INDIANAPOLIS -- Thirteen NFL coaches and seven general managers stepped to the podium Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. The biggest names of the 2013 quarterback class also took to the microphone.
Friday is the busiest day of the week for the media at the combine, and Around The League was there for it all. Here's what we learned:
» The San Francisco 49ers -- via coach Jim Harbaugh -- publicly say they are unlikely to release quarterback Alex Smith. But what else are they going to say? I'm still doubtful any team will give up a pick for the honor of inheriting Smith's contract. This standoff could last for a little while.
» Around The League broke a little news on Friday! Okay, it was a "little" bit of news. But St. Louis Rams general manager Les Snead told us that they will not use the franchise tag this season on wide receiver Danny Amendola (or any other players).
» The Green Bay Packers are looking toward strange places (Texas A&M) in an effort to learn how to stop the read option.
Jeremiah: Cause for concern?
Chance Warmack might be the top prospect in the draft, but a potential issue arose in Indy. Daniel Jeremiah weighs in. **More ...**
» West Virginia's Geno Smith noted that he's not a "running quarterback," but he could fit into any offensive system and perform some read-option concepts if asked. USC quarterback Matt Barkley answered a number of questions about his arm strength.
» Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell told Around The League that Blaine Gabbert wouldn't have any advantage in the team's planned "open competition" at quarterback. Gabbert is no longer the "incumbent." The Jaguars are not giving up on Gabbert, but they aren't necessarily counting on him either.
» The same is true for the Cleveland Browns and Brandon Weeden. The Browns are already open to dealing the quarterback, just one year after drafting him in the first round. Regime changes are rough on quarterbacks.
» Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said it would be a "great opportunity" to add Charles Woodson to the roster. It's hard to say whether this was just Carroll being Carroll and sending bouquets to a good player, or whether there is serious interest.
» Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Paganomistakenly calledColts defensive back Vontae Davis by the name "Vonta Leach." Leach is a running back for the Baltimore Ravens.
"Blame it on the chemo," Pagano said.
» I learned Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert is tired of being called a pass-catching tight end. He said he has the "want to" to become a better blocker. I also learned that Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib is a season-ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles. Nassib said it would be a dream come true to be drafted by his hometown team.
» The Dallas Cowboys are keeping Jay Ratliff for another season. And they aren't looking to add a young, developmental quarterback behind Tony Romo.
» It's safe to slow down on the whole "Tom Coughlin could retire after this year" storyline.
» It was position change Friday. Oakland Raiders running back Taiwan Jones is becoming a cornerback. NFL teams want Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein to work out at tight end even though he won't do it.
» A rough day for Rutgers tight end D.C. Jefferson. Ian Rapoport reports he might have torn his pectoral muscle on the bench press. USC center Khaled Holmes and Kent State guard Brian Winters also got hurt Friday on the bench press.
» And ... scene. We'll be cranking out posts and videos all day long Saturday, including our NFL.com/Live coverage of the combine. Actual drills ahoy!
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
