How Fast Should a Tight End Run the 40? Unlock the Secret!

The Importance of the 40-Yard Dash for Tight Ends

So, you've heard it time and time again: "How fast should a tight end run the 40?" And yeah, it's a fair question. The 40-yard dash has become the gold standard for measuring a player's speed, especially at the NFL combine. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about raw speed. Tight ends have a unique role that mixes both blocking and receiving. So, the answer isn’t as simple as saying, “Oh, they need to run it in 4.5 seconds.” Let's dive deeper into why that is.

Honestly, if you’ve watched any NFL games, you’ll know that a tight end needs a mix of speed, strength, and agility. Some people get hung up on just one aspect, like speed, but a tight end is doing more than sprinting downfield. They’re blocking defensive linemen, catching passes, and sometimes running like a receiver. All of that requires different skill sets.

Ideal 40-Yard Dash Time for Tight Ends

Okay, let’s cut to the chase. What’s the magic number? In general, a tight end running a 40-yard dash in under 4.7 seconds is considered fast. To give you an idea, the top tight ends in the NFL are typically running anywhere from 4.5 to 4.7. But don't think that if you clock in at 4.8 or even 4.9, you're automatically out of the conversation.

I remember chatting with a friend, Mike, who's a former college coach. He said, "It's not just about the 40. Sure, you want someone who can run fast, but you also need that guy who can explode off the line, shed blockers, and still be effective in short-yardage situations." So, yeah, running a 40 in 4.6 seconds is impressive, but if you can’t block or catch well, it won’t matter much.

What Do Scouts Really Look for?

Scouts don’t just care about speed—they look at how a tight end uses that speed in real game situations. If a player runs a 4.7, that’s great, but if he struggles to change directions, it could be a problem. Agility drills like the 3-cone drill often matter more than straight-line speed.

Also, don't forget about how well the player maintains his speed when transitioning between different tasks. A tight end isn't running a straight line all the time—they need to explode off the ball, cut sharply, and catch passes in stride. Scouts love to see that balance.

How Does Your Size Impact Your 40 Time?

Here’s the thing—tight ends are big. They can range from 6'4" to 6'7" and weigh anywhere from 240 to 270 pounds. So, naturally, they’re not going to be as fast as a wide receiver. But what makes them effective is that they use their size and strength to their advantage. Sometimes, a larger, slower tight end can be just as dangerous as one who runs a 4.5 because they’re a mismatch in the open field.

I know, I know—it feels like we're contradicting ourselves here. But here’s a personal experience: I remember watching a college game where a tight end, who ran a 4.8 in his 40, completely bulldozed over defenders in a short-yardage situation. His speed wasn’t exceptional, but his strength and ability to create separation with his body were off the charts. So, size does matter, but it doesn’t always mean slow.

What Should You Focus On if You’re a Tight End Trying to Improve Your 40 Time?

Honestly, if you’re a tight end and you're looking to improve your 40-yard dash, it's all about refining that balance. You need to work on both your explosiveness and your agility. One of the best ways to do that is with short sprints and agility drills that focus on quick bursts. Think of it this way: you’re not training to run a marathon, you’re training to make a quick, explosive play—so your 40-yard dash should reflect that.

One thing that helped me in the past—when I was trying to improve my own times—was focusing on my starts. Getting off the line as fast as possible is half the battle. So, practicing those first five yards with proper technique, making sure you’re not slow to explode, can shave valuable milliseconds off your time. And, if you're strong enough to push defenders around, even a slightly slower 40 time won't hold you back.

Conclusion: Is Speed Everything for Tight Ends?

Look, at the end of the day, the 40-yard dash is a valuable tool, but it’s not the be-all and end-all for tight ends. Speed is important, but so is strength, agility, and football IQ. So, if you’re training for the 40, don’t get fixated on one number. Strive for balance in your skills. And hey, if you run a 4.5 or a 4.8, just make sure you’re using that time to showcase your other skills, like blocking and catching.

Honestly, some of the best tight ends aren’t the fastest—they’re the most well-rounded. So, work on your speed, sure, but don’t forget about everything else that makes a tight end great.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.