Fair or not, the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine has become one of the biggest events of the week. Some argue it shouldn't matter as much, considering it takes much more than speed to be a productive NFL player. Others completely drop players off of their board depending on what they clock in at.
The running backs were the first group of skill position players to take part in the 40-yard dash in this year's Combine, and overall, the results were not impressive.
Here is a look at the top five 40-times from the Combine, and whether or not the Eagles might have interest in any of the fastest running backs in the draft:
1. Justice Hill, Oklahoma State, 4.40 seconds: Hill turning in the quickest time of the weekend will definitely help his stock, considering he was a physical runner in college that was also extremely elusive. Add in elite speed, and Hill instantly becomes one of the most intriguing players in the draft. What will be especially intriguing about Hill to the Eagles is that he comes to the NFL as an established pass blocker, meaning he will be able to get out onto the field right away.
2. Ryquell Armstead, Temple, 4.45 seconds: Armstead turning in such a quick 40-time will absolutely help his stock. Armstead showed great vision and patience during his time at Temple, and when you add the speed many felt he lacked, he becomes much more of a complete package out of the backfield. Pass blocking is an issue for Armstead, but if the Eagles feel he can be coached up, they could target him in the mid-rounds.
t3. Jordan Scarlett, Florida, 4.47 seconds: Scarlett was big-play threat at Miami, averaging just under six-yards per carry, and the top speed he showed at the Combine will only further convince teams he can remain productive at the next level. One issue for Scarlett, however, is his hands. Scarlett had some bad drops in college, something that is going to make the Eagles extremely reluctant to draft him.
t3. Mike Weber, Ohio State, 4.47 seconds: Weber turning in such an impressive number at his size -- 5-foot-10, 211 pounds -- is going to help his stock tremendously. Weber is a north/south runner who is also a threat out of the back field. If teams feel he also has the speed to breakaway in the open field, he could go much higher than expected. He should definitely been viewed as a player the Eagles might have interest in.
5. Travis Homer, Miami, 4.48 seconds: Homer should be an instant contributor on any team, as he was a proven three-down back at Miami. Although his receiving stats don't jump off the page, Homer is a strong route runner and has solid hands. He does, however, deal with the occasional drop. Is very elusive in the open field, and can cut-on-a-dime with the best of them in this draft class. The major issue with Homer, however, is his ability to block. He will need major work in that area.
