Demarcus Van Dyke, who met with Ravens, runs combine's best 40 time

Miami cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke posted the third-fastest time at the NFL scouting combine since 2000.

Van Dyke, who met with the Ravens during the combine, ran the 40-yard dash Tuesday in 4.28 seconds. Over the past 12 combines, only East Carolina running back Chris Johnson (4.24 in 2008) and Houston cornerback Stanford Routt (4.27 in 2005) were faster.

"Everybody here is fast," Van Dyke said during the combine, "but you have to be faster to stand out in the DB group."

At 6 feet, 168 pounds, Van Dyke was rated the 23rd-best cornerback prospect by Pro Football Weekly. He is considered a hard worker with coverage skills. But he is expected to go in the middle rounds because he's an inconsistent tackler and has marginal strength.

Two higher-round cornerback prospects that could draw interest from the Ravens also ran well. Colorado's Jimmy Smith (who is considered a first-round talent) and Virginia's Ras-I Dowling (who is projected to go in the second round) tied for the seventh-fastest times (4.46) for defensive backs.

Van Dyke beat out Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott (4.34 seconds) as the fastest player at this year's combine.

Fastest at combine

1. DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami: 4.28
2t. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU: 4.34
2t. Da'Rel Scott, RB, Maryland: 4.34
4t. Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian: 4.37
4t. Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State:4.37
6. Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn: 4.38
7. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: 4.39



(baltimoresun.com)