The 2014 NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Thursday with appearances by multiple NFL coaches, team general managers, and hopeful prospects.

Today, Mike Smith (head coach of the Atlanta Falcons) talked about his hopes for the team in the new season including where they need improvement. In addition, the coach told the media about his experience with the Senior Bowl and how he felt it gave his team an advantage over others. Here are some tweets from his time at the podium:

"We have to improve our running game" Mike Smith @Atlanta_Falcons head coach #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

"The tight end is a position that's evolving ... That position is a hybrid" Mike Smith @Atlanta_Falcons #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xfIrAr9Lcw

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Will you spend more time with the juniors (than seniors) this week? "Absolutely!" Mike Smith @Atlanta_Falcons #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Big C also caught up with Ray Farmer, new GM for the Cleveland Browns, who was not scheduled to put in a media appearance. Ray Farmer talked about his philosophy and vision for the team.

Interview with @Browns new GM Ray Farmer - "we're focused in building a better product all the way around". #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Ray Farmer, @Browns GM, "1st and foremost I'm looking for a guy that can win football games" #NFLCombine #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OgrEv3Gmae

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

"I think every position on this team is up for competition" Ray Farmer @Browns GM #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

"A big part of team building is chemistry" Ray Farmer @Browns #NFLDraft #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/hsjwm7J2EH

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Take the best player or one that fits a position? Ray Farmer: "You definitely want to make sure you're finding the best player" #NFLDraft

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Some promising NFL prospects from day 1 were Kadeem Edwards from Tennessee State and Russell Bodine an Form North Carolina.

Here are some tweets from the Big C interview with Kadeem:

"It's just a blessing to get picked" Kadeem Edwards said when asked about where he'd like to go in the draft. #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

I asked Kadeem Edwards if he interviews with the @Bengals and he said no. #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

Here is a tweet from the Big C interview with Russell:

"Whoever wants me is where I want to be" & "I just want to play" Russell Bodine said when asked about teams #NFLDraft #NFLCombine

— Carlos Holmes (@BigCScout) February 20, 2014

For more from Big C's interview with Russell Bodine click here.

Tomorrow, look for:

• Thomas Dimitroff - Atlanta Falcons General Manager


• Mike Zimmer - Minnesota Vikings Head Coach and former Cincinnati Bengals Coach


• Marvin Lewis - Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach

Stay tuned for a feature story from interview with former Cleveland Browns running back Eric Metcalf.