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2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 19

2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 19

Marcus Mariota Combine
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Despite not having any on-field drills, today was an exciting day at the NFL Combine. Quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers took center stage during the weigh-ins and media sessions. In addition, Miami tackle Ereck Flowers led all offensive linemen with 37 reps on the bench press. Here's a look at eight of the day's biggest takeaways.

8. Nick Marshall Will Throw At Combine

Nick Marshall Auburn
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8. Nick Marshall Will Throw At Combine

Nick Marshall Auburn
Getty Images

Auburn QB turned defensive back Nick Marshall will indeed throw at the Combine. After playing QB at Auburn, Marshall showed up at the Senior Bowl and requested a position change. After only a few days of practice, he wound up with a game-high five tackles. He intends to play cornerback in the NFL, but decided to throw after multiple teams asked him to. He's still going to be a CB, but could also be an emergency QB.

7. Arizona Cardinals' OL Will Be Open Competition

Cardinals Offensive Line
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

7. Arizona Cardinals' OL Will Be Open Competition

Cardinals Offensive Line
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

During his press conference, Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians stated that the team will sign and draft players to compete for starting jobs on the offensive line. Tackles Jared Veldheer and Bobbie Massie don't have anything to worry about, but center Lyle Sendlein and guards Ted Larsen and Paul Fanaika may all lose their starting jobs. Fanaika is a free agent anyways, but expect the Cardinals' line to look a lot different in 2015.

6. Demaryius Thomas Will Be With Denver Broncos Next Season

Demaryius Thomas Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

6. Demaryius Thomas Will Be With Denver Broncos Next Season

Demaryius Thomas Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This isn't really a surprise, but it was surprising to hear John Elway announce it to the world. Elway stated that if the two sides can't come to an agreement, the team would place the franchise tag on WR Demaryius Thomas. Either way, Wes Welker won't be back. As far as TE Julius Thomas goes, his return may depend on whether or not Peyton Manning restructures his contract. Elway didn't comment on Manning other than saying he wants him back.

5. Seattle Seahawks Have No Idea What Marshawn Lynch Is Thinking

Marshawn Lynch Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Seattle Seahawks Have No Idea What Marshawn Lynch Is Thinking

Marshawn Lynch Seahawks
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

During his press conference, Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider said he wouldn't be shocked if Marshawn Lynch decided to walk away. He did say the team wants Lynch to return, but admitted he had no idea what the RB would decide. This isn't a surprise to anyone who's followed the NFL recently. Lynch has become as famous for not speaking to the media as he has for playing football.

4. Measurements

Jameis Winston Florida State
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4. Measurements

Jameis Winston Florida State
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Despite playing two completely different styles of quarterback, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota have basically the same measurements. Both measured just under 6-foot-4, with Winston weighing just nine pounds more. This should put to rest any concerns over Winston's weight. The top two running backs also measured very similarly. Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon were both just shy of 6-foot-1, with Gurley seven pounds heavier.

3. Minnesota Vikings Won't Sign A Free-Agent RB

Adrian Peterson Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Minnesota Vikings Won't Sign A Free-Agent RB

Adrian Peterson Vikings
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have stated for months now that the team wants Adrian Peterson back. Today, HC Mike Zimmer claimed the team won't even look at free-agent RBs this offseason. Even though Peterson isn't eligible for reinstatement until Apr. 15, the club is confident he'll be allowed to return. The only question now is, does Peterson want to return to Minnesota? My guess is yes, but it would create a whole lot of drama if he holds out.

2. Dan Quinn Has Final Say Over Atlanta Falcons' Roster

Dan Quinn Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dan Quinn Has Final Say Over Atlanta Falcons' Roster

Dan Quinn Falcons
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

For a guy who has never been a head coach, Dan Quinn is certainly being given a lot of power. General manager Thomas Dimitroff announced Quinn will have the final say over the Atlanta Falcons' 53-man roster. This should immediately worry RB Steven Jackson, as Quinn has been praising Devonta Freeman since he arrived in Atlanta. Freeman is poised to become the starter, while Jackson, who has a cap figure of nearly million, could be released.

1. Indianapolis Colts Informed NFL of Deflated Footballs Prior To AFC Title Game

Ryan Grigson Colts
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Indianapolis Colts Informed NFL of Deflated Footballs Prior To AFC Title Game

Ryan Grigson Colts
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Will this story ever die? Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson told reporters he notified the NFL of the team's concerns early in the week of the AFC title game. So apparently the NFL tried to catch the New England Patriots with a sting operation. The league is going to, and probably already is, regretting not squashing this story right away. When it's all said and done, whatever the outcome, the Patriots will have won.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:
2015 NFL Combine: Biggest Takeaways From Feb. 18
5 Reasons Why the Buccaneers Should Not Draft a QB No. 1 Overall

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