Packers training camp has begun!

At 8:20 a.m. CT this morning, Green Bay Packers coaches and players hit the practice field for the first time as summer training camp got underway. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated in talks with reporters that the reason for the 8:20 a.m. start time for nine of the team's initial morning practice sessions during camp is that he feels it will more closely approximate a typical game day schedule (at least in terms of getting the players up early) and help endurance. You can find a full training camp practice schedule here.

One of the initial observations coming out these early moments in camp is that instead of doing a jog through as is often the case, McCarthy reportedly had the number one offense going against the number two defense for a while. Nothing like jumping right into the fire.

PUP list
Starting camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) are seven players: OT Derek Sherrod (leg), DE Jerel Worthy (knee), RB DuJuan Harris (knee), S Sean Richardson (neck), OT JC Tretter (ankle), DE Mike Neal (abdomen) and S Chaz Powell (unknown). LB Jamari Latttimore was also placed on the non-football injury list.

There are no real shockers on this list other than Mike Neal, who was at and performed well during offseason OTAs and minicamp. No doubt more will come out about Neal's status as camp takes shape.

A disgruntled Greg Jennings?
It's not unusual for a pro athlete these days to bad mouth his former team, particularly if they felt they were not treated fairly or respected somewhere along the way. But Greg Jennings?

Now that he is with the ViQueens, Jennings has been mouthing off about the Packers and especially QB Aaron Rodgers. We won't dignify Jennings' comments by repeating them here as they are really not worthy of comment. Coach McCarthy said it best in his press conference yesterday when asked about Jennings' statements: "When you put on that purple, something happens to you." Yes indeed. And considering Minnesota is where some formerly great Packers players go to soon regret their new existence, it should be no surprise that Jennings is having his moment of ViQueen remorse by venting against his old team. That's OK, Greg. Good luck with that new guy throwing the ball in your general vicinity. What's his name? Oh yeah, Christian Ponder. Hope that works out well for you. I'm sure that will be much better for your career. (Insert sarcastic snort here.)

That's about all we have time for at the moment, Packer fans. But this is the beginning of the fun. Always great to see who emerges in training camp that is a total surprise. Wonderful to get the football juices flowing again, isn't it? You bet. It's great to be a Packer fan!

Say it with me: Go Pack Go!!!

Packers' Lambeau Field now third largest stadium in NFL

With today's dedication of roughly 7,000 new seats in the south end zone of Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers now boast the third largest stadium in the National Football League, with seating for approximately 81,000 fans. When Lambeau Field opened in 1957, it was then known as City Stadium and had a seating capacity of 32,500 (the name was changed in 1965, when it was renamed in memory of Packers founder, player, and long-time head coach, Curly Lambeau, who died earlier in that year).

This latest expansion is the ninth since the stadium opened. It is now the largest stadium in Wisconsin, surpassing Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The height of the new viewing terrace, roughly 300 feet up in the stadium, makes it the highest point in Brown County, according to reports. One might well expect that there will be some differences in how the wind is experienced within the stadium, not to mention the sound of 81,000 Packer fans cheering the Pack on to another victory!

Today, the fans who were lucky enough get their seats in this new area and have their names removed from the waiting list, had a chance to meet their seats in person. Many took the opportunity to do so following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Here's a video from WKOW-TV, Madison, about today's dedication...Go Pack Go!!!

The Packers logo, a musical history, and more

Did you ever wonder how the iconic Packers "G" logo came about? Wonder no longer, Packer fans and those who wish you were.

St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI -- which, by the way, has been home of the Packers' summer training camp for 55 years this summer (the longest continuous residence of any team anywhere) -- recently produced a brief video which tells the story.

It begins with then-St. Norbert College art student John Gordon and ends with the famous "G" logo. Mobile users can watch the video here.

Also, you'll find a link to St. Norbert College in our "Links" area in the righthand column of our home page. It's one of the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, some might argue the entire U.S. If you're visiting Green Bay for anything Packers related, be sure to drive a few miles south and check out the campus along the west bank of the Fox River. It's beautiful. And it's been part of Packers history for many, many years.


Packers History Set to Music. Wait...What???
It was bound to happen. As soon as the Packers Heritage Trail became a reality in the last year or so, somebody was going to get the bright idea to set Packers history to music. Well, OK, maybe it it wouldn't be the first thing to come to mind. But still, somebody eventually did think of it.

Courtesy of Let Me Be Frank Productions’ latest show, “The Packers Heritage Trail: Through Curly’s Eyes,” the audience travels back to the Packers 1932 season and the days of Curly Lambeau. As this article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette also notes, in addition to the show, Let Me Be Frank and C&M Marketing are putting together trolley tours of the Packers Heritage Trail hosted by one of the cast members. That could be fun. The show itself runs July 19 through Aug. 17 at the Meyer Theatre, 117 S. Washington St., Green Bay. Tickets are available via this link or by calling (920) 494-3401.

Desmond Bishop winds up in Minnesota
In the continuing line of Packers' castoffs who get gobbled up by the ViQueens in the hopes they can somehow win a Super Bowl (insert guffaw here), LB Desmond Bishop signed a deal with Minnesota recently. We wish Desmond the best. He was a good and hard-working player for the Pack and this writer, for one, wishes the Packers had hung on to him. Obviously, they made the decision that after his injury he might not be the player he once was. And considering the plethora of players the team has available at linebacker, they felt they could improve the situation by releasing him. So it goes in the business of football.

Anyone else here believe the Packers will make a return to the Super Bowl Champions stand before the ViQueens make it? Thought so.

Have you checked out our "Front Page" yet?
You'll notice under our main logo that we have three pages available for your reading pleasure: Posts (that's the page you're on now, obviously, or you wouldn't be reading this, right?), Front Page, and a page with our Privacy Policy (which you can read if you really want to but...well...it would be a pretty sad commentary on your life, don't you think?).

Other than our main home Posts page, be sure to check out the Front Page when you stop in as it gathers all the latest Packers news from across the universe into one convenient place for you. Check it out. We think you'll like it. A lot. Almost as much as these brilliant Posts.

In conclusion...
Go Pack Go!!!

A few updates at PackerFansUnited.com

Well, folks, we've implemented a few subtle site changes here at PackerFansUnited.com. Yes, the general look you've become accustomed to and love (c'mon, admit it!) hasn't changed much. Still trying to keep it somewhat simple. The main area on the landing page is still devoted to our posts. In fact, you will now see that creatively titled "PackerFansUnited Posts" on the horizontal menu just about the most recent post. And the Privacy Policy is still there too; these pages were before listed at the very bottom of the righthand column, so you may not have even known that we have a privacy policy. Now you do.

Speaking of that righthand column, we did some reorganizing over there, moved some things around, removed some things, added some things. There's still our PackerFansUnited shop where you can get some really nifty (wait, did I just say "nifty"? Oh, man...) attire and gift items for yourself or others. Go take a look. You might be surprised to see all the goodies there and want to pick up something for yourself before we head into the start of the season. You'll also find our Twitter feed, latest headlines, links you might find of use, blogs and forums we suggest you check out, our blog archive (going back to 2005...yes, we've been doing this for the last eight years now!), as well as organizations to consider supporting.

One of the biggest new additions is our new PackerFansUnited Front Page, which is the second menu item just above the most recent post. This page will continually update with Packers and NFL news of interest, and perhaps a few other things that find their way in. Check it out. We think you'll like it.

Keep stopping back for our exceptionally insightful posts (if we do say so...and we do) and more. That's the only way we stay Packer Fans United!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers weekly wrap up

This time of year -- with less than 90 days to go to the start of the NFL season -- is one during which, well, many of us are engaged in activities other than obsessing about football and all-things Packers. I know, I know, that may be considered blasphemy in some circles. But the fact of the matter is, particularly here in Packerland, we've waited so-o-o-o-o long for summer to arrive that we want to savor it when it shows up for that all-too-brief time. So, forvive us, please, for the gaps between posts here at PackerFansUnited.com. It's not that we're not paying attention to what's going on in Green Bay, it's just that there really isn't too much of note going on. Wait until training camp starts. Then there will be some news now and then.

Having said that, let's recap recent happenings just for the heck of it, shall we?

Mini-camp over and done; second chance for Jolly begins
The mandatory mini-camp was held earlier this last week. An item of note included the attendance and participation by defensive lineman, Johnny Jolly. After three years out of football due to a well-documented legal matter and suspension by the league, the now 30-year-old Jolly has a second chance with the Packers. He was an up-and-coming force on the D-line when old friends and bad habits back in Houston scuttled his promising career. Now an older and hopefully wiser Jolly will focus on football. His teammates were said to be very happy to have him back. He's got a way to go to get into playing condition again. But if he's not motivated now he never will be. This writer is rooting for him. Many other Packer fans are, too.

Cornerback Sam Shields, who was a no-show at the optional OTAs, was also on hand, although complaining about not "getting paid." Sam, please. You're getting paid better than 99.9% of the people on this planet. You'll get paid more -- and appreciated more -- if you let your play this season do the talking.

LB Desmond Bishop had said he'd be back from his rehab in time for OTAs, at least the second one. He was at mini-camp but didn't participate in any team drills. Training camp -- which begins in a little more than six weeks from now -- is supposedly his new target.

The biggest move of note, of course, was the switching of the offensive line. Brian Bulaga was reported to be struggling a bit at left tackle, his old college position, after having been moved from the right side. But other players also making the switch indicated to reporters that it would take a while to get everything in sync. No doubt.

Oh, and what about the news that RB DuJuan Harris -- who came on late last season -- had a fist-sized cyst removed from his lung? It was discovered during a routine physical. Yowza.

Dodgeball winner
Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, typically likes to end his mini-camps with a fun team, non-football, activity. This last week, that activity wound up being dodgeball. It should go without saying that the guy with the golden arm (or should we say, Green 'n' Gold arm?) won. Yes, QB Aaron Rodgers prevailed. Read more about the details of that event here. It's worth a few minutes of your time to learn about Rodgers' dodgeball proclivities.

Favre finally fesses up
In a seemingly long-overdue admission that "I was at fault," former Packers QB and future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre, told Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550-AM during an interview in Buffalo. “It is what it is. It's over and done with. I was at fault,” he said. Although Favre did say that he felt "both sides had a part in it." For what it's worth, Favre said that "I think things will be fine in due time.” He and Packers President, Mark Murphy, have been in communication and that's a good thing for both parties. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers did something this season in terms of retiring Favre's number to get that out of the way before Favre goes into the NFL Hall of Fame. It's about time to get this out of the way and move on, don't you think?

What can we count on, Packers fans?

One of the things you can count on in the NFL offseason is that there really isn't much to count on. Oh, sure, there are draftee signings, undrafted free agent signings, veteran free agents moving from team to team, and so on. Even some rookie camps and OTAs. But aside from that...?

After all, who could have counted on the Packers braintrust deciding to flip-flop the offensive line? (Even though the consensus, it seems, among many Packer fans is that this is certainly worth trying in order to keep Mr. Rodgers a bit more upright than in past seasons.) Or that the Packers would be heading into this season without the veteran leadership provided by Donald Driver, Charles Woodson and Greg Jennings? What about the possibility of having an actual rushing attack for the first time in what seems like a generation...anyone here see that one coming? And yet, two big draft picks -- Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin -- may fill that void in a way not seen in Green Bay in ages. What about the defense? Did anyone here count on DE Mike Neal being tried out at outside linebacker? Who'da thunk it?!

But we can count on one more OTA from June 11-14, which is interestingly preceded by mandatory minicamp June 4-6. Packers players will report for the start of training camp July 25, with the first practice on Friday, July 26. Then, we can almost taste the football in the air. (Wait...that doesn't sound so appetizing, does it? Well, you know what I meant...I hope...)

Football will be with us in less than 100 days from now. So stay tuned. As long-time readers of PackerFansUnited.com know, as we get closer to the start of stuff that matters we begin to ramp up our coverage. Until then, for those who need their daily fantasy sports, you'll just have to find other ways to keep entertained.

Please keep checking back with us. Follow us on Twitter (@packfansunited). We appreciate you stopping by and spending a few moments of your valuable time with us. We hope to make it worth your while more often than not.

Go Pack Go!!!

A Packer Fan's Story - Part Deux - The Tebow Hex

While the recently drafted rookie class of the Green Bay Packers gathers this weekend to be wowed, dazzled and overwhelmed by all that is the Green 'n' Gold, we thought we'd share an update with you to the story of Steve, our longtime friend and regular reader of Packer Fans United. He said it was OK to publish this latest adventure. So, without further ado...A Packer Fan's Story - Part Deux, from Washington, D.C.

The Biking Jogging Incident
By Steve

In my first book, Theophilus, I dealt with how the wearing of a Packers t-shirt in Metro Washington, D.C. inspired the kind outreach in a biking mishap by a fellow Packer fan, also born in Wauwatosa, WI (see original post here). In this my second book, I ask, "Did the wearing of a New York Jets Tim Tebow shirt bring bad luck and hinder assistance during a Metro DC running incident?"

Having already slept in the Tebow t-shirt, I rolled out of bed, changed from my Clareware pajama bottoms to running shorts, donned my freshly washed Catholic Charities disaster relief baseball hat, laced up the Sauconys, and prepared my wrists with my runners watch and "in case of emergency, call..." band. (Editor's note: any brands out there reading this...send the product placement mention royalties to me, please, not Steve. That is all...)

On this muggy Saturday morning, but a few hours from a spring thunderstorm, I began to sweat profusely as I ran around a campus block. Somewhat early on a Saturday morning, there were few university students to offer up a thumbs up or thumbs down to my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt. As I ran around the block that constitutes the CUA Dufour Sports Center, I spotted an opening to the gate of the athletic track and chose the modern running track over the cracked sidewalk and streets -- much easier on the knees.

About 30 minutes later, attempting to exit the outdoor track through the same gate, I noticed that the gate was now locked shut. Hmm, adorned by my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-sirt, I ran around the premises to determine whether any other gates were unlocked. No luck; furthermore, the sports center building was locked. Basically, Theophilus, I was locked inside the outdoor athletic facility at The Catholic University of America. Would I be fed to the lions in this 21st century Coliseum?

Like all modern campuses, this one also has emergency phones ALL OVER THE PLACE. So, I approached the standard and called Security. I explained that I was a resident of one of the halls, had entered the track through an unlocked gate, but was now locked inside. The dispatcher assured me that she would send someone over to escort me through the building and off the premises.

A few minutes later, I waved down a robust security officer. He asked what I was doing on the grounds. I explained that the track gate was unlocked but was now locked. He looked at my New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt and asked, "Do you have a (University) ID?" I answered, "Yes, in my room...".

When he asked for any ID, I did wave my wrist at him, with the emergency band info to call in times of trouble! After looking at my shirt and asking me a few more times how I got inside the track and if I had an ID, he finally unlocked the sports center, and led me through the building. As I mentioned, it was rather humid, and my Sauconys did pick up some moisture and mud during the morning run, so I did almost wipe out on the stairs in the athletic center as he escorted me out the building. Great, I thought, first this guy wonders what the stranger with the New York Jets Tim Tebow t-shirt is doing running on our locked track; then, he breaks an ankle on our stairway while being escorted off the property.

He asked if I were OK, and I replied, "No worries, sir; I always use hand rails on stairs."

Moral of the story: "Packer gear: Don't leave home without it.

Thanks again, Steve, for sharing this most recent sport attire incident with us. But really: Tebow? Jets? Had to be a freebie...no way you would have paid for that! And obviously, it sure didn't garner you any major assistance points either, did it?

Which leads me to the Editor's moral of the story: it's great to be a Packers fan! Just be sure to wear your gear! (In fact, you can get some great Packer Fans United gear here.)! Get the respect you deserve! Don't be forced to wear some funky Jets-Tebow stuff. It's just not worth it, man. C'mon...order today!!!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers Bits and Pieces

It was an exciting post-draft week for the Green Bay Packers and their fans. Firstly, the Pack had, by most accounts, a successful draft overall. We gave it an A- and that seemed to be a popular grade among many if not most pundits. Yes, it could be argued the team needed to add a safety and didn't. Or a starting left tackle, and didn't. A few things like that brought down some people's opinion of the Pack's draft.

But on the other hand, the Packers picked up arguably the best running back in the draft -- Eddie Lacy -- and, according to some others, the second best back, Johnathan Franklin. Barring injury, that duo could be the starting backfield along with fullback John Kuhn. Given the paucity of a Packers running game since the departure of Ryan Grant at least and, some might say, Ahman Green, these two picks alone will give a much-needed boost and variation to an offense that for the last few years has been far-too one dimensional.

On the defensive side of the ball, DE Datone Jones may provide enough of a pass rush presence to make offenses account for more than just Clay Matthews in their protection schemes. DT Josh Boyd should help bolster and give relief to a defensive front that needed some depth. LB Nate Palmer spent time already with linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Greene, according to reports, told Palmer that he could help take his play to another level. Apparently, the Packers see something in Palmer they like. Very much.

The Flip-Flop
While the lack of offensive tackle picks bothered some, the Pack did add depth with the selections of David Bakhtiari and J.C. Tretter. But the other way the Pack addressed the offensive line issues of last year -- far too many sacks given up -- was to shuffle the existing players.

This week, head coach Mike McCarthy announced that they were moving Bryan Bulaga from the right tackle position to the left and also flipping Josh Sitton from right guard to left. Bulaga and Sitton are the two best offensive linemen the Packers have and it makes sense for them to be protecting the blindside of the $100+ million quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Evan Dietrich-Smith will anchor the line at center, while T.J. Lang will move from right guard to left. Marshall Newhouse will move from left tackle to right. So the personnel is the same, but they will now be playing different sides of the line. Let's hope it works out as planned. Let's also hope they are able to create some lanes for what could be the best running attack the Packers have had in a generation.

Al Harris Retires as a Packer
Former Packers CB Al Harris retired as a Green Bay Packer this week, despite not playing for the team for about 3-1/2 years. But that's OK, Al wanted to retire with the team and in the city that meant the most to him during his long career. He had many memorable moments as a Packer before a torn ACL ended his run with the team. But can we ever forget that interception off Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck in overtime of the playoffs? No. But if you need a reminder, just click here

Packers Shareholders Meeting Set for July 24
For those who are proud shareholders of the Green Bay Packers, the team announced that its annual meeting will be held at Lambeau Field on Wed. July 24. Once again, each shareholder will be able to bring a guest and, of course, revel in all things Packers. It doesn't get any better than that!

Learn more about the shareholders meeting here.

Packers Draft Re-Cap

The Green Bay Packers came through the three days and seven rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft with 11 selections when it was all said and done. GM Ted Thompson started off on Thursday with eight picks, wound up at the end of that day with a total of 10 yet to be used for the remaining rounds; yes, that would make 12 overall. But he used one of those picks on Day 2 to move up a few spots in Round 4 to select RB Johnathan Franklin of UCLA. When the draft finally completed last evening, the Packers had 11 new players to add to the pre-season roster mix. (This writer, by the way, in a pre-draft post had noted that Thompson would wheel-and-deal his way to wind up with at least 10 picks when it was over. I was close.)

What can we say, first, about the draft overall and, secondly, the selections in particular? Let's get the first question out of the way. I'd give Thompson and the Packers an A- on this draft. As I said in a reply to someone on Twitter during the draft, I had high expectations and they were exceeded. In scanning some of the pundit and media reviews of the Packers' picks, it seems as if the overall grades range from A to B depending upon the reviewer's view, of course (and individual player ratings generally ranged from A to C). So let's just not get into too many details about the overall grade. The Packers did well. Very well.

In particular, it seems as if many sportswriters' views of the success of the Packers' picks focuses around the two running backs they selected: Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and the aforementioned Franklin. Lacy, to many, was arguably the highest-rated running back in the draft and a likely first-round pick. He was a great value pick for the Packers, falling to number 61 in the second round. Franklin was also viewed very positively by many and for the Packers to wind up with both apparently left many in awe. Not just for the caliber of the backs themselves, but for the fact that the Packers might -- after so many years of floundering in the running game -- finally have a duo in the backfield that provides a thunder-and-lightening combination that could give defenses fits. Especially in terms of what it will do to further open up the Packers' passing attack. Add in last season's late arrival and impact running back, DuJuan Harris, and the Packers might finally have something to provide balance in the offensive scheme that we haven't seen in a long, long time.

The Picks for the Pack
Without further ado, let's just list who the Packers picked up in the draft. We'll then take a look at the undrafted free agents signed by the Packers so far.

• Round 1 #26 DE Datone Jones, UCLA
• Round 2 #61 RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
• Round 4 #109 OT David Bakhtiari, Colorado
• Round 4 #122 OT J.C. Tretter, Cornell
• Round 4 #125 RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
• Round 5 #159 CB Micah Hyde, Iowa
• Round 5 #167 DE Josh Boyd, Mississippi State
• Round 6 #193 LB Nate Palmer, Illinois State
• Round 7 #216 WR Charles Johnson, Grand Valley State
• Round 7 #224 WR Kevin Dorsey, Maryland
• Round 7 #232 LB Sam Barrington, South Florida

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

• QB Matt Brown, Illinois State
• S Ben Ericksen, Illinois State
• G Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M
• OLB Andy Mulumba, Eastern Michigan
• RB Angelo Pease, Kansas State
• NT Gilbert Pena, Mississippi
• TE Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State
• G Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
• CB Damond Smith, South Alabama
• S Cedrick Moore, Stony Brook
• C Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M

What Does it All Mean?
The general consensus among pundits seems to be that, after the Packers got shredded by the 49ers in the playoffs, changes needed to be made on both sides of the ball. And that's what the Packers have done with these signings and a few recent moves. "Bigger," "faster," "stronger" are descriptors which can apply favorably in most sports, but especially football. The Packers definitely got bigger and stronger with their selections. They may have also gotten faster, particularly with the addition of Franklin and Johnson, both of whom are speedsters. Hopefully, they also perhaps got a bit tougher. They'll need it all to go head to head against the 49ers again this season -- and every other team on a tough schedule -- beginning in the 2013 season week 1 re-match.

There's an excellent article on this very topic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by sportswriter Tom Silverstein. I recommend you read it.

For now, it looks very good for the Packers going into their early pre-season OTAs and mini-camps. That's what we think. Tell us how you think the Packers did with their draft by taking our poll in the upper righthand column. Inquiring minds want to know: what grade would you assign?

What's in store for the Packers, NFL Draft Rounds 4-7?

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson started the 2013 NFL Draft on Thursday night with eight draft picks. By the end of the second day of the draft (rounds 2 and 3), Trader Ted had accumulated 12 picks total at his command...10 of them for use today as the Draft winds up with rounds 4 through 7.

To briefly recap, Thompson and the Packers stayed put at number 26 in the 1st round and got someone they had apparently been targeting: UCLA DE Datone Jones. Former coach and now ESPN talking head, Jon Gruden, called Jones his "sleeper pick" of the 1st round. The general consensus was that the Packers did very well getting Jones, who should make an immediate impact on the defensive line's overall performance.

The Packers were set up in the second round to pick at number 55. However, they traded down out of that pick with the 49ers. For dropping six spots to number 61, they picked up the 173rd pick overall. The drop didn't seem to hurt them any, as they wound up selecting arguably the best running back in the Draft, Eddie Lacy out of Alabama. Why other backs were chosen ahead of Lacy -- who was projected in most mock drafts to be a 1st rounder -- is anyone's guess. As Packer fans, we may wind up viewing this as another gift from the football gods much in the same way as Aaron Rodgers falling into the Packers' lap. Gil Brandt, a highly-respected evaluator of league talent, had this to say on Lacy: "I think this guy has a chance to be better than Trent Richardson." We'd take that wouldn't we, Packer fans? You bet.

The Packers also had a pick at 88 in the 3rd round. But, they traded down again with the 49ers to the 93rd pick. Strap yourself in now...because when the 93rd pick came on the clock, the Packers traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins. Still with me? Anyway, for moving out of that slot, the Packers got numbers 109, 146, and 224 from Miami.

Packers Picks Coming Up
It can all get a bit confusing, can't it? So, let's summarize what's in store for the Packers during rounds 4-7 today, with the number of the overall pick and round (at least as the day begins and pending any other moves the Packers might make):

• 109 - Round 4
• 122 - Round 4
• 146 - Round 5
• 159 - Round 5
• 167 - Round 5
• 173 - Round 6
• 193 - Round 6
• 216 - Round 7
• 224 - Round 7
• 232 - Round 7

That's quite a boatload of draft picks. Which is just how Ted Thompson likes it, thank you very much. This is also typically where Thompson seems to work much of his drafting magic: in the later rounds. Given that this is considered a deep draft, Thompson has to be chomping at the bit to see how the board unfolds for him throughout the course of the day.

The Packers addressed two major needs with the first two picks. Now, the Packers and Thompson will address other needs: offensive line, safety, linebacker, receiver and tight end. With 10 picks to work with, Thompson should have a field day.

And when the draft is all said and done, it's not really all said and done. That's because the next day or two will bring about the signings of undrafted free agents. Again, given how deep this draft is, we can expect that Thompson may find a gem or two among the undrafted players, as well. It will be fun to watch.

C'mon...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

Eddie Lacy: Packers running back

After trading out of the 55th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, swapping places with the 49ers at number 61 and getting an extra pick in the sixth round (#173), and seeing a first round pick in the form of Alabama running back Eddie Lacy still on the board, the Green Bay Packers had to take him. It was too much a value pick, not to mention need.

As former Colts GM Bill Polian said after the pick, "The happiest man in America tonight is Aaron Rodgers." He of course noted not just Rodgers' huge new contract extension (see earlier post from this evening), but also the fact that he's now got a running back that is a legitimate every-down type of runner and someone defenses are going to have to account for. That's something that hasn't happened in a while, as Packer fans know all too well.

Packer fans have to be pleased with the first two picks of this draft for the Pack. Granted, I was hoping that Montee Ball would be the Packers' selection in round two, but he went a couple picks earlier to Denver after the Packers dropped down. If the Pack had wanted Ball, they would have stayed at number 55. Apparently, they felt Lacy would fit their needs. Hard to argue with from a power standpoint. If they want speed in the backfield, pair him up with DuJuan Harris and see what defenses can do trying to defend that combination. And with a 4.44 40-yard time, Lacy isn't exactly slow, either. This could make Rodgers and a potent passing offense even more of a nightmare for defenses.

Now, let's hope Thompson picks an offensive lineman, a receiver, and a safety somewhere along the way.

We'll have more on the round two and three selections tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Go Pack Go!!!

Aaron Rodgers. Deal. Done.

As if the Green Bay Packers didn't have enough on their collective plate right now with the 2013 NFL Draft going on, they decided to finish off their contract extension talks with QB Aaron Rodgers.


Apparently, the Pack decided to do it up right. After all, if you're the professional football team located in the league's smallest city why not make history? And that's what the Packers did. They rewarded Rodgers with the highest salary in NFL history. Rodgers got a five-year, $110 million contract extension, averaging $22 million per year.

Read this great article by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for more of the details.

Packers get 1st round "sleeper" DE Datone Jones

Let's first admit: I got it wrong. My guess, as I posted in pre-draft entries here, was that the Green Bay Packers would trade down out of the the number 26 spot in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to acquire additional picks. That's typically GM Ted Thompson's way of doing things. My updated guess is that, somehow, he's still going to wind up with more than the eight picks with which he started.

(Courtesy UCLA)
But that's not the point here. Thompson and the Packers stuck with their first round pick because there was someone on the board that they had targeted and, in fact, didn't think would still be available, according to Thompson. That player was indeed available when the Pack went on the clock. And they got him: UCLA DE Datone Jones. Welcome to the Packers, Mr. Jones. Glad to have you in the Green 'n' Gold, and wearing jersey number 95.

As the Packers' number finally came up in round one, ESPN displayed Mel Kiper Jr.s' 10 best picks still available...according to him, of course. Jones was nowhere to be seen on that list. When the selection was announced, former coach and current talking head, Jon Gruden, declared that this was his "sleeper" pick of the first round. He went on to say he thought the Packers got a great player who will add considerably to the defensive performance of the Pack. Personally, I tend to trust Gruden's instincts more than Kiper's.

As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers writer extraordinaire, Bob McGinn, says in his article about Jones, "Jones, 6 feet 4 inches and 280 pounds, is the prototypical base end that teams with 3-4 schemes crave but the Packers have played without for the last four seasons." Ted Thompson, from the post-draft press conference, is quoted by McGinn as saying, "We talked about (Jones') length. I don't think that can drive your decision. But we were looking for something a little bit different than what we have." McGinn notes, "With (Jerel) Worthy doubtful to play a contributing role in 2013 because of reconstructive knee surgery in mid-January, Jones will be expected to become an immediate fixture in the nickel defense alongside either Neal or Raji."

How well that all shakes out come game days in the 2013 season remains to be seen. But the general consensus among fans and pundits alike last evening was that this was a needed and good selection for the Packers. For what it's worth, yours truly concurs. As more than one pundit noted after the pick, the Packers have been desperately seeking a replacement for the loss of Cullen Jenkins for the last several years; most think the Pack got that replacement last night with the selection of Jones.

How sweet that would be.

Go Pack Go!!!

Who will the Packers pick in NFL Draft?

Today is like Christmas for football fans everywhere, and it is one of the revered days for fans of the Green Bay Packers. The first day of the NFL Draft means our team gets to open presents...gifts in the form of new players, that is. But it's really even better than that because the team gets to select its own presents!

On the other hand, as with some gifts, they occasionally don't work out so well. They don't perform as advertised or as expected. If you pick something out for yourself, sometimes you wonder, "What the heck was I thinking?". That is not the response any NFL team general manager wants to have rolling around his head a few months from now when the realization strikes that you have a bust on your hands and you blew a draft pick.

OK, OK...enough negatives...

For Packer fans, we're always curious to see exactly what GM Ted Thompson will do. He plays his cards as close to the vest as any Mississippi riverboat gambler. The Packers go into the first round with the 26th pick overall. The last time they picked at 26, they got a fairly good player. Someone named Clay Matthews. Actually, Ted had to move up in the draft order to get him. I'd say that was a pretty good call, wouldn't you? Moving up in the order is typically not something Thompson does unless he's exceptionally keen on a player. Whether there is anyone in this draft that similarly excites Mr. Thompson we will all have to wait to see.

My guess is that Thompson will move down into the second round, perhaps the late 30s or early 40s, and acquire more picks in the process...which is something we all know Thompson likes to do. He did that a few years back and choose WR Jordy Nelson in the 40s. Not bad.

So, here's your chance to play Packers general manager. We have a poll in the column to the right asking you what position the Packers will address with their first pick in the draft, wherever it comes in the order. We don't need names, just the position. So...what are you waiting for? Vote now! The poll is open until 7 p.m. CT tonight.

Regardless of how things shake out tonight and over the next few days of the Draft, it's great to be a Packer fan!

GO PACK GO!!!

Packers to stay pat, move up or move down in NFL Draft. Which will it be?

With the NFL Draft beginning in three days, the conversations online and over the airwaves are starting to really gain momentum. For the Green Bay Packers, aside from the speculation as to who the Pack will pick, discussion always takes place as to whether GM Ted Thompson will stay with his first pick (#26 overall in the first round), trade up to get someone he really covets, or trade down to acquire additional picks.

When you look at Thompson's historical M.O., he generally prefers to acquire more picks in a draft than he goes into it with. He said as much in his pre-draft press conference late last week. Something to the effect that it's kind of like baseball: the more swings you have the more likely you are to get a hit. That's the way Thompson views the draft overall. Going into this draft with eight selections, one would expect Thompson to attempt to leverage that into perhaps 10 picks when all is said and done. That probably means trading down out of the 26th pick to get an additional pick. He'll spend the draft moving up and down to get more picks overall, as well as get players that he and his staff have targeted as fitting with the Packers' system.

That's not to say Thompson won't pull the trigger at 26 if a high-value player falls to him there. Given the nature of this draft class, however, there may not be one of those players available when the Packers go on the clock.

I realize we're talking in generalities here but, really, that's about the best we can do. We're looking at the past as a precursor to the future. It's this writer's guess (and that's all) that Thompson will trade down into somewhere in the early second round -- perhaps somewhere in the 40's -- to start geting more picks. There's a good deal of talent of roughly equal ability at the positions that the Packers need: safety, running back, offensive line, receiver, linebacker and tight end. The top picks in each category -- perhaps with the exception of running back -- will likely be off the board by the time the Packers number comes up in the first round. It would be very surprising if Thompson were to take a running back in the first round, despite many mock drafts having the Packers selecting Eddie Lacy out of Alabama. On the other hand, if DE Datone Jones from UCLA were to be available at #26, I could well imagine Thompson selecting him. Beyond that...I see Packer fans waiting a while for the Pack's first pick of the 2013 draft.

But I also see Packer fans being happy with the outcome of the draft. There are not a lot of big names to be found. But it seems as if Thompson always works his draft magic with relative unknowns anyway. The Packers will take a running back in the draft, perhaps as high as the second round but more likely in the third. There are some good quality backs in this draft that would seem to fit the Packers' system and possibly develop into the regular back the team has so sorely needed for balance for a long, long time. The Pack will also need to pick up a safety, and someone who can probably make a contribution very early on. As for the other needs, there will be players there. And don't forget that the Packers have more than a few players who will be returning from injury this past season. That's almost like a bonus draft in a way.

The schedule makers didn't do the Packers any favors this upcoming season, awarding them the sixth toughest schedule in the league. So the players that are drafted and make the final roster will need to play and stay healthy throughout that tough schedule.

Pre-draft, it's all guesswork on our part. No better or worse than anyone else's from that standpoint.

The best that can be said is: it's great to be a Packer fan!

GO PACK GO!!!

Packers 2013 Schedule Bookended with 49ers and Bears

Yes! The 2013 regular season NFL schedule has just been released, and it brings with it the sixth most difficult schedule for the Green Bay Packers based upon strength of opponent. The Pack opens at San Francisco on Sept. 8 and closes the season at Chicago on Dec. 29. The schedule also has something this season that has been fairly unusual in recent years for the Packers: an early season bye, coming in week number 4 on Sept. 29. Not great.

What does the rest of the schedule look like? Almost a week-to-week home and away sequence of games, with the exception of two home games back to back against Da Bearz and the Eagles on November 4 and 10. Frankly, it seems in some ways very fair from the lack of back-to-back games which have often been the case for the Pack, sometimes even three away games in a row. On the other hand, the schedule does seem a bit odd because of the way it sets up. At least to this point of view.

There are three Sunday night games, one Monday night game and one Thursday game -- Thanksgiving Day against, of course, the Lions. (You just gotta love the Turkey Day tradition with that game. I know I do.) Six games on the schedule are listed as being subject to the league's flexible scheduling policy where the start time may change...depending.

As to the flow of the games, the opponents, the early bye week...it seems to this writer that this is going to be a very challenging schedule for the Packers. There's no gimmee game to be had anywhere...well, OK, maybe the Browns at Lambeau Field on October 20. That should be a win...had better be a win.

It will take a bit more time, however, to reflect upon the schedule before making a season win-loss record prediction. In fact, you'll have to check back the week before the season starts for that prediction. We'll need to see who the Packers draft next week and players they pick up along the way, as well as how injuries in the preseason may affect the season. There's time.

But in the meantime, take a look at the schedule and see what you think. We also have a link to a printable PDF of the schedule here. Enjoy, Packer fans!

Go Pack Go!!!

A Packer Fan's Story

While we briefly contemplate the recent street free agent signings by the Green Bay Packers (as that's about all the offseason action there is to contemplate for the Pack, other than the well-known departures ) and get our juices flowing thinking about the upcoming draft about nine days from now...this is a great occasion to look at another side of the Packers. In this case, the fans, and how good -- and handy! -- it is to be a Packer fan.

This story was sent to me by a longtime friend and regular reader of Packer Fans United. He said it was OK to publish it. So, without further ado...Steve's story, from Washington, D.C.

The Biking Incident
By Steve

I was bike riding this (Sunday) a.m., wearing a Packers long sleeve t-shirt, when I began to experience difficulties after about 20 miles. Just outside Reagan Airport, I jumped off my bike, popped the rear wheel, and fiddled for more than a few minutes before deciding to walk to the Reagan Metro stop (needed repairs were beyond my ability and tools) and take the subway into town in order to stop at my favorite bike shop before church.

After having deboarded at the Russlyn Metro stop, I carried the rear wheel while walking the bike to the repair shop. A very kind man stopped me. He asked me if I needed help. At this point, having already shaken off two others before I realized that I was over my head, I said "Sure." Of course, he noticed the Packers shirt. He asked if I were from Wisconsin and I said yes. Turns out, he grew up in Wauwatosa (Milwaukee suburb) but served in the Foreign Service for many years. I mentioned that I lived in Wauwatosa for my first nine years, and even dropped the name of our street and St. Pius Church. It just so happens that he was from Christ the King parish. Anyway, he whipped out his tools from his saddlebag (he, too, was bike riding), made some adjustments with the chain, brake cable, and brake shoes, and we proclaimed it fit to go!

Moral of the story: people from Wisconsin are so decent and even though RGIII jerseys were the hottest NFL jersey last year, nothing can beat a Packers t-shirt!

Thanks, Steve, for sharing this with us. No doubt, many Packer fans can recall circumstances where wearing a Packers t-shirt or cap or whatever was a surefire conversation starter and immediate bond of kinship.

Which leads me to the Editor's moral of the story: it's great to be a Packers fan! Say it with me: We are Packer Fans United!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers set to draft...

In the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select...

We have no idea. And, really, neither does anyone else. Unless, perhaps, your name is Ted Thompson and you happen to be General Manager for the Packers.

Sure, there are plenty of mock drafts out there. Some agree, some don't. They do make entertaining reading. But are they meaningful? Only in the sense that they get our football juices flowing again. We begin to wonder what impact a particular player may have, especially if he's a first or second round pick. Heck, Randall Cobb came via the third round, didn't he? And as Packer fans know well, our own Mr. T does quite well at picking up gems in the later rounds.

You also have to enjoy those complete seven-round mock draft scenarios. Honestly, when you get past probably the first 60 or so picks, you might as well just throw all the prospects in a hat and start pulling names if you're doing a mock. Who one teams deems as a second-rounder might well be on some other team's fourth-round board. It depends upon need, "best athlete" available, etc. Every team has its own formula.

First round speculation
Having said all the above, who might the Packers pick in the first round?

The names which circulate most often among various mock draft boards you can find seem to revolve around the following:

• Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
• Datone Jones, DE/DT, UCLA
• Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
• Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
• Matt Elam, FS, Florida

Among the names which seem to be less-often mentioned, and may be even somewhat surprising as picks (although Ted has been known to be surprising from time to time, hasn't he?) are:

• Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M
• Jonathon Hankins, DT, Ohio State
• Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
• Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU
• Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

For those who value Mel Kiper Jr.'s picks, he has Eddie Lacy coming to the Pack. Here's what he says: "The Packers have lacked top-end reliability and explosiveness at running back, and that's what Lacy can give them. He ran behind a great line at Alabama, and he offers the best combination of power and open-field shiftiness in this draft. He's the guy in this class who can run with power but also break off some big runs. He also catches the ball well and can be a good safety valve for Aaron Rodgers."

Hard to argue with that. While running back has been a glaring need in terms of a constant #1 starter on this team for a loooooong time, it's hard to imagine Ted actually going this way with his first pick, especially if he thinks he can pick up a good back in the second round. It's interesting that in most if not all the mock drafts out there, seemingly no one has an offensive lineman coming to the Packers with that first pick, despite depth issues there. Granted, Ted probably isn't likely to pop a #1 pick there either.

My instincts suggest that Ted will go defense again. Right now, my sense (what there is of it) is that if Datone Jones is available when the #26 pick goes on the clock, that that's the selection the Packers will make. Would I like to see the Pack take Tyler Eifert to be the heir apparent to Jermichael Finley, who is likely one and done after this season? Yes. Would I really like the Packers to commit to a first-rate starting running back (such as Lacy or Ball) rather than running-back-by-committee? You best.

Bottom line? No one knows what Mr. Thompson will do come draft day. But in the meantime, let's enjoy the fun of speculating, of learning about some of the players who may come our way. Let's get those football juices flowing again. It won't be long until OTAs (actually, the first one is April 15), minicamps, training camp and the season get underway. When once again we can say with enthusiasm for the new players and new season: GO PACK GO!!!!

Greg Jennings does some Ponder-ing

After signing his big deal (five years, $47.5 million, $18 million guaranteed), former Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings had a moment of reflection...Ponder-ing, one might say...

We have some catching up to do

It's been a while since our last post here, Packer fans. Far too long, in fact. Our apologies. Several reasons for that. Among them, the bad taste (still) of the loss to San Francisco in the playoffs. That's one that has stuck with us -- and many Packer fans -- for a long time. We won't rehash it...just check our last post for the angst-ridden post-mortem of that game. Another reason for the lapse between posts...something akin to the "interregnum" between Popes...not that anyone here retired or anything. Nor was there the gathering of Packer fans in foam cheeseheads electing a new leader here. It was just a time for a break. And, let's be honest. There really wasn't much going on except talking about what had happened and what might happen. (Wait...isn't that what we're still doing? Isn't that really about all we can do even now?)

But now that free agency has been in play for several days and the draft is upcoming at the end of next month...well, things start to get a bit real again, don't they?

So, let's just catch up on a few things that have happened since we last gathered here, shall we? This is by no means a comprehensive list. More of a top-of-mind thing. You can fill in the gaps.

• WR Donald Driver officially retired.
• CB/S and future Hall of Famer Charles Woodson was released.
• DE Johnny Jolly got reinstated by the NFL and the Packers (seemingly) have decided to give him another chance.
• LB A.J. Hawk took a pay cut and agreed to restructure his contract.
• LB Robert Francois was re-signed.
• WR Greg Jennings was not re-signed in free agency and wound up signing a five-year, $47.5 million(!) deal with the ViQueens, joining a long list of former Packers over the years who the 'Queens have scavenged from the Pack...oh, and Minnesota still hasn't won a Super Bowl.
• TE, human tatto canvas, and all-around fun guy Tom Crabtree was also allowed to explore free agency and the gamble by the Packers failed; Crabtree has apparently reached a deal with Tampa Bay. Dang it! (Good luck, Tom. We will miss you.)
• LB Erik Walden signed an unbelievable contract (reportedly four years for around $16 million!) with the Colts. Huge pay day for an average-at-best linebacker.
• LB Brad Jones may be about to reach a deal with Tennessee.
• Free agents whom the Packers had interest in but who signed elsewhere included DE Chris Canty and RB Steven Jackson.
• TE Jermichael Finley may still have his contract restructured...or he could also be playing elsewhere next season.
• Gaining salary cap room appears to be setting the Packers up to extend the contracts of QB Aaron Rodgers, LB Clay Matthews, and NT B.J. Raji.
• Packers GM Ted Thompson attended the Indianapolis Draft Combine as well as the University of Wisconsin pro day (and perhaps others as well). Thompson, according to reports out of the Wisconsin pro day, was very impressed with RB Montee Ball. Ball made himself some future extra money that day, by besting his Combine 40-yard time. Thompson is reportedly impressed with Ball's all-round skills.

Draft Stuff
Our last bullet point in the list above began to hint at the upcoming draft. This will be a big one for the Packers (aren't they all?) given the number of departures from the team, as well as the obvious needs: defense, running back, defense, offensive line and...defense.

Would the Packers use their top draft pick -- number 26 overall -- on a running back? Some mock drafts think so, with several projecting Alabama running back Eddie Lacey as the best of the crop and perhaps available when the Packers are on the board. Some compare him to Frank Gore. He's a powerful back, more adept at rushing than receiving and not a good blocker. In the Packers' scheme, blocking is a premium. That may mean -- if the Packers look to actually find a featured back for the first time in seemingly a generation -- that they look Montee Ball's way. The Packers could do far worse than taking Ball. But whether they see him as a first round pick...? Time will tell.

As for other possible first-round picks, the mock draft boards are all over the place. So until we get a little closer to the draft, where things may begin to sort themselves out a bit, we'll refrain for the moment from joining in the speculation.

Well, Packer fans, we did a bit of catching up today. Hope you found it helpful. We'll be a bit more regular here now that the off-season stuff starts to gear up a bit. So, please, check back once in a while, will you please? Thanks. We appreciate you reading. We really do.