The NFL Scouting Combine is a great way for prospects to showcase their talents in front of scouts and league executives. Although, while a great performance can certainly propel a player up draft boards, it doesn't ensure success at the professional level.
In fact, a poor showing at the combine doesn't guarantee a prospect will have a short-lived or forgettable NFL career, either. Remember Tom Brady's showing at the 2000 combine? In case a refresher is needed, take a look at this, well, interesting performance:
Fast forward 15 years, and that same quarterback is a future Hall of Famer, winner of four Super Bowls and in the argument for one of the greatest players of all time.
So, why is the combine so important? It's more of an evaluation process for NFL teams. Many of these players don't have hours of footage available, and the event gives franchises an opportunity to watch and interact with prospects in an effort to gain a better understanding of what they bring to the table.
With more than 300 prospects about to set foot in Lucas Oil Stadium for this year's combine, here's a look at the event's day-by-day schedule and essential viewing information, followed by some prospects to keep an eye on.
2015 NFL Scouting Combine Information
All combine dates and times courtesy of NFL.com.
Live Stream: NFL Now
Online Coverage: NFL.com
Mobile: NFL Mobile
Prospects to Watch
Shane Ray, DE, Missouri
Dominant pass-rushers are at a premium in today's pass-happy NFL, and Shane Ray is arguably one of the most dangerous in this year's draft class. An athletic freak, Ray possesses a great blend of strength and speed, and according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports, he's capable of a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical jump, 10-foot broad jump and 400-pound bench press. Yikes.
Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
Ranked No. 1 on Feldman's "Freaks" list, Coates is an absolute monster of a wide receiver. At 6'2" and 201 pounds, he has good size for an outside target in the NFL; however, it's his blend of speed and strength that makes him so formidable. Not only has he been clocked running a sub-4.3-second 40-yard dash, but he can do this on the football field:
Keep a keen eye on this prospect in Indianapolis.
Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa
Highly touted as one of the best offensive linemen in this year's draft class, Brandon Scherff made a name for himself at Iowa by routinely overpowering defenders. An NFL-ready prospect who has the ability to contribute immediately, Scherff will generate plenty of interest at the combine. If you're looking for a potential record-breaking performance in the bench press, this is your guy:
Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Bud Dupree flourished as a pass-rusher at Kentucky thanks to a combination of an explosive burst off the line and great speed around the edge. However, even before his productive 2014 season, he predicted a big combine performance during an SEC media day press conference, via Chase Goodbread of NFL.com.
Said Dupree, "I definitely think I will blow the combine up. … In the 40-yard dash, I probably can run a high 4.4 or a low 4.5. In the vertical jump, I can get a 41 or a 42, and in the broad jump, I know I can get 11 feet. I just have to keep working hard to match those numbers."
We'll see if his predictions come to fruition in short order.
DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville
Watch out for DeVante Parker in Indianapolis. Part of a very talented group of wide receivers in this year's draft class, the Louisville product will be looking to stand out. We already know he's a big target with an enormous catch radius, but according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, via Mike Huguenin of NFL.com, Parker may run a blazing 40-yard dash.
Said Jeremiah, "When you watch him, he's kind of a long-strider, so you don't necessarily think he's that fast. But I've been told he's going to run in the high 4.3s/low 4.4s."
Jeremiah also thinks Parker may be a top-15 pick. Running that kind of 40 would help solidify that notion. The Minnesota Vikings have the draft's 11th selection. Perhaps a reunion with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is in order.
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