NFL Combine 2015: Workout Schedule and Top Prospects Likely to Impress

There are many factors necessary to consider for each draft pick, but the best athletes in the nation love the NFL Scouting Combine because it shows off what they do best.

Sure, the great football players who showed what they can do in games can handle a mediocre performance in Indianapolis. However, the week represents a great opportunity for lesser-known prospects to rise up draft boards by performing well in each workout.

Teams go crazy for those who can show off elite speed, strength, explosiveness or change of direction. 

Here is a look at some players who will be able to stand out in these areas, along with a breakdown of the workout schedule by day at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Date	Positions
Friday, Feb. 20	Specialists, Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends
Saturday, Feb. 21	Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers
Sunday, Feb. 22	Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
Monday, Feb. 23	Defensive Backs

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (Florida)

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Every year, all anyone wants to know is who will win the speed title for the fastest 40-yard dash. While anything can happen, it appears likely Phillip Dorsett will be on top at the end of the week.

According to Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald, the Miami receiver set a school record with a reported time of 4.21 seconds in the 40. While school marks don't always hold up when compared to the official time at the combine, Chris Johnson's record of 4.24 seconds is certainly in danger.

Although Dorsett didn't put up big numbers in college, he did score 10 touchdowns on just 36 receptions. He also has a rare skill you can't teach.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, who called Dorsett probably the fastest player in the class, showed exactly what this could lead to on the field:

After Dorsett blazes across the line at the 40-yard dash in the combine, there will certainly be teams ready to add him to their roster.

Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

John Raoux/Associated Press

There will be plenty of faster runners than Maxx Williams at the combine. Besides Dorsett, players like Sammie Coates, Devin Smith and Ronald Darby could also show off some blazing speed.

However, few other players will run faster while also having the tight end's size at 6'4", 250 pounds. The Minnesota star is a prototypical mismatch on the field who is too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg gave his quick impression on the player when he declared for the draft:

If you don't believe that he is a "freakish athlete," see it for yourself with this play against Missouri in the Citrus Bowl:

Compared to others at his position, Williams should blow the field away at the different workouts in the combine.

Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

There might not be a more versatile player in this draft—or any recent drafts—than Shaq Thompson. The highly touted recruit came to Washington as a safety and then moved to linebacker before taking snaps at running back this season and totaling 456 rushing yards at 7.5 yards per carry.

Still, in a draft diary to Tom Pelissero of USA Today, Thompson explained his true position:

"

I want to put it out there: I'm a linebacker. Outside linebacker. Strong side, that's where I feel most comfortable. It's basically like a strong safety. Nowadays, this is a passing game. You need linebackers who can cover and drop in zone. And I'm a three-down player. You don't have to take me off the field. Even on special teams, you don't have to take me off. I love special teams, especially kickoff coverage.

"

While you have to admire his love of his position, the truth is NFL teams might end up moving him around. Either way, this will be just fine, because he is one of the best athletes around, with speed, explosiveness and some serious cutting ability.

All of this will be on display during the combine in various drills, especially the cone drills that showcase change of direction. Teams will figure out a way to use him as long as they get him in the draft.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.