NFL Combine 2015: Full Sunday Schedule and Predictions for Top Prospects

Sunday's NFL Scouting Combine workouts will feature arguably the deepest position group of the draft: the defensive linemen and linebackers.  When looking at the plethora of pass-rushing talents and skill sets that will be on display, it's likely that these positions will have the greatest immediate impact next season.

With hybrid defenses and personnel specialization on the rise in the NFL, the term "front seven" no longer encompasses the diversity of players that will be on display Sunday.  From two-gapping nose tackles like Danny Shelton to lithe edge-rushers like Randy Gregory, it's safe to say that not every drill will be weighted equally for each participant.

For football fans looking to get a jump on this deep group, check out full TV info below and a discussion on the most intriguing prospects to watch.

Event: DL and LB workouts

Date: Sun., Feb. 22

Time (ET): 9 a.m.

TV: NFL Network

Prospects to Watch

Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida

With Shane Ray not working out due to a foot injury suffered in the Citrus Bowl, Fowler has a golden opportunity to establish himself as the top "LEO" edge-rusher in this class.  Early draft prognostications have left the ex-Gator a tier below the likes of Ray and Gregory, but Fowler's versatility and explosiveness could cause him to vault into top-10 status.

Intangibles are certainly in his corner, as Fowler has already earned rave reviews for his pre-workout combine interview.  Fowler talked up his ability to play either 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker, though at 260 pounds, he would likely need to beef up a bit to play the former position.  Nonetheless, as analysts are seeing how much Florida asked him to do, Fowler is steadily rising up boards:

Rawness is Fowler's biggest detriment at this point, in part because of how the Gators used him.  Despite his length, quickness and devastating ability to get off the line, Florida never allowed him to focus on a smaller handful of responsibilities.  Consequently, Fowler is a bit reminiscent of Ziggy Ansah, the No. 5 pick from two years ago who was a similarly underdeveloped pass-rushing talent with tremendous upside.

At the very least, the combine should boost Fowler's draft stock solidly into the upper half of the first round.  Given that each of the teams picking in the top five are in desperate need of an edge-rusher, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see Fowler surpass his peers by April.  

Keep an eye on the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose hybrid sets would play well for Fowler, and the Atlanta Falcons, whose new head coach Dan Quinn worked with Fowler at Gainesville.  

Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

In theory, Indianapolis should be a showcase for Thompson to shine.  

The uber-versatile Washington product is listed as a potential linebacker, safety and running back, though most see his future as an outside linebacker.  Regardless, in a league where defenses are getting lighter and faster to combat spacing concepts in the passing game, Thompson has potential as a sub-package terror:

According to NFL.com's Chase Goodbread, Thompson is actually projected to work out at multiple positions at the combine.  Nevertheless, it seems evident that Thompson's fluidity and impressive instincts in tracking down ball-carriers would play best on defense.  

In many ways, his game is reminiscent of Lavonte David and Jamie Collins, two young linebackers who have become All-Pro-caliber talents because of their three-down skill sets, which allows them to be diverse chess pieces in any game plan.

However, the 228-pound Thompson will need to add weight to reach that ceiling.  The combine numbers he'll post will likely be impressive, but perhaps unfairly, it's almost a no-win proposition.  Thompson may lead the linebackers in the 40-yard dash, three-cone and shuttle drills, but scouts will already be expecting agility numbers like a running back, especially at his weight.

Because of that, the Deone Bucannon comparison from Miller seems more apt at the moment, as the Arizona Cardinals' safety was essentially a box linebacker in light dime packages.  To become more of a 4-3 backer, Thompson will need to answer some serious questions about how his frame may fill out.

Jordan Phillips, NT, Oklahoma

USA TODAY Sports

In an impressive defensive tackle class, Phillips is arguably as talented as any besides mammoth Washington product Shelton.  At 6'6" and 334 pounds, the ex-Sooner is a true throwback two-gapper, the type of player who can anchor a team's run defense for years, a la Vince Wilfork or Dontari Poe.

However, Phillips comes with both injury red flags and concerns about his motor.  The latter may be overblown—after all, it's virtually impossible for any player of that size to play heavy snaps at 100 percent—but he did miss all but four games of the 2013 season with a back injury.  

At the combine, Phillips has insisted he is healthy, which has scouts currently focused on his rare physical tools:

Kansas City's Poe is the apt comparison, as Phillips has the potential to become a rare three-down gap-plugger with improved stamina.  His length makes him an impossible matchup for interior linemen, who are typically smaller and can't keep Phillips out of their frame.  

So long as Phillips makes some corrections with keeping his level consistently low, there's no reason he can't become one of the league's best run-stuffers.

There's a realistic chance Phillips breaks five seconds in his 40 time, a sight that would be absolutely remarkable for a man of his size.  Nevertheless, many of the questions surrounding the Oklahoma product can't be answered until the real games begin, meaning that the combine could just serve to tease his considerable ceiling.

*All measurables via NFL.com.