They said it, but can we really believe them?

Last week, we introduced a public service message we call “What they say, what they mean” – remarks made by sports personalities in which we translate the real meanings behind their words. Today: the NFL Combine edition.

Lions head coach Jim Schwartz:

“Our No. 1 need is talent.”

I'm not quite sure what our player personnel staff has been doing. Have you seen the tomato cans we've been sending out on the field?

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland, on 2009 marquee free-agent signing Gibril Wilson:

“I think he's going to be a very good player for the future.”

He better be. We paid him like a star and he's making us all look bad.

Ireland, on possibly reuniting with Joey Porter, whom the Dolphins are set to release Friday:

“There's always a chance. Always a chance.”

There’s no chance in hell.

Bucs coach Raheem Morris, on not trying to retain WR Antonio Bryant:

“I’m not going to blame Antonio, but really, right now we’re going in a young direction. We’re going to choose to move on.”

Do you believe we paid this guy almost $10 million last year? The bank robbery’s over; let him go steal from someone else.

Vikings coach Brad Childress and GM Rick Spielman, on the timeline for hearing from Brett Favre:

“Brett will make his decision when he makes his decision.”

Did you see the difference he made with this team? Do you know anyone else available at quarterback like that? You think I’m going to force him to make a decision? As long as he’s here by September…

Packers GM Ted Thompson, when asked about ways he can improve his team:

“We'll do whatever we can to try and help our team.”

None of your business.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, on why he preferred Washington to Buffalo, where he was pursued for the Bills job:

“If I went to Buffalo to live there, from my family perspective, I think I'd be the only one that'd go.”

My wife and kids said good luck with that Bills gig; we’ll see you when you come home to visit.

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, on the status of running back Thomas Jones, who is due a $3M roster bonus soon:

“He has done a lot of great things for us on the field and even more off the field. He's really been our leader, a tireless worker; he's a really good player and a better person.”

He’s history.

Cardinals GM Rod Graves, on potentially moving Anquan Boldin:

“We're receptive to taking any calls. I don't want to get into specifics, but we're going to look at all the possibilities.”

Please someone, offer me a decent draft pick to take this guy. He's a good player but gets hurts a lot and is high maintenance

Former Texas QB Colt McCoy, on his draft prospects:

“I have a lot of intangibles you can't measure.”

Do I have to hear about being 6-foot-1 for the next two months?

Former Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, on Seahawks coach Pete Carroll:

“I love him to death.”

Don’t they have the sixth pick? What’s that, $25M guaranteed? Love him!

Anything any NFL coach or general manager says about players he may or may not draft:

Do you think I’m going to say anything truthful for other teams to read? You know I’m lying, right?

Follow me on Twitter: adbrandt

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