Who is the fastest player in the NFL? Where Jonathan Taylor, Rashid Shaheed rank on list of top 2025 speeds so far

Daniel Chavkin

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Who is the fastest player in the NFL? Where Jonathan Taylor, Rashid Shaheed rank on list of top 2025 speeds so far image

The NFL is full of fast skill position players, as wide receivers and running backs often love to show off their speed.

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

RankPlayerTeamSpeed (MPH)Play Type
1.Jonathan TaylorColts22.3843-yard reception
2.Jahmyr GibbsLions22.3442-yard rush
3.Brian Thomas Jr.Jaguars22.1346-yard reception
4.Bijan RobinsonFalcons21.8569-yard reception
5.Rashid ShaheedSaints21.7287-yard touchdown reception
6.Tutu AtwellRams21.788-yard touchdown reception
7.Nahshon WrightBears21.6674-yard pick-six
8.Tyquan ThorntonChiefs21.4828-yard kickoff return
9.Omarion HamptonChargers21.2754-yard rushing touchdown
10.DK MetcalfSteelers21.2531-yard reception

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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.

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.

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.

Fastest 40-yard dash times NFL history

RankPlayer40 timeYearPosition
1.Xavier Worthy4.212024WR
2.John Ross4.222017WR
3.Kalon Barnes4.232022CB
4.Chris Johnson4.242008RB
T-5.Dri Archer4.262014RB
T-5.Tariq Woolen4.262022DB
T-5.DJ Turner4.262023CB
T-8.Marquise Goodwin4.272013WR
T-8.Henry Ruggs III4.272020WR
T-10.Five tied4.28——

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.

Daniel Chavkin

Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.