NFL Veteran Combine Schedule 2015: Position Start Times, Analysis on Top Players

The inaugural 2015 NFL veteran combine will allow free agents who aren't likely to get any calls from front offices to show off their skills in the same style top draft prospects did in Indianapolis this offseason.

This groundbreaking event will take place at the Arizona Cardinals' training facility in Tempe on Sunday. While the initial wave of March Madness will be wrapping up, these football players will essentially have a win-or-go-home game of their own.

Executive vice president of NFL football operations Troy Vincent weighed in on what lies ahead:

If certain supreme athletes test well in the desert, they have a shot at breathing new life into their NFL careers. Whether any of the 125 scheduled participants really becomes a prominent pro contributor again is another matter.

KCChiefs.com has provided information on when each position group will go off, along with a full combine roster. Check out the start times in the table below, followed by analysis of the most notable players.

Position Group	Time (MST)
Offensive Line	7:20 a.m.
Defensive Line	8:40 a.m.
Linebackers	10 a.m.
Running Backs/Fullbacks	11 a.m.
Quarterbacks	11:45 a.m.
Tight Ends	1:10 p.m.
Wide Receivers	1:50 p.m.
Safeties	2:45 p.m.
Cornerbacks	3:30 p.m.

Analysis of Marquee Players

Based on how well he played in the 2014 preseason, it's surprising defensive end Michael Sam hasn't gotten a real look in the NFL ever since the St. Louis Rams let him go after drafting him in the seventh round.

Whether it has anything to do with the fact that Sam is openly gay is pure speculation. Sam responded to Oprah Winfrey's question in December when asked if he thought his sexual orientation had an impact on the lack of NFL offers he's received.

"I don't like to think that way," said Sam, via the Huffington Post. "But I do believe I'm a very talented football player and I'm going to continue on working hard and trying to get that opportunity to play in the league."

What is certain is Sam underwhelmed at last year's NFL Scouting Combine. Now he has a chance to redeem the workout that contributed to his draft stock sinking.

Paul Burmeister of NBC Sports had an interesting thought in light of Chris Borland's recent retirement:

Running backs have been devalued in recent years, but there are some intriguing ball-carriers in the veteran combine lineup, such as the speedy Felix Jones and powerful runner Michael Bush.

Both Jones and Bush have had varying degrees of success in the league, and they may even benefit from less wear and tear in recent years. Bush's best season was in 2011 in Oakland, when he ran for 977 yards and also had 37 receptions in just nine starts.

Jones was college teammates with Darren McFadden, a high Raiders first-round pick who's had durability issues and hasn't lived up to the hype. McFadden signed with the same Dallas Cowboys team Jones was drafted by, which he congratulated his friend on:

But there has to be at least a certain degree of motivation for Jones to derive from that situation. He is still just 27 years old, and talent has never been a question in Jones' case. It's funny how McFadden, Jones and Bush are all connected in a strange way.

As for the teams that could be in the market to take a flier on someone, the Philadelphia Eagles have left no stone unturned in an eventful offseason. Head coach and personnel chief Chip Kelly won't let this combine be an exception, per Fox 29's Howard Eskin:

It wouldn't be a surprise to see Philadelphia bring in one of the top players and at least give them a shot, considering the Eagles worked out Tim Tebow recently.

Speaking of quarterbacks, former Texas A&M standout Jerrod Johnson possesses the type of size and arm NFL teams ought to covet.

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

If Johnson spins it well in Tempe, don't be surprised if he gets a shot at making a roster in training camp and perhaps is allowed to develop at the highest level.

Plenty of other teams could find diamonds in the rough, but there's a lot on the line for the veterans at the combine to have any staying power, too. If there aren't any decent players to emerge from this event, it could be disbanded quite quickly.

However, with how fine the line is in the NFL between making a roster, becoming a starter or being out of the league, chances are at least a couple will capitalize on this golden opportunity.