By Michael Marot
The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS - Rick Spielman couldn't believe it took so long to organize the NFL scouting combine.

But after a series of complaints, an increasing number of frustrated team executives and weary runners chasing players sometimes until midnight, the league has apparently found a solution to its chaotic interviewing process.

"I think it's been outstanding the way it was organized," said Spielman, the Miami Dolphins general manager. "In the '60s we put a man on the moon, but we couldn't figure out a way to organize this thing at night."

The past problems were a result of NFL teams interviewing players on a first-come, first-served basis with no time limits. Sometimes, as in the case of Ryan Leaf and the Indianapolis Colts, a scheduled meeting was missed because another team would corral the player.

This year the league adopted new policies.

They limited teams to no more than 60 interviews, imposed a 15-minute time limit and asked teams to submit player requests before the combine. The league also videotaped interviews, which are available to each team.

It seemed to get almost universal approval.

"We were able to get out 50 to 60 interviews done like clockwork," Buffalo president Tom Donahoe said.

In the past, some players who interviewed late into the night were expected to wake up at 6 a.m. Players and agents had cited that as one reason they didn't want to work out, something many coaches and team executives have criticized.

But the new system also appealed to the players.

"I'm impressed with how organized it is this year," Purdue linebacker Joe Odom said. "As long as we get stuff done when we're supposed to, you have time to put your feet up at night and relax."

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RECEIVING QUANDRY: There's no question the Dolphins want to improve their depth at wide receiver.

With Oronde Gadsden an unrestricted free agent, and the uncertainty of how much longer 37-year-old Cris Carter can play, coach Dave Wannstedt said the Dolphins would like to add a receiver one way or another.

"We may be looking to add somebody, either through the draft or free agency," Wannstedt said.

Wannstedt indicated that Sunday's wide receiver workouts would go a long way in determining which direction the Dolphins pursued for help.

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QUARTERBACK QUESTION: The biggest question in Cleveland is whether Kelly Holcomb or Tim Couch will start at quarterback next season.

Coach Butch Davis didn't name a starter this week, but he did say the Browns intended to keep both players and that a quarterback would likely be named before training camp opens.

"I think we'll have a starting quarterback by then," Davis said.

Davis also was coy. When asked if either quarterback had an edge over the other one, he responded: "Yeah, they do."

He didn't elaborate.

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DEFINING MOMENT: In addition to restructuring the contracts of quarterback Steve McNair and right guard Benji Olson, Tennessee general manager Floyd Reese said the Titans are also trying to decide what they want from their fullbacks.

Reese said the Titans thought they had the best blocking back in the league, Lorenzo Neal, before deciding that they wanted a more versatile back. That led to the signing of Greg Comella. Now, the Titans are reconsidering what role they want a fullback to play.

"At the end of last year, we were kind of back to where we were before," Reese said. "We've had a hard time defining that position."

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NFL Calendar

• Feb. 27 - Deadline for clubs to submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents whose contracts have expired and to whom they wish to retain a right of first refusal/compensation; deadline for clubs to submit offer of minimum salary to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with fewer than three seasons of free agency credit whose contracts have expired.

• Feb. 28 - Veteran free agency signing period begins; trading period begins.

• March 23-26 - NFL annual meeting, Phoenix.

• April 18 - Signing period ends for restricted free agents.

• April 25 - Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.

• April 26-27 - NFL draft, New York.

• May 20-21 - NFL spring meeting, Philadelphia.

• June 1 - Deadline for old clubs to send offer to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22.

• June 1 - Deadline for old clubs to send offer to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.

• June 15 - Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting offer of 110 percent of previous year's salary.

• July 22 - Signing period ends at 4 p.m. EDT for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 offer.

• Aug. 4 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, Ohio.

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