NFL Combine 2015: Remaining Schedule and Predictions for Top Performers

The NFL's top future defensive stars take center stage over the course of the final two days at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

Offensive linemen and tight ends are in the books to mostly predictable results. Wideouts and other offensive studs put on shows in drills.

Perhaps more interesting than anything, though, is the defenders, whose entire stock hinges on one word—versatility.

Interior linemen understand the plight. These days, they need to be able to both clog run lanes and rush the passer. So do ends, who must be able to stand up and rush as a linebacker to make themselves as attractive to as many teams as possible. Defensive backs face a similar challenge, as corners who can play safety in certain packages are all the rage.

As offenses evolve around the league, so too do the defenses, always caught in a pattern of reaction. The final two days of the combine will personify this reaction—in a good way.

2015 NFL Scouting Combine Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Event	TV
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 Remaining Top Performers 

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

The redemption tour for Marcus Peters continues in Indianapolis.

Peters is the subject of much scrutiny after being dismissed from Washington's program this past season, but his on-field talents have never been something to dismiss—he's the most talented corner in the class.

According to Doug Kyed of NESN.com, Peters is handling the most difficult portion of his combine experience well:

The on-field facets will prove easy. Weighing in at 6'0" and 197 pounds, Peters certainly looks the part.

It translates to the field, where Peters is exceptional at the line of scrimmage, using his frame and length to press receivers and then flip his hips to keep pace. Pair the physical with the mental side, and Peters also diagnoses plays quickly enough to drop into zone or help in run support.

All of this will shine through for Peters in Indianapolis once it comes time to run the drills.

Prediction: Peters secures the top cornerback slot in the draft.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

USA TODAY Sports

Few defenders had more at stake in the measurement department than Missouri's Shane Ray. 

Ray is a bit small for an edge defender in a 4-3 alignment or a linebacker in a 3-4. As NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah told Chase Goodbread of NFL.com, Ray's weigh-in was one of the most important to watch.

"He's not very long, and he's not very heavy," Jeremiah said. "That could be one to keep an eye on because on tape he's outstanding, but if he comes in a little bit smaller than everyone expected that could hurt his stock a little bit."

The good news for Ray is that he came in at 6'3" and 245 pounds, the latter of the two measurements being about the bare minimum for a pass-rusher.

These numbers will mesh well with the film, which showcases one of Ray's strongest points, explained by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller:

All Ray must do now is prove that his explosiveness, anticipation and overall speed were not lost in an effort to bulk up to satisfy the measurement questions.

Ray will do just that after months of preparation for this very task. It won't be enough to make him the first rusher off the board by any means, but he will continue to be in the running as a mid-round pick.

Prediction: Ray shines in drills and cements first-round status.

Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, Florida

Unfortunately for Ray, he's in the same class as Florida's Dante Fowler Jr., a bigger, more versatile rusher with zero questions surrounding his pro prospects.

Fowler himself put it best during press conferences in Indianapolis, as captured by CBS Sports' Dane Brugler:

Florida deployed Fowler on the edge with his hand in the dirt, on the interior in passing situations and, in some instances, as a stand-up rusher—so he's not exactly exaggerating.

At weigh-ins, Fowler posted a clean 6'3" and 261 pounds, numbers that will be all the more impressive when he takes the field for drills and sticks with the best of the best.

As Goodbread points out, Fowler is already a favorite of the media and fans for his personality and comfort on such a big stage.

Expect the total package to produce some of the combine's best numbers as Fowler proves himself to be one of the draft's top overall prospects, a status that will not waver.

Prediction: Fowler dominates drills and secures top-10 status.

Note: Stats courtesy of NFL.com as of Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. ET. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.