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Aspiring NFL athletes stand on the edge of tomorrow as the combine approaches.

This week's festivities in Indianapolis can have a dramatic effect on a player's future. Medical checkups, interviews and workouts all factor into evaluations. A poor report can send organizations scrambling, while an outstanding effort will create plenty of positive momentum.

The twist and turns of the draft process are equally fascinating and gut-wrenching. Before that happens, one more draft projection is needed.

The overwhelming theme to this year's class is simple.

"I have never seen a draft this deep in defensive players in the first two rounds, especially cornerbacks and pass-rushers," former general manager and NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly tweeted.

The only thing these young men can do is be prepared and give their best in front of the league and a national viewing audience.

As Master Sergeant Farell—played by Bill Paxton—taught his troops, "Through readiness and discipline, we are the masters of our fate."