Rice CB Phillip Gaines Records Fastest Unofficial Time in 40-Yard Dash for Defensive Backs

There is a lot more that a defensive back needs than speed in order to be successful in the NFL, but it sure doesn't hurt to be the fastest guy in the room. On the last day of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis it appears that honor is going to go to Rice defensive back Phillip Gaines.

His unofficial time of 4.34 edged out Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert by .01 seconds.

From Bleacher Report

While their 40-yard dash times may only be a hundredth of a second apart the future of the two could not be more different. Gilbert is considered the second best DB in the draft and a first round talent. Gaines on the other hand has been rated a seventh round pick.

Does that mean Gaines is not that good? Absolutely not! If you've watched him play you know he has some serious game. It's just been for a school that is not known for its prowess on the gridiron.

The Owls have been to back to back bowl games the last two seasons, but otherwise has only been to four this millennium (with a gap of more than four decades in between bowl appearance at one stretch from 1961-2006)

So Gaines can play; most of us just haven't had the chance to see him. Whoever takes him late in the draft will sure be glad they did.

Update--Justin Gilbert has the fastest official time with a 4.37.

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