NFL Combine 2015: Complete Schedule and Predictions for Polarizing Prospects

What would the NFL Scouting Combine be without polarizing players?

Really, what would the NFL draft itself be without them?

This year it is Mr. Jameis Winston out of Florida State. Last year, Johnny Manziel. Before that, the top name that comes to mind is Tim Tebow.

These players and lesser-known names that divide scouts, fans and NFL teams alike do so for many reasons. It can be off-field stuff. Things such as fundamentals, upside and schematic debates, among many other things, encompass the on-field portion of the discussion.

In Indianapolis, many of these conversations go out the window as prospects put on a very public display to give the globe answers to the most burning questions.

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

Predictions for Polarizing Prospects

Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

This year's safety class is a mess with no true runaway favorite after Alabama's Landon Collins, and even he is not a lock for the first round as he is a bit limited as an in-the-box presence who counters the run well.

Gerod Holliman continues to gain steam in the stock department, though, as more and more folks digest his film and see some of the ridiculous plays he makes.

Much of Holliman's impressive highlight reel stems from his extreme athleticism. He looks the part, standing at 6'2" and 213 pounds and versatile enough to drop back and play center field against the pass.

The problem arises when his off-field efforts enter the discussion, at least according to what an AFC East director of scouting told Daniel Jeremiah and several others at NFL.com:

"He's lazy and doesn't practice hard, but he has a knack for the ball. Will the production trump the practice habits? That's what teams are going to have to figure out."

Others will notice on film that Holliman struggles at times in the tackling department, which may help to explain why CBS Sports' Dane Brugler does not consider the Louisville product worth the gamble:

It is now or never for Holliman, who to this point the game comes naturally to thanks to his physical gifts. One has to figure that his measurements and test results will be pristine and hint at first-round value, so it will really come down to the interview process and his interactions with folks in Indianapolis.

Look for the budding household name to lock up the No. 2 safety slot when it comes to stock. So long as everything checks out off the field, don't be shocked to hear whispers of first-round status, either.

Prediction: Holliman cements late first-round talk.

Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

USA TODAY Sports

Opinions on Texas A&M offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi are all over the place.

Some love him and mention him right along with other big names such as Iowa's Brandon Scherff, Stanford's Andrus Peat and LSU's La'el Collins. One very public supporter is NFL Network's Mike Mayock, as captured by Suzanne Halliburton of the Austin American-Statesman:

Others struggle to mention Ogbuehi in the same breath as other first-round hopefuls. For example, CBS Sports currently sits him with a third-round projection behind nine other players at the position.

It doesn't help that Ogbuehi currently spends his time rehabbing a torn ACL. It also hurts that he struggled in his role as the new left tackle last season after Jake Matthews left for the NFL.

Despite this, 6'5" and 305 pounds with extreme athleticism, Ogbuehi is sure to turn a few heads at the combine—even if the only drill he will complete is the bench press.

Regardless, his presence and surefire strong performance on his lone drill will serve as a reminder to the league not to underestimate Ogbuehi on draft day.

Prediction: Ogbuehi climbs draft boards and remains in first-round discussion.

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

It is no secret how most in the NFL feel about Winston at this point. 

Just ask Lovie Smith, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the man who holds the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times captures Smith's thoughts provided on the first day of the combine:

Most consider Winston a pro-ready prospect with a booming arm who has the ability to read defenses, work through progressions and naturally run a pro-style offense.

He's apparently ready to show NFL teams that his mechanics, sometimes the negative scouts point out in his game, are just fine. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he plans to throw at the combine:

Winston will also use the opportunity to showcase his fitness level, as Peter King of The MMQB notes that Winston has lost 12 pounds since the college football season ended. He's been working with quarterback coach George Whitfield, who seems excited for Winston to show the globe he's in the best playing shape since college, per Jason McIntyre of The Big Lead:

"

The photo of Jameis was taken in early-mid January. If people are saying he looks out of shape – well, did they notice he had the leash tight around his waist? That may have had something to do with it. Jameis is in shape and doing great. Anyone saying he’s out of shape, they can check him out at the Combine this week.

"

Winston seems to have everything sorted out ahead of the combine.

Of course, many will wonder how the intimate interview process will treat the Florida State star in the aftermath of a rocky couple of years in the court of public perception.

From an on-field standpoint, though, Winston figures to keep his name right near the top of the draft order with a slim frame and improved mechanics.

Prediction: Winston remains in contention for No. 1 overall.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.