While we’re accustomed to seeing running backs and wide receivers fly down the field running the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, it’s always a shock when a big dude does it.
It’s also a way said big dudes can make millions of dollars — something 6-foot-1, 294-pound Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant likely did on Thursday as he turned in a pair of eye-popping times in the 40-yard dash, with 4.76 seconds on his 1st attempt and 4.77 seconds on his 2nd attempt.
“I think we were expecting something pretty good, but we weren’t expecting something in the 4.7 range,” NFL Network’s Rich Eisen said.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson had the fastest time for a defensive tackle at the 2025 NFL scouting combine at 4.83 seconds. Robinson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 4th round (No. 111 overall).
Praise Pours in for Durant Following 40 Time
Praise for Durant poured in following his time, including many pointing out he ran a faster times than Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott did at the combine in their respective years.
Durant continued to excel in on-field drills at the combine following his 40-yard dash.
“This is Penn State DL Zane Durant running a 4.76u in his first 40 attempt,” NFL Insider Josina Anderson wrote on her official X account. “From the start, Durant does an excellent job staying low and controlling his size off the line. That suggests really good core strength and balance for his weight at 6’1, 290.”
“Zane Durant is having a day at the combine,” X user Andrew wrote on Thursday. “Speed on speed and agility galore. What pass rush dreams are made of. Woo!”
“Zane Durant is absolutely killing it at the Combine,” X user Wyatt Parenteau wrote.
“Zane Durant is my number 1,” Philly Basement wrote on its official X account. ” … 4.75 40, looked incredible in the field drills. This guys is insanely talented would love to see him in Philly.”
Durant Filled Up Stat Sheet at Penn State
Durant had a breakout season with 42 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 11 TFL in 2024 as he helped lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff. He returned for a final season in 2025 and saw his numbers take a slight dip with 25 tackles, 4.0 sacks and 4.5 TFL.
“Twitchy 3-technique with rare short-area quickness,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “Durant’s disruptive potential is maximized in slanting/twisting schemes, where he can use his lateral quickness to beat zone blocks, slip into gaps and track down screens. His small frame and short arms make him a sitting duck as a static defender, though. His rush moves need to be sharpened and refined to give him the best chance of becoming a rotational, sub-package 3-technique in a gaming front.”
One of the concerns about Durant is that he might be a little undersized for his position, although the 2-time All-Big Ten pick’s speed and strength could offset much of that
“Zane Durant is a feisty and strong run defender, who can either get penetration or stand up offensive linemen to take away gaps,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder wrote. ” … However, the 6’1″, 287-pound defensive tackle is undersized and struggles to win as a pass-rusher, which lessens his draft value. Some NFL organizations will be hesitant to take a smaller, two-down interior defender.”
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