It's somewhat appropriate that four straight days of media sessions at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine will kickoff Wednesday with kickers.
A total of 13 specialists, 52 offensive linemen and 19 tight ends are in Groups 1-3 that arrived Tuesday for registration, orientation and a hospital pre-exam. They are scheduled to stay in Indianapolis for four days, and the second day of the process includes measurements, medical exams, media sessions and interviews with teams.
The prospects won't be the only ones to begin a series of meetings with the media. Podium sessions also will include teams' executives and coaches. The session for Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. CT Wednesday (Head Coach Mike Zimmer's session is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. CT Thursday).
Vikings.com's Mike Wobschall (@wobby on Twitter) and the Vikings Entertainment Network will bring fans updates from Lucas Oil Stadium, which turns into the "Center of the NFL Universe" during the annual event.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has seven offensive tackles, one guard, one center and Williams as his lone tight end in a list of 50 top prospects. Jeremiah's rankings of players scheduled for media sessions Wednesday:
- T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh, Sr.
- D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida, Jr.
- Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford, Jr.
- Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa, Sr.
- La'el Collins, OT, LSU, Sr.
- Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami, Jr.
- Cameron Erving, C, Florida State, Sr.
- Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota, So. (redshirt)
- Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M, Sr.
- Donovan Smith, G, Penn St., Jr.
NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, in a pre-combine conference call with reporters from across the country on Monday, said he rates Scherff as his "top offensive lineman."
"I have him as an inside player," Mayock said. "At tackle, you're looking at one of three or four guys. T.J. Clemmings from Pitt, whose upside is unbelievable, but he's only played right tackle for two years. He's got some technique issues."
Mayock also mentioned Peat and Collins in answering a question about players that would be available when Kansas City goes on the clock in the first round. The Chiefs are scheduled to select from the 18th overall spot in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Vikings are scheduled to pick 11th. Click **here** to see who prognosticators predict will become a Viking on April 30 in Mock Madness 2.0.
There are a total of 34 prospects listed as offensive tackles, 12 listed as guards and six at center.
Mayock agrees with Jeremiah about Williams being the top tight end, saying he's the only prospect at the position that "could be considered a late (first rounder)."
"I see him as a second round pick, but he's a good receiving tight end," Mayock said. "Like him a lot as an athlete."
The chart below shows stats for Mayock's top five tight end prospects:
