The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing after all the players and team executives arrived in Indianapolis this week and the true highlight of the event gets going on Saturday as the first on-field player workouts start for offensive linemen and tight ends.
The players are split into groups by position at the combine and each set goes through a number of workouts and medical tests, as well as aptitude tests and team interviews. A number of players will be looking to improve their draft stock, while many others will be trying to prove to teams why they should be a first or second round pick.
Saturday's workouts for the linemen and tight ends include timing drills, stations and skill drills. The schedule also calls for the QB/WR/RB groups that are working out on Sunday to start with psychological testing, bench press workouts and team interviews.
The defensive linemen and linebackers will be going through measurements and medical exams as well as media interviews. The defensive backs will have medical pre-examinations as well as x-rays and orientation while the other workouts are going on.
Sunday will be the biggest day for on-field workouts, as quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers will show off their skills for teams. There were 333 players invited to the combine this year, while some of the biggest names will not be attending, including USC quarterback Matt Barkley.
Lucas Oil Stadium is the prime spot for all the NFL workouts and some players that will need to prove themselves include Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o as well as quarterbacks Mike Glennon, Tyler Wilson and Geno Smith. The Kansas City Chiefs have the number one overall pick and will be giving a hard look to Texas A&M offensive lineman Luke Joeckel, who was the primary blocker for Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.
The teams at the top of the NFL draft will be looking mostly at the top prospects, including clubs like the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. There are a number of teams looking at quarterbacks and the team interviews will be a huge factor in whether franchises feel they can invest a first round pick in a player.
The combine did great things for players like Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins last year and at this year's event Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib and NC State's Mike Glennon will benefit from the absence of players like Barkley. If those two quarterbacks can impress some teams with workouts, there is a chance they can really improve their draft stock.
The NFL Combine will be covered in full force by the NFL, including live TV coverage on the NFL Network and all day streaming coverage on NFL.com.
CLICK here for the official live stream of the combine from the NFL.
