When it comes to evaluating top defensive talents in the NFL Draft, the 40-yard dash time is often a big deal, especially for a player like Chris Jones. His 40-yard dash performance at the NFL Combine or pro day gives scouts and teams a clear idea of his raw speed and how he fits into modern defensive schemes. Whether you’re a football fan, a fantasy player, or just curious about how athletic metrics shape draft decisions, Jones’ 40 time is a topic worth diving into.

If you’re wondering how fast Chris Jones ran the 40-yard dash, you’re not alone. His time has been a talking point among analysts and draft enthusiasts. While some were expecting a blazing-fast time, others were more focused on how his speed translates to the field. The 40-yard dash is just one part of the puzzle, but it can be a telling one, especially when comparing him to other elite defensive linemen.

So, what exactly makes Chris Jones’ 40-yard dash so intriguing? Why does a defensive tackle’s sprint time matter so much? Let’s break it down and find out how his combine performance impacts his draft stock and future on the field.

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Table of Contents

• Who Is Chris Jones?
• Chris Jones’ 40-Yard Dash Time
• How His 40 Time Affects His NFL Draft Stock
• Scouting Report: More Than Just Speed
• Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Chris Jones?

Chris Jones is a standout defensive tackle known for his combination of size, strength, and agility. Standing at over 6 feet tall and tipping the scales at around 310 pounds, he’s got the build of a classic defensive lineman. But what sets him apart is his ability to move like a much lighter player — which is where the 40-yard dash comes in.

Before the Combine, Jones had already built a strong college résumé. He played at Mississippi State and quickly became one of the most feared defenders in the SEC. His stats were impressive: multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and a knack for disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Off the field, Jones is known for his work ethic and leadership. He’s the kind of player who shows up early and stays late, always looking to improve. That kind of dedication is what makes his combine performance so important — it’s a snapshot of how his physical tools stack up against the best in the country.

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Chris Jones: Player Profile

Chris Jones’ 40-Yard Dash Time

So, how fast did Chris Jones run the 40-yard dash? At the NFL Combine, he clocked in at 4.98 seconds. For a defensive tackle, that’s pretty fast. Most players in that weight class are lucky to break 5.1 seconds, so Jones’ time definitely turned some heads.

When you break down that 4.98, it’s not just about raw speed — it’s about how that speed translates to the field. A lot of defensive tackles use their strength to bull rush or hold the point of attack, but Jones can also chase plays down from the backside. That’s partly thanks to his foot speed and acceleration, which the 40-yard dash helps measure.

Of course, 4.98 isn’t going to win any races at the Combine, but for a player his size, it’s impressive. It shows that he’s got the tools to be more than just a space-eater on the defensive line — he can move, and that versatility is huge in today’s NFL where hybrid defenders are in high demand.

How His 40 Time Affects His NFL Draft Stock

When teams are scouting prospects, they look at a bunch of different factors: college performance, Combine results, interviews, medical reports, and more. But the 40-yard dash time is one of the first things they see, and it can influence how they project a player’s fit in their system.

For Chris Jones, his 4.98 40 time helped solidify his status as a top-tier defensive tackle. It wasn’t just about the number — it was about what that number means for how he plays. Teams saw a guy who can hold up against double teams, collapse the pocket, and even drop into coverage a little bit. That’s rare in a player his size.

Some analysts argue that the 40-yard dash is overrated, especially for linemen. But in Jones’ case, it actually gave teams more confidence in his overall athleticism. It showed that he’s not just a power player — he’s got the speed to match up with mobile quarterbacks and tight ends, which makes him more valuable in today’s NFL.

Scouting Report: More Than Just Speed

Of course, the 40-yard dash is just one piece of the puzzle. Scouts also look at things like the vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, cone drills, and shuttle runs. These all help paint a more complete picture of a player’s athleticism and football IQ.

For Chris Jones, his combine performance was well-rounded. He showed good explosiveness off the line, solid strength in the bench press, and solid agility in the cone drills. That kind of all-around athleticism makes him a more attractive prospect, especially for teams that like to rotate their defensive linemen or use them in multiple schemes.

Here’s a quick look at some of his other combine stats:

• Bench Press: 31 reps
• Vertical Jump: 31 inches
• Broad Jump: 9'8"
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.45 seconds

These numbers, combined with his 40-yard dash time, give scouts a better idea of how he’ll hold up in the NFL. It also helps teams figure out how to use him — whether as a classic three-technique tackle or as a more versatile interior rusher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Chris Jones’ 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine?

Chris Jones ran the 40-yard dash in 4.98 seconds at the 2025 NFL Combine. That time is considered very good for a defensive tackle and helped boost his draft stock by showing off his athleticism.

Why is the 40-yard dash important for defensive linemen?

While not the most important metric, the 40-yard dash time helps scouts evaluate a player's raw speed and acceleration. For defensive linemen like Chris Jones, a faster time can indicate better versatility and ability to chase plays from the backside.

How does Chris Jones’ 40-yard dash time compare to other top defensive tackles?

Chris Jones’ 4.98-second time puts him near the top of the class for defensive tackles. Most players in his weight range run between 5.0 and 5.2 seconds, so his time definitely stands out and makes him more appealing to NFL teams.

If you're interested in learning more about how athletic metrics influence draft decisions, check out our full breakdown of the NFL Combine workout trends for 2025.