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Cornerback Aqib Talib (3) of Kansas has a lot riding on the Scouting Combine, writes NBCSports.com contributor Dan Pompei.

Q: Will the Bears play Brian Urlacher at outside LB, a la Lawrence Taylor, in order to preserve his back and resign Lance Briggs?
— Tom O’Brien, Chicago

A: The Bears would like to have Briggs back, but his presence probably would not have a bearing on where Urlacher will play. The Bears coaches have been steadfast about playing Urlacher in the middle. Since the Bears installed their current defensive system in 2004, I have thought Urlacher might be best suited at weakside linebacker. But Lovie Smith has thought differently, so Urlacher has been in the middle. I’m not sure moving him outside would do him any favors in terms of preserving his spine, however. Outside linebackers take part in a lot of violent collisions too.

Q: I have heard rumors that my Cowboys are shopping Marcus Spears and Bobby Carpenter as trade bait. What are your thoughts on these two former first-rounders getting traded and to who? Dallas could use another CB or a veteran WR.
— Roderick, Atlanta

A: I asked a Cowboys source if either player is being shopped and was told no. That doesn’t mean the Cowboys would not be open to trading either Spears or Carpenter if someone came calling, however. In the case of Spears, the Cowboys believe they need as much defensive line depth as possible, so he has a value to the team. Carpenter has less value to the Cowboys, but he also would not have much value to anyone else.

Q: Now that the Texans have finally gone 8-8, what do they need to get into the playoffs?
— Tim, Louisville, Ky.

A: The Texans look like they are headed in the right direction, so they just need to stay the course. They definitely could use a cornerback. They should continue to bolster the offensive line. And they still haven’t found a running back. Other than that, a little good health is exactly what they need.

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more. more photos

Q: Do the Seahawks finally get it together and have a championship farewell season for Mike Holmgren?
— Chase Morrison, Bothell, Wash.

A: I would say the Seahawks will be in the mix, which is about the best you could say for any team at this point of the year.  They have been in the mix every year, and there is no reason to believe they won’t continue to be in the mix. It helps that they play in the NFC, which should be completely up for grabs as it was this year.  They have fine coaching, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFC and some dynamic playmakers on defense. The Seahawks need to address the running game in the offseason, however.

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Offseason needs for NFC teams

Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.

Jeff Gross / Getty Images

Wesseling: Offseason priorities for AFC teams

Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.

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