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The NFL Combine is set to kickoff at the end of this week, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 23. This will be the premier tryout for all incoming prospects and a final opportunity to boost one's stock in front of the scouts.
The Combine events include the 40-yard dash, the 3-cone drill, the bench press, the vertical jump, the broad jump and the shuttle run. There is also an extensive series of character tests, including the Wonderlic, media interviews and one-on-ones with team scouts.
The NFL Combine schedule, per NFL.com:
Saturday, Feb. 23: Tight ends, offensive linemen, special teams
Sunday, Feb. 24: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers
Monday, Feb. 25: Defensive linemen, linebackers
Tuesday, Feb. 26: Defensive backs
With no clear cut quarterback in this class demanding the No. 1 overall slot, the competition for the first pick in the draft is still very much alive.
There are those who believe the Combine will finally settle that dispute, and it will be an offensive or defensive lineman who is selected with the top pick. This is a very deep class in the trenches with names like Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M), Bjoern Werner (Florida State), Chance Warmack (Alabama), Damontre Moore (Texas A&M), Eric Fisher (Central Michigan), Star Lotulelei (Utah) and Sharrif Floyd (Florida).
The top two quarterbacks projected in this year's draft class are Geno Smith (West Virginia) and Matt Barkley (USC), who are in no way promised the first spot like most top quarterbacks typically are. There is even a chance that one of them lasts until Day 2.
The workout results at the NFL Combine should help clarify the favorite for the top spot in the draft. This should make for an even more interesting show on NFL Network since the No. 1 pick is still for sale. This should ultimately breed competition, which should trigger some to rise and some fall by week's end.