Seahawks’ DK Metcalf claims to be the fastest player in the NFL

DK Metcalf firmly believes he’s the fastest player in football right now, pointing to his 22.64 MPH run to overtake Budda Baker’s 90-yard interception return in a 2020 Seattle Seahawks-Arizona Cardinals matchup.

Speaking to ‘The Herd’ host Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports this week, the 25-year-old wide receiver was asked if he had raced with the Miami Dolphins outside Tyrek Hill before being asked if he is the player with the fastest speed in the competition.

Without hesitation, Metcalf replied with a broad smile, “Yes, I am. On the record, that’s me.’

Two years ago, in a thrilling 37-34 overtime loss to Arizona, the onetime Pro Bowler (2020) showed his blazing speed when he knocked down Baker at Seattle’s eight-yard line midway through the second quarter after the Cardinals’ safety. intercepted a touchdown pass from ex-Seahawks QB Russell Wilson at his team’s three-yard line.

The memorable play is arguably Metcalf’s best defensive highlight of his NFL career to date, as he kept his team from conceding a surefire Pick Six.

“I saw a choice and no one else is going to take it, so why not me?” Metcalf said while reflecting on his pursuit of Baker. “I saw that I was starting to get close to him, so I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m going to catch you.'”

The only higher max speed by a player making a tackle that season was by his defensive teammate Shaquill Griffin, who hit 22.75 MPH in Week 3.

At six feet tall and weighing 235 pounds, Metcalf’s size and speed is a cornering nightmare to defend. He clocked in a 4.33-second, 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine, though teammate and cornerback Tariq Woolen completed the same drill in 4.26 seconds at the previous year’s edition of the Combine.

Asked if he notices the way he is defended because of his athleticism, Metcalf said: “I would say my speed plays a part in it, but [corners] also know that I am physical too.

Metcalf chased down Cardinals safety Budda Baker in a 2020 game that Seattle ultimately lost

“So sometimes I use my speed to my advantage, but not always. Not as much as I need. I mean, I’m trying to wear corners to where you don’t want to watch or stand in front of me in the fourth quarter.”

Last season, Metcalf recorded 90 receptions for 1,048 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Seahawks reach the wild-court round of the playoffs. He and teammate Tyler Lockett are the only players to have 1,000-yard seasons for Seattle.

Metcalf was drafted by the Seahawks as a runner-up of the 2019 draft. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020 when he had a career-high 1,303 yards.