Who will be most buzzworthy prospects at this week's NFL scouting combine? We've got you covered
![Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III is expected to post eye-popping numbers at this year's NFL scouting combine.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2020/02/24/USAT/3e4959ac-1a59-4ea1-8c9e-c8fb5ed17d88-USATSI_13575187.jpg?crop=1162,739,x391,y264&width=660&height=420&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
* This page is USA TODAY Sports' 4th & Monday football newsletter. To get it delivered to your inbox every Monday and Friday with the latest NFL (and now XFL!) news, sign up here.*
The NFL draft season kicks into overdrive at this week's scouting combine in Indianapolis.
This time, however, those on-field drills will be taking place during the more fan-friendly prime-time hours.
Take a look at the schedule of events. Plan accordingly:
- Thursday, 4-11 p.m. ET: Tight ends, quarterbacks, wide receivers
- Friday, 4-11 p.m. ET: Offensive linemen, running backs, special teams
- Saturday, 4-11 p.m. ET: Defensive line, linebackers
- Sunday, 2-7 p.m. ET: Defensive backs
Before the draft prospects take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, you'll need to study up on who to watch so you can impress your friends. We've got you covered:
- 11 players who could create big combine buzz: Several athletically gifted NFL draft prospects could seize the spotlight at the combine.
- 13 prospects with something to prove: There will be plenty at stake for these draft prospects looking to make the right impression.
- 11 combine sleepers: A whopping 337 prospects have been invited to the combine, leaving ample opportunity for some less-heralded players to stand out.
- Top 150 draft prospects: Draft Wire has updated its big board and ranked the top 150 prospects in this year's class.
- 16 new drills coming to the combine: It’ll be exciting to see which prospects set themselves apart with the addition of these new drills.
- Updated mock draft: Keep an eye out for these players, since they are projected to be first-round picks.
NFL news, notes and analysis
- NFL's schedule, playoff proposal is awesome -- or is it? There is something to be said for recognizing when you have enough of a good thing, writes Nancy Armour.
- If you're an NFL fan, you owe this QB: Marlin Briscoe stepped under center for the Denver Broncos in 1968. It took some time, but nothing in the NFL has been the same since.
- Ex-NFL LB finds second act with MMA league: Working with an MMA league helped Shawne Merriman find his place after his NFL career was over.
- Packers GM open to drafting QB in first round: Brian Gutekunst made it clear that drafting a quarterback in the first round would be a worthwhile pick -- if the right one is available.
XFL Week 3 must-see moments
- XFL's walking highlight reel was at it again: P.J. Walker, the XFL's version of Patrick Mahomes, kept his Houston Roughnecks undefeated with another big game.
- Johnny Manziel says he has 'zero desire to play any football' after his XFL tweets: Manziel took some time between golfing and partying in Arizona to stir up some controversy.
- XFL player crashes team touchdown celebration, steals ball: The Houston Roughnecks' Marqueston Huff put an exclamation point on his heist by sticking his tongue out at the camera.
- #BattleHawksMafia? XFL fans over in St. Louis hoped to channel the Bills Mafia’s energy ahead of the BattleHawks' first home game.
Join our NFL Facebook group!
If you enjoy talking some football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!
Want to keep this fun football conversation going? Head to Facebook, and/or give a Twitter follow to your friendly neighborhood football guy who put together this newsletter, @jimreineking.