a Raheem Mostert run in 2020.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Week 2
The list includes several star players like Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. and Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson. For Gibbs, the play came in a big win over the Chicago Bears.
Brian Thomas Jr., Week 4
While the Jaguars have started hot, Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t quite been able to get into full rhythm. He did, however, have a huge play against the Houston Texans that made the list.
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Bijan Robinson, Week 4
Robinson has made many splash plays to begin this year, including a 69-yard reception that became his fastest play of the year.
Rashif Shaheed, Week 5 and Tutu Atwell, Week 4
The two longest scoring plays currently belong to New Orleans Saints WR Rashid Shaheed and Los Angeles Rams WR Tutu Atwell, as both players scored long touchdowns with their speed.
Nahshon Wright, Week 1
Bears CB Nahshon Wright is the only defender on this list with his pick-six.
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Fastest 40-yard dash times NFL history
Rank
Player
40 time
Year
Position
1.
Xavier Worthy
4.21
2024
WR
2.
John Ross
4.22
2017
WR
3.
Kalon Barnes
4.23
2022
CB
4.
Chris Johnson
4.24
2008
RB
T-5.
Dri Archer
4.26
2014
RB
T-5.
Tariq Woolen
4.26
2022
DB
T-5.
DJ Turner
4.26
2023
CB
T-8.
Marquise Goodwin
4.27
2013
WR
T-8.
Henry Ruggs III
4.27
2020
WR
T-10.
Five tied
4.28
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The 40-yard is the ultimate test for how fast players are before they arrive the NFL, as it simply requires them to run in a straight line.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy is the owner of the fastest 40-yard dash time in NFL history, as he produced a 4.21 time in 2024 coming out of Texas. Worthy’s injuries this season have slowed his start to the year, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him run one of the fastest plays in the league this year.