The 2019 NFL combine just kicked off on Wednesday. Day 1 was simply arriving, registering and interviews for special teams, offensive linemen and running backs. But things will quickly heat up in Indianapolis, with the 40-yard dash getting the most attention of all the drills to take place.

Though it only matters to a few positions, it’s the one drill most often referenced when talking about draft prospects. But does it really matter that much to scouts and general managers? The best indication is how those prospects taken in the first round fare.

Let’s take a look back to the 2018 NFL combine and see how the players selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft fared in their respective position groups.

1) QB Baker Mayfield | Browns | 4.84 seconds | 8th ranked

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Mayfield was expected to be the top pick in the draft and Cleveland didn’t disappoint. Though Mayfield would set a rookie record, throwing for 27 touchdowns in just 13 starts, he did well with his legs too. Mayfield added 39 rushes for 131 yards on the ground and impressed with his ability to avoid pressure.

Mayfield was expected to be the top pick in the draft and Cleveland didn't disappoint. Though Mayfield would set a rookie record, throwing for 27 touchdowns in just 13 starts, he did well with his legs too. Mayfield added 39 rushes for 131 yards on the ground and impressed with his ability to avoid pressure.

Barkley would impress at the combine, running a blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash and back it up in the regular season. With 1,307 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 261 attempts for New York, Barkley was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year for 2018.

Darnold's 40-yard dash time would fall about the middle of the pack amongst quarterbacks at the 2018 NFL combine. However, it would be the second worst of the quarterbacks taken in the first round.

Ward would tie for the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL combine along with the Jets' sixth-round cornerback Parry Nickerson and the Panthers' second-round cornerback Donte Jackson. Ward would turn his impressive combine performance into a solid rookie season, posting up three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries to go along with 11 passes defensed.

Chubb would parlay his third-best 40-yard dash time among the defensive ends at the combine into a shot at the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Chubb's 12 sacks would come in second on Denver's roster, only to linebacker Von Miller -- an impressive feat.

Though Nelson didn't run the 40-yard dash at either the combine or Notre Dame's Pro Day, the guard would <a href="https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/01/nfl-colts-quenton-nelson-highlights-texans">make highlight reels all season long</a>. Noted for his toughness and strength, Nelson proved that offensive linemen don't necessarily need the drill to put themselves in the first round.

Allen put up a pretty fast 40-yard dash time but needed it in Buffalo's worst-ranked passing offense. Allen would lead the Bills in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a wide margin, gaining 631 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground on just 89 attempts. Allen would only start 11 games in his rookie season, seeing Nathan Peterman, Derek Anderson and Matt Barkley all get at least one start as well.

Much like the other top performers at the 40-yard dash in the first round, Smith would turn it into a solid season. The Chicago linebacker would be named to the NFL's All-Rookie Team and rank ninth in the league with 89 solo tackles. Smith would also add an interception and five sacks to go with his 121 combined tackles.

Like fellow Notre Dame offensive lineman Nelson, McGlinchey didn't run the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine or his Pro Day. Also like Nelson, McGlinchey would still have a successful season, starting all 16 games at right tackle for San Francisco.

It was a big year for quarterbacks in the NFL draft, with Rosen being the fourth passer taken in the top 10. Rosen would run the slowest 40-yard dash time of any quarterback taken in the first round. Rosen would have a tough season with Arizona, throwing only 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and getting sacked 45 times. However, Rosen would rush 23 times for 138 yards, for a 6.0 yard-per-attempt average that would best Lamar Jackson, Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

Though Fitzpatrick only had an average 40 time, he'd end up playing all over Miami's defense at cornerback, safety and in the box. Fitzpatrick helped prove that overall talent might trump pure speed as he started 11 games for the Dolphins, nabbing two interceptions for 64 combined yards and returning one for a touchdown.

Vea would be the only first-round selection to run the 40-yard dash at 5 seconds or slower. It didn't stop Tampa Bay from taking him at No. 12 and starting him eight games. Then again, defensive linemen aren't often asked to run 40 yards at a time. Vea would finish his rookie season with 28 combined tackles and three sacks.