One could argue Gareon Conley is a bit of an afterthought among Ohio State defensive backs at the 2017 NFL Combine.
The cornerback did everything in his power to stand out on Monday morning, however.
Conley sped to a 4.45-second unofficial time in his first 40-yard dash attempt at Lucas Oil Stadium. Later, that time dropped to an official 4.44 seconds. The mark is the fifth-fastest so far among defensive backs, who work out all day.
Conley said on Sunday he planned to run in the 4.4 range but "hopefully" creep into 4.3 like his teammate Curtis Samuel, who posted a 4.31 on Saturday. Conley didn't quite get there on his first try but has another go later this morning. Samuel's official time is the second-fastest at the Combine this year, trailing only John Ross from Washington. Ross ran a 4.22-second 40, which is a new record.
“Good player,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said of Conley. “Six-feet, long arms. He played inside and outside for these guys. Finds the ball in the air, good ball skills.”
Mayock said Conley "didn't tackle against Clemson" and struggled getting off stalk blocks in his career but that 40-yard dash time will certainly help the Ohio State defensive back's draft stock.
