Ah, finally – the media circus that is the NFL Scouting Combine begins today. This annual examination is where prospective players are tested, measured, and interviewed to determine their draft stock, and will ultimately affect what happens in April.

The combine, which has called Indianapolis home since 1987, will be held at recently opened Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time. Even though the event is closed to the public, it sure would be nice to see the combine rotate around other NFL cities, more of a possibility now since Indy’s contract to host the event has one year left on it.

Media access opens today, and the actual workouts begin on Saturday. Below I’ve posted a complete breakdown of the 2009 NFL Combine schedule and a list of selected participants.

Players are arranged into four groups:

Group 1: Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends, Place Kickers, Punters, Long Snappers

Group 2: Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers

Group 3: Defensive Tackles, Defensive Ends, Linebackers

Group 4: Cornerbacks, Safeties

Wednesday, February 18th

• Group 1: Registration, Pre-exam and X-ray, Orientation, Interviews

Thursday, February 19th

• Group 1: Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
• Group 2: Registration, Pre-exam and X-ray, Orientation, Interviews

Friday, February 20th

• Group 1: NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, PK/ST Workout, Interviews
• Group 2: Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
• Group 3: Registration, Pre-exam and X-ray, Orientation, Interviews

Saturday, February 21st

• Group 1: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Depart
• Group 2: NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, PK/ST Workout, Interviews
• Group 3: Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews
• Group 4: Registration, Pre-exam and X-ray, Orientation, Interviews

Sunday, February 22nd

• Group 2: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Depart
• Group 3: NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, PK/ST Workout, Interviews
• Group 4: Measurements, Exams, Media, Psych Tests, Interviews

Monday, February 23rd

• Group 3: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Depart
• Group 4: NFLPA Meeting, Psych Tests, PK/ST Workout, Interviews

Tuesday, February 24th

• Group 4: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), Depart

The top college players attend the combine every year. Some of the top players who will participate at the combine, by position:

Click here for a complete list of participants.