The NFL Combine starts Thursday, March 2 with the defensive linemen and linebackers taking center stage. The combine will be live streamed on fuboTV (free trial).

Will Anderson Jr. believes he’s the best defensive player in this year’s NFL draft.

Heck, he might even be this year’s top overall pick.

The reward would be sizable — a lucrative contract, the prestige of being selected first overall. Travon Walker and Anderson could become the first defensive players selected No. 1 overall in consecutive years since Russell Maryland and Steve Emtman in 1991 and 1992.

The Chicago Bears have the first overall pick, but have acknowledged they would be willing to trade the selection to a quarterback-needy team for the right price — and if they can find a trade partner. Then Anderson would need to impress another decision-maker that he’s the best option.

Even if the Bears stand pat, though, the competition just to be the first defensive player selected this year promises to be fierce.

Anderson’s biggest challenger was expected to be the athletic 300-pound defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

But Carter, who announced earlier this week he was opting out of the on-field drills, is now charged with reckless driving and racing in conjunction with a January crash that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.

Carter did not speak to reporters in Indy, as scheduled Wednesday, and instead issued a statement on Twitter.

“It is my intention to return to Athens (Georgia) to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented,” he wrote. “There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”

When is NFL Scouting Combine?

The NFL Scouting Combine, featuring defensive linemen and linebackers, is set for 2 p.m. (3 p.m. ET) on Thursday, March 2.

Will it be live streamed?

The NFL Scouting Combine will be live streamed on fuboTV, which offers a free trial. The most basic of plans is the “fubo pro” package, which comprises 146-plus channels for $74.99 per month. Like all cord-cutting alternatives, there are plenty of options, especially for sports. It comes with more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.

There is also the “fubo elite” package, which comprises 205-plus channels for $84.99 per month. It comes with fuboExtra (48 more channels) and News Plus (11 more channels). Plus, more than 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR, and up to 10 screens at once.

The “fubo premiere” package is “fubo elite” with the addition of Showtime for $94.99 per month.

What TV channel is the Combine?

The NFL Scouting Combine will be televised on NFL Network.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.