Taylor Mays The Talk Of Tuesday's NFL Combine

NFL News - March 2nd, 2010 - Written by John Ritter

Taylor Mays isn't regarded as the best safety in the 2010 NFL Draft pool, but after a terrific start to his NFL Combine, his stock seems to be soaring among scouts.

Per ProFootballTalk, Mays ran an unofficial 40-yard dash time of 4.24 seconds, which puts him in a tie with Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson. The official time hasn't been concluded, and will likely be a few digits slower, but it is still lightning speed for anyone on the defensive side of the ball.

Mays' time beat out Tennessee safety Eric Berry - who is considered the best secondary prospect in the draft - by 0.22 seconds, and Joe Haden - considered second-best - by 0.35. Both are potential top-5 picks.

For the moment, it gives instant credibility to one of the most intriguing candidates in the draft. While no one questions his size and strength, game instincts have been the biggest knock to-date. In his three-year career, Mays only recorded two interceptions, leaving some to wonder how he will stack up against ball hawks like Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins.

No one would stick a rookie with those kinds of expectations, but any defensive back selected in the top-10 (which a 4.24 might merit) would certainly be expected to round into elite status.

"I know he's a specimen," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said, via PFT. "I know he's an unbelievable athlete. I know he's a freak. I get all that. What you've got to see on tape is him making a play.

"You've got two picks in three years," he continued. "You've got to get around the football more often."

NFL Odds are not yet out on this subject, however most online sportsbooks are already allowing other bets on the 2010 NFL draft.

UPDATE: As was assumed, Mays' official time jumped to 4.43 about an hour after his unofficial time was posted on NFL Network. It's still a relatively good time, but Mays won't be the fastest player at his position, so his draft status remains up in the air.