9 questions we want answered by coaches, GMs at the combine
The NFL's head coaches and general managers will face the media at the scouting combine on Wednesday and Thursday next week, just before the draft prospects take the field for workouts.
Though Bill Belichick and the New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis typically avoid speaking at the event, and there's no one on the schedule from the Washington Redskins this year, reporters will get the chance to ask the vast majority of the league's decision-makers tough questions about free agency and the draft.
Here are nine questions we want answered:
What do the Browns plan on doing with the first pick?
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The Browns are technically already on the clock, and while there's no chance they will reveal which player they plan to take with the first overall pick at the combine, general manager Sashi Brown could drop a big hint about whether the team is considering a quarterback.
Will Tyrod Taylor be back with the Bills?
New Bills head coach Sean McDermott is scheduled to be the second head coach to speak, so we might not have to wait long to get an answer about whether the Bills plan on picking up Taylor's option and paying him $30.75 million guaranteed over the next two years.
Will the Packers finally sign some free agents?
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The Packers typically sit out free agency, preferring instead to build through the draft and prioritize retaining their homegrown talent. The team made a small exception last offseason, signing tight end Jared Cook. It paid off, with Cook playing a crucial role in the Packers' playoff run. The Packers have more than $40 million in salary cap room to play with this offseason. Might this be the year Ted Thompson goes on a spending spree?
Will Adrian Peterson be back with the Vikings?
The Vikings will reportedly sit down with Peterson's agent next week to discuss his future with the team. The way general manager Rick Spielman talks about Peterson at the combine could provide some major hints about whether the star rusher remains in their plans.
How will the Falcons be as good without Kyle Shanahan?
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The Falcons had far more coaching turnover than a typical Super Bowl team, with the most notable departure being that of former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Falcons shocked the football world by replacing Shanahan with Steve Sarkisian earlier this month. The Falcons also saw the departures of defensive coordinator Richard Smith and several assistant coaches. Head coach Dan Quinn has a major challenge ahead of him if the Falcons are to get back to the top. How he plans on approaching that challenge will be interesting to hear.
How will the Seahawks fix their offensive line?
The Seahawks' offensive line was the worst in the NFL last season and it ultimately led to the team's downfall. Do Pete Carroll and John Schneider regret not investing more on the line? Will they attack the line in the draft, pay up in free agency, or stay the course with the players they have?
How will the Rams improve their offense?
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The Rams' offense wasn't exactly potent last season and it could be even worse in 2017, with leading receiver Kenny Britt about to hit free agency. Without a first-round pick, how do the Rams plan to boost their attack?
Will Doug Martin be back with the Buccaneers?
Martin is coming off the worst season of his career and will begin next season under suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The Buccaneers aren't desperate for cap space, but could decide to cut ties with Martin. If they do, will they be players for one of the draft's top running backs?
Can the Chiefs keep Berry and Poe?
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The Chiefs have the least salary cap space in the league and two key defenders, safety Eric Berry and defensive tackle Dontari Poe, set to hit free agency. The team can keep one with the franchise tag - though Berry has said there's no way he will play if tagged. Is there any chance they can get creative and find a way to keep both?