NFL Combine 2015: Full Schedule and Fringe 1st-Round Prospects to Watch

The NFL Scouting Combine gives college's top prospects a platform to showcase their skill sets in front of league scouts and executives. The event's participants undergo rigorous workouts and positional drills as the fate of their professional careers hangs in the balance.

We've seen the combine act as both a blessing and a curse for former prospects, as impeccable performances have propelled some participants well into the first round. Unfortunately, we've also watched some draft stocks plummet following disappointing showings.

Just last year, Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson put on a brilliant performance, assuring scouts he was the draft's most talented prospect at his position—he was later selected at No. 2 overall by the St. Louis Rams. Conversely, a poor display from Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix was one of the reasons he fell all the way down to the third round and was selected at No. 83 overall by the Houston Texans.

As this year's combine fast approaches, let's take a look at players who are currently considered fringe first-rounders and need solid performances to remain a potential top-32 selection.

2015 NFL Scouting Combine Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Event	TV
Wed., Feb. 18	2 p.m.	Press Conferences	NFLN
Thu., Feb. 19	2 p.m.	Press Conferences	NFLN
Fri., Feb. 20	9 a.m.	Workouts (OL, TE)	NFLN
Sat., Feb. 21	9 a.m.	Workouts (RB, QB, WR)	NFLN
Sun., Feb. 22	9 a.m.	Workouts (LB, DL)	NFLN
Mon., Feb. 23	9 a.m.	Workouts (DB)	NFLN

All combine dates and times courtesy of NFL.com.

Live Stream: NFL Now

Online Coverage: NFL.com

Mobile: NFL Mobile

Fringe First-Round Prospects to Watch

Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan (No. 32)

Tony Ding/Associated Press

One of the draft's most difficult players to peg, Devin Funchess is being mocked all over the place—some analysts believe he's a first-round talent, and others feel he will slide to the second round. Well, the combine should be a big determining factor for that debate.

There's no doubt that Funchess is an incredible physical specimen. Standing at 6'5" and weighing in at 230 pounds, this former tight end has the length and quickness that make him a matchup nightmare. Due to his size and ability to line up all over the field, Funchess could be viewed as a player who can be used as a chess piece rather than a No. 1 wide receiver.

On the other hand, Funchess isn't much of a blocker despite his size, and he needs to polish up his route running since he isn't a burner. Another factor that's working against him is the amount of first-round talent in this year's draft class—CBS Sports ranks him seventh at his position.

Still, there are several teams near the end of the first round that could use the skill set that Funchess brings to the table. A strong combine could lead to his name being called on the first day of the draft.

Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota (No. 35)

John Raoux/Associated Press

There aren't any clear-cut tight end prospects in this year's first round; however, if any prospect at the position has a chance to go early, it's Minnesota's Maxx Williams. He's currently viewed by most as a second-rounder, but he's graced the first round in a mock draft or two.

Williams certainly isn't lacking in size at 6'4" and 250 pounds. Along with his length, he boasts impressive acceleration and good straight-line speed, which makes him a serious threat up the seam. Capable of producing in many areas of the field, Williams has the leaping ability and catch radius to be a red-zone threat, but he also has the vision and agility to generate yards in the open field.

While Williams is a strong pass-catcher, he does need to work on his route running to create better separation against faster defenders. He isn't much of an in-line blocker and could be passed up by run-oriented teams looking for a dual-purpose tight end.

If Williams enters the combine a little heavier than his college playing weight and can showcase good strength to pair with his pass-catching ability, he should be able to improve his draft stock enough to warrant consideration later in the first round.

Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA (No. 41)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

After Florida State's Jameis Winston and Oregon's Marcus Mariota, there's an enormous drop-off at the quarterback position before UCLA's Brett Hundley—the draft's No. 3 signal-caller—will be considered. Heading into the combine, Hundley isn't considered a first-rounder, but stellar offseason workouts could change that.

Hundley isn't the most polished passer, but he shows flashes of accuracy and an ability to make the big throw downfield. A very dangerous runner, the former Bruin has good enough acceleration to escape pressure in the pocket and the speed to generate yards in the open field. At 6'3" and 227 pounds, he has a solid frame to withstand hits in the NFL.

The concern regarding Hundley is his tendency to stick to shorter passes and slow progression through his reads. Though he's a mobile quarterback, his accuracy dramatically decreases when he's on the run. His inconsistent mechanics will require some work, and he'll need more experience under center before taking professional snaps.

There isn't a team late in the first round in need of a quarterback, but we saw what happened last year when the Minnesota Vikings traded back in to select Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32 overall. If Hundley can prove to scouts he's made strides so far during the offseason, there's an outside chance that will happen again. 

Prospect rankings courtesy of CBSSports.com and current as of Feb. 14.