Packers offseason filled with lots of questions

Packer fans, let's be honest: the 2013 Green Bay Packers were a pretty good football, perhaps an over-achieving team given the level of injury they had to get through on their way to the NFC North Division title. OK, a bit of luck and a couple division opponents who couldn't take advantage of the Pack's decimated roster and missing starting QB Aaron Rodgers for a critical chunk of the season didn't hurt any either.

Comeback player and fan fave, Johnny Jolly, may not be back in 2014.

But now what? Pretty good is not good enough, as the last few years have shown. While the offense looks as if it will be set for some time to come, barring injuries once again, the defense needs an overhaul. Looking at the divisional playoff games this past weekend, especially in the NFC, the Pack's defense seems slow and soft especially down the middle.

Questions have arisen once again from fans and pundits alike about the future of defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. In Mike McCarthy's last press conference of the season, he defended Capers. You'd expect no less. And to be fair, Wayne Larrivee, one of the best analysts in the business and the person who also just happens to be the radio voice of the Packers, has said repeatedly since the end of the season that he is convinced the problem does not lie with the coaching staff, but rather the personnel the Packers have.

The Free Agent Free-for-All
Here is the entire list of free agents on which the Packers will have to make decisions. Note that the letter designations following the name indicate the type of free agent each player is: "U" = Unrestricted, "R" = Restricted and "E" = Exclusive Rights.

NAME	POSITION	AGE	SEASONS	ACCRUED 2013 BASE SALARY
Ryan Picket - U	NT	32	12	$5.4 million
B.J. Raji - U	DE	27	4	$4.49 million
Jermichael Finley - U	TE	25	5	$4.45 million
James Jones - U	WR	29	6	$2.95 million
Sam Shields - U	CB	26	3	$2.023 million
John Kuhn - U	FB	31	7	$1.8 milliion
Evan Dietrich-Smith - U	C	27	3	$1.323 million
Marshall Newhouse - U	T	25	3	$1.323 million
Andrew Quarless - U	TE	25	3	$1.323 million
Seneca Wallace - U	QB	33	9	$840,000
TMatt Flynn - U	QB	28	6	$715,000
Johnny Jolly - U	DE	30	4	$715,000
Rob Francois - U	LB	28	3	$630,000
Mike Neal - U	LB	26	3	$630,000
James Starks - U	RB	27	3	$630,000
C.J. Wilson - U	DE	26	3	$630,000
M.D. Jennings - R	S	25	2	$555,000
Jamari Lattimore - R	LB	25	2	$555,000
Chris Banjo - E	S	23	0	$405,000

Decisions, Decisions...
The Packers will have lots of decisions to make regarding its players, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary. Ryan Pickett is getting up in years, but has expressed an interest in returning to the Packers. B.J. Raji didn't show up much in the stats this year, yet coaches say he is doing exactly what they want him to do: hold the point. He'll test free agency and likely not return unless the Packers decide to really make a play for him. Fan favorite and Packers' comeback player of the year (in this writer's opinion), Johnny Jolly, may be finished with his comeback and NFL career because of the neck injury he sustained late in the season.

It could also be argued that there needs to be some adjustments in the linebacker corps, as well. For even as much as the stats show A.J. Hawk is key in terms of tackles, defensive assignment calls, etc., it became more and more apparent that he is slow especially in coverage. Nick Perry, who was supposed to complement Hawk in the middle has basically been a non-factor in his brief time with the Pack. Clay Matthews is a beast, but in the last two years he has only been able to play in 11 and 12 games. No one can predict injuries, but when your best defensive player can't be on the field for an entire season -- especially at the salary he's being paid -- it takes its toll on the team in many ways.

The Packers are clearly a step behind, literally and figuratively, on the defensive side of the ball and unless changes are made they will find themselves an early out in the playoffs next season, as well (and, yes, I'm assuming the Packers will be in the playoffs again next season). Keeping S Sam Shields in the fold will be a trick, but the Pack can certainly use his athleticism and, now, veteran skills.

TE Jermichael Finley is, as is the case with Jolly, likely done with the Packers because of his injuries. Whether another team will pick him up is anyone's guess. He's been hurt a lot for a young man. So much potential, but...

As for fullback John Kuhn, he's starting to age, but for what he does on this team who would you replace him with? He's a leader, a player, and a clutch performer. Just remember that block he was able to get on the Bears' Julius Peppers to spring Rodgers for the winning throw to Randall Cobb in the final game of the regular season and the NFC North Championship. 'Nuff said about Kuhn. As for RB James Starks, the general line of thinking is that he is likely not going to return to the Packers given the other backs the Packers have had on ice during this past season, especially DuJuan Harris and Johnathan Franklin. Still, the combination of Eddie Lacy and James Starks seemed to me to be a very good one-two punch. The Packers can't keep them all and Starks has had his issues staying on the field. But if healthy, in my mind he's as good or better than the other two relatively unproven backs whom the Packers are perhaps more likely to retain.

Adding Outside Free Agents?
CB Tramon Williams has already said that he thinks the Packers need to have more veterans on the team. GM Ted Thompson's ongoing reliance on young and unproven talent acquired through the draft works...to a point. But look at what both San Francisco and Seattle did in the offseason to upgrade their talent through free agency. Then look at which two teams are playing in the NFC Championship this coming weekend. Perhaps Thompson needs to take another look at his approach. Salary cap will play a big factor in what he can and can't do given the salaries already tied up in Matthews and QB Aaron Rodgers. But one or two veteran free agents in key spots, even with the likelihood of overpaying, has to be a consideration.

Conversations are starting to note that the Packers may be squandering Aaron Rodgers' prime years -- as some argue Ron Wolf did with Brett Favre -- because of a limited personnel viewpoint, particularly as regards to adding free agents. The time window for a great quarterback to lead his teams into the Super Bowl is a small one. Thompson needs to open up that window a bit by adding not only through his draft-and-develop scheme on which he's an expert, but also by adding veteran free agents to fill the gaps in talent.

There is so much more that could be said on this and related subjects. But we now have the entire offseason to kick all that around. Keep checking back in. We'll have lots to say as the days, weeks and months go by.

Hello, I must be going...

As the whirlwind feeding frenzy (is that a mixed metaphor?) of the first week of the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement continues, the Green Bay Packers will be bidding adieu to a few longtime veterans.

Barnett, Colledge, Jenkins and Jones...going, going...
As reported the Tuesday, LB Nick Barnett was informed by the Packers they would attempt to trade him or, failing that, part ways with him when today's release timeline kicks in. Late yesterday, free agent LG Daryn Colledge apparently agreed to terms with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL.com. A Tweet from Colledge this morning confirmed that his days in Green Bay were done following conversations with Arizona. The St. Louis Rams had also been rumored to be a possible suitor. Nothing can be made official until tomorrow, however. According to both Colledge and his agent, the Packers "never showed interest" in resigning him. Apparently, GM Ted Thompson and the coaching staff feels confident that either veterans T. J. Lang, Nick McDonald or Marshall Newhouse can fill the slot at least as well -- and cheaper -- than Colledge, or rookie first round-pick Derek Sherrod will be be able to do what Bryan Bulaga did last season and step right into the fray.

Thank you, Mr. Colledge, for never missing a game during your tenure as a member of the Packers. You never got the appreciation you deserved, in this writer's opinion, for your solid service. You weren't a Pro Bowler, but you weren't chopped liver either, as the saying goes. Good luck in the desert.

Another apparent, although not unexpected, loss for the Packers in free agency is DE Cullen Jenkins. Reports this morning indicate that Jenkins has come to terms with the Washington Redskins although, again, nothing can finalized until Friday. Well, at least he's not going to Da Bearz.

One possible inter-division free agent loss that is getting some buzz this morning is that WR James Jones may be going to the ViQueens. With Sidney Rice bolting the 'Queens for the Seahawks, Minnesota is now desperate for a starting receiver to play opposite Percy Harvin. Jones has made it clear he wants the opportunity to be a starter. While Packers QB Aaron Rodgers stated on a radio program yesterday that he felt re-signing Jones was a priority for the team as he saw things, Jones will likely be offered more money than the Packers are willing to pay. My guess is Jones will be dressing in purple this Fall -- just as other former Packers have (what's up with that, by the way?). Stay tuned.

Crosby scores a deal
The Packers did come to terms yesterday, however, with one free agent: kicker Mason Crosby. He apparently will be signing a five-year $14.75 million deal with $3 million in guaranted money. There seems to be some mixed feelings about this deal among Packer fans. While Crosby's leg strength has never been in question, his accuracy has been at times, and stats demonstrate he is below the NFL average in that regard. He also is merely 1 for 4 in game-winning kicks. Speaking for myself, I have had very little confidence when he comes in for those clutch kicks. I hope to have that opinion reversed over the next five years.

Shareholders meeting today
Today is the annual meeting for Packers shareholders, which is being held at Lambeau Field. Will do a re-cap of anything newsworthy that might arise.

...And on the first day of the new CBA...

Day One of the new NFL collective bargaining agreement saw many players arriving at team facilities, many others in transit and teams beginning the frenzy of signing, trading and releasing players.

The Green Bay Packers made a number of moves today. The most important from a personnel and budget cap standpoint is the pending trade or -- more likely -- release of eight-year veteran LB Nick Barnett. GM Ted Thompson met with Barnett early this morning and told him of the team's plans. Certainly had to hurt, but just as certainly Barnett couldn't have been too surprised. Given the Packers' cap situation, the fact that Barnett would have been due more than $5 million in salary, the fact that Barnett has been injured two of the last three seasons, and the fact that the Packers made their successful end-of-season/playoff/Super Bowl run without him, the writing was on the wall.

Farewell, Mr. Barnett, thank you for your service and for being a great Packer. Good luck wherever you land next.

There is no word at the time of this posting as to the status of Cullen Jenkins, James Jones, Mason Crosby or John Kuhn, all unrestricted free agents. Speculation is that Jenkins will take a bigger deal elsewhere, while Crosby is expected to be re-signed; there are reportedly 12 free agent kickers on the market. Kuhn indicated that he would test the market. As for Jones, QB Aaron Rodgers was reported to have stated that re-signing him was "priority number one," at least as he saw it. So, stay tuned. These will be interesting days ahead, full of roster activity.

Undrafted free agent signings

Teams across the league were busy today signing undrafted free agents. The Packers were no different, adding 16 players according to various sources. They are:

• WR/KR Antoine “Shaky” Smithson, Utah
• WR Tori Gurley, South Carolina
• LB Jamari Lattimore, Middle Tennessee State
• C Sampson Genus, South Florida
• S M.D. Jennings, Arkansas State
• DE Vic So’oto, BYU
• QB Diondre Borel, Utah State (possible WR in the NFL)
• OL Theo Sherman, James Madison
• OL Ray Dominguez, Arkansas
• WR Kerry Taylor, Arizona State
• NT Eli Joseph, Temple
• LB Peanut Joseph, Temple
• S Anthony Bratton, Delaware
• FB Jon Hoese, Minnesota
• DB Brandian Ross, Youngstown State
• RB Brandon Saine, Ohio State

Among the most intriguing, at least on paper and/or video seem to be Shaky Smithson and Tori Gurley. Smithson in particular could finally be the punt and kick returner the Pack hasn't had since the days of Desmond Howard. He will no doubt be given every chance to secure that role. As for Gurley, the length of his arms is apparently sasquatch-like and that makes him attractive as a receiving target...along with his 6'4" height and 4.53 40 speed, of course. And let's not forget the Joseph twins, Eli and Peanut, from Temple. Whether they make the final roster or not, it's at least a bit of future trivia that there was once a player in camp named "Peanut" AND his twin brother was in camp at the same time.

Ding dong the deal is done!

At long last, the NFL lockout is over, although the players still have to ratify the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and recertify their union. Bottom line: those are formalities and it's a done deal.

So, let's say it loud and say it proud: Go Pack Go!!!

Yes, we fans of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers can now start chomping at the bit again. Because while free agent, drafted and undrafted rookie signings will now be compressed into the negotiating equivalent of a thimble, the Pack's existing roster is already loaded. Remember all the players coming back off IR from last season?

Questions, at least among fans, concern what the Pack will do with some of their own free agents, such as Cullen Jenkins, Daryn Colledge and James Jones among others. The consensus of the chit chat over the past few months seems to be about evenly split: some fans hope the Packers keep each of these players, some say let 'em walk. I have to admit to having a split mind on these guys myself. But there won't be a lot of guessing; we'll likely know by the end of the week who the Packers will re-sign and who they won't.

Keep in mind also that under the new CBA, the training camp rosters have been expanded by 10 players, from 80 to 90. That means Ted Thompson will have even more of a field day signing undrafted rookies for camp. The downside is that he and the coaching staff will have only about a month to evaluate them and set their final rosters. Given the depth of the Packers' roster it will be tough for a rookie, especially an undrafted one, to crack the regular season roster particularly given the accelerated learning curve. But Thompson is known for finding hidden gems, with last season being a prime example. So anything is possible.

It's going to be a busy time for all the players, coaches and management. Players can begin using team facilities tomorrow and, in the case of the Packers, report for camp Friday, with the likely first practice being on Saturday as previously scheduled. The first preseason game is still set for Aug. 13. There's a lot to be done before then. But if any team is in position to handle it all, it is the Packers.

No doubt, Packers shareholders will be hearing all about that -- and more -- at the upcoming shareholders meeting this Thursday at Lambeau Field.

For the first time for the upcoming 2011 season, say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!

NFL lockout cosmic debris, including an 8-game season

With a nod to the late, great Frank Zappa (cf., Cosmic Debris), let's catch up on a few bits and pieces of note from the cultural and sports wasteland currently known as the NFL lockout.

Donald Driver says Packers still basking in glow
On yesterday's edition of NFL Live on ESPN, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver said the Packers were still basking in the glow of their Super Bowl victory. Why not? Nothing much else going on. He also said that, while players from some other teams had taken it upon themselves to work out together, members of the Packers are working out on their own. Following the phone interview with Driver, commentators Mike Golic and Tedy Bruschi said they were a bit surprised at Driver's comments. Being a veteran, they felt he needed to be projecting more of a "that was then this is now" (paraphrasing) attitude; the Super Bowl is over and the Packers players better stop basking in the glow and begin preparing for the season...whenever that is. Perhaps once the Packers players receive their rings in a private ceremony on June 16 they can begin moving on. By the way, more than 8,500 fans attended the Donald Driver charity softball event held in Appleton on Sunday. The Packers defense beat the offense, if I recall. There were some press reports yesterday that coach Mike McCarthy spent a lot of time Sunday night watching tape of the game to see what kind of shape his players were in. While the players may or may not yet be chomping at the bit to get to work it's pretty clear the coaches are more than ready.

Free Agents
On this last weekend's radio edition of Pro Football Weekly, publisher and editor Hub Arkush mentioned that roughly 30 percent of current NFL players are free agents. He noted that there will have to be some window of time for teams to sign free agents when the lockout ends. Combined with the article in PFW today which states that the NFL has plans in place for an eight-game season kicking off in -- wait for it -- November, and we can only hope the players and NFL get a deal done ASAP. Holy dash to the cash, Batman! Eight games?! Criminy! But I guess that would be better than no games. Which, whether anyone wants to admit it or not, is a possibility. Didn't the NHL shut things down for a year? OK, no comparison in fan base, granted. But this is business with mega-dollars at stake, and if both sides continue to stay dug in anything can happen.

Let us pray...

...And now...the reality of the offseason sets in

So, we're now about a week-and-a-half out from the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl XLV win. And the reality of the offseason is setting in. While that would normally mean focusing on free agent signings or losses, OTAs, and possible draft picks, this offseason we also have the specter of no football at all next season. A lockout by the owners is on the horizon, and they have already filed suit agains the NFL Players Association. The prospect of getting a new collective bargaining agreement done before the March 4 deadline is slim and none. Not looking good. The draft will still take place no matter what, so at least we'll have that to keep our juices flowing. But everything else will pretty much be in limbo.

Still, it might be worthwhile to start kicking around some of those current players who may not be on the squad next season...whenever that actually is.

Keep in mind that 15 players -- some of whom were starters -- are going to be coming back off the injured reserve list. Having said that...

What will the Packers do with Nick Barnett and A. J. Hawk? Barnett has been injured two of the last three seasons and was also a bit of an irritant in the "photogate" episode around the Super Bowl. Hawk is scheduled to get $10 million next season, his final contract year; that's not going to happen. Given the depth at linebacker, and especially the emergence of Desmond Bishop as a bona fide starter and the return of Brandon Chillar, Brady Poppinga and Brad Jones, it wouldn't be surprising if the Pack cut ties with Barnett and attempt to renegotiate Hawk's deal. While going into last season, linebacker seemed to be extremely deep we found out just how quickly injuries can hit one unit. Frank Zombo and Erik Walden became diamonds in the rough that literally came out of nowhere to help the Packers make their Super Bowl run. But don't be surprised if GM Ted Thompson picks up a linebacker in the draft.

The players' names that seem to continually pop up on lists of those sure to be gone next season are OG Daryn Colledge and C/OG Jason Spitz. Colledge has been nothing if not durable, seemingly starting or playing in nearly every game since being a Packer. But the Packers are high on soon-to-be third-year player T. J. Lang and would likely insert him in the lineup in place of Colledge. Lang didn't get much playing time this year, but showed well in his rookie season when injuries really took their toll on the offensive line and he was thrust into action nearly from the get-go. He should be hungry and ready to start. Spitz has gone from a position of being the starting center to really falling off the map. For whatever reasons, it's clear the Packers will be moving in a different direction. Reportedly, the Packers are high on this year's rookice C/G Nick McDonald. They also have rookie G/T Marshall Newhouse and C/G Even Dietrich-Smith in the mix. Several early mock drafts also project the Packers to go after offensive line help in early rounds not only to fill guard slots, but also to help find a successor to LT Chad Clifton. Clifton will undoubtedly be back. And after finishing strong, he will likely be the starter again. But Cliffie is on borrowed time at this point in his career. Thompson has stocked up the middle of the line but will now try to find a replacement for Clifton. That was the idea in drafting Bryan Bulaga last season. But veteran RT Mark Tauscher's untimely departure forced a change in plans. Perhaps the Pack would move Bulaga to LT if they found a player who was solid on the right side. The moves regarding the offensive line will be interesting to watch in the offseason.

As for the wide receivers and running backs...hmmm...well, WR James Jones wants to be a starter. He had the best run-after-catch yards of any of the receivers. The problem was his drops, which always seemed to come in big moments. He obviously is a physically gifted athlete. But he hasn't yet developed the concentration necessary to be a primary go-to guy. Not to say he won't. Just not there yet. It's possible the Packers let him walk in free agency. But I'd like to see them keep him and have a new wide receivers coach help him with his focus. FB Korey Hall will likely not return this season. Other than special teams, he really fell out of the running game with the emergence of John Kuhn's versatility and Quinn Johnson's blocking. Brandon Jackson, while a valuable third down back from both a receiving and blocking standpoint, also will likely not return. The coaches did everything possible over the last couple years to help him become the breakout player they thought he could become...didn't really happen. With Ryan Grant returning, and James Starks emerging, Jackson looks to be the odd man out. And don't be surprised if the Packers pick up a running back in the draft's later rounds. Don't forget that Starks was a sixth rounder. Still need to see what he can do in a full season, but Thompson seems to have found yet another gem in the rough...a real theme for him this past season, and no reason to expect that won't continue going forward. Thompson seems to have finally made a believer even out of the haters out there after duct-taping together a Super Bowl winning squad.

On the defensive line, the consensus seems to be that DE Cullen Jenkins is as good as gone. He's also getting up there in years, at least by lineman age, and has been prone to injury of late, with this season being a primary example. He's been a dominating pass rusher when available. Look to the Packers to give the younger Mike Neal -- unproven and with a bit of an injury history of his own -- a shot. C. J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn could also step up their play. But, again, Ted Thompson will undoubtedly be looking for a dominant pass rusher in the draft to complement LB Clay Matthews. The Pack will be drafting last in each round unless they wheel and deal to move up for a player they want. That's not typically been Thompson's M.O., but he did it to get Clay Matthews. How'd that work out? Maybe Thompson will do that again.

As to the remaining unrestricted free agents, here's who we're looking at: K Mason Crosby, S Atari Bigby, S Charlie Peprah, LB Matt Wilhelm, and S Anthony Smith. Exclusive rights free agents are WR Brett Swain and TE Spencer Havner.

Crosby wants to remain a Packer. He's improved his leg strength over the last few years, but he still gives Packer fans the heebie-jeebies when the game is on the line. We've seen field goal attempts go wide or ding off the upright on more than one game-winning occasion. Still, Crosby doesn't seem to lose confidence which counts for a lot in a kicker. He may not be great, but you know that more often than not he's consistent. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers let Crosby test the market. Bigby will be allowed to walk, as will Wilhelm and Smith. Peprah will be re-signed; he stepped up big time when needed with injuries in the defensive backfield.

So, that's just a not-so-quick overview of what may happen when free agency and the draft finally kick in.

Packers undrafted signings

While the official NFL Draft may have ended, the player pick ups continue. In this case, that means those college players who were not drafted during any of the Draft's seven rounds.

While the Packers didn't address their outside linebacker needs in the draft, it appears they are attempting to find at least one prospect among the undrafted pool given the signings. There are some interesting possibilities at that position, as well as a few of the other slots. In fact, the signing of QB Noah Shepard might be one to keep an eye on. Read here for more.

Reports are that the Pack has signed the following to free agent contracts:

• OL Nick McDonald, Grand Valley State
• WR/KR Chastin West, Fresno State
• RB Quinn Porter, Stillman College
• LB Alex Joseph, Temple
• QB Noah Shepard, South Dakota
• OLB Frank Zombo, Central Michigan
• DE John Russell, Wake Forest
• CB/KR Sam Shields, Miami (expected to sign, not confirmed yet)
• OLB Tim Knicky, Stephen F. Austin
• WR Jeff Moturi, UTEP
• OT Chris Campbell, Eastern Illinois
• S Robert Vaughn, UConn

In addition to these players, a few others were invited to tryout at next's weekend orientation camp which begins Friday: WR Shawn Gore, Bishop University (Canada); OT Mike Aguayo, OT, UTEP; WR E.J. Morton-Green, Morgan State; RB Tory Harrison, Southern Mississippi. Perhaps 20 or so players will tryout overall.

The Packers' weekend for rookies

The first step on the path to an NFL career for many young men was last weekend's NFL Draft. For those not drafted, it was being signed immediately afterward as a free agent. And for still others, they were invited in for a tryout. All those players come together this weekend for the Packers in Green Bay. The rookie orientation camp began Friday and will run through tomorrow.

In addition to the eight players the Packers drafted, there are 11 rookie free agents along with 21 players in for tryouts. Four players from the Packers practice squad also are participating. This would be a fun weekend to be on hand. But it's not something open to the public, and only one of the three sessions is open to reporters. Still some serious business going on. Such as who among the free agents and/or tryout guys might actually have a shot at making it to the roster.

One of the players that caught Head Coach Mike McCarthy's eye according to a report was former Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton: "I think Tyrell Sutton jumped out. I don't know what everybody else thought but I thought he showed some ability...He definitely has some athletic ability." John Dorsey, the Packers director of college scouting, had this to say about Sutton: "He is Northwestern's second all-time leading rusher. He's a short guy, not a small guy. He's got some strength from his hip to his knee. He catches the ball really well. We don't have a guy like him." At 5'8" and 213 lbs, perhaps Sutton might be the type of change up or third down back the Packers haven't really had in the last year or two. Will be interesting to see how he comes through the weekend.

If you want to read a capsule summary of Dorsey's take on each of the free agents, you can do so here. You'll also find a list of the players in for tryouts...among whom there are even two punters! Oh...and a safety prospect whose nickname is "Pig." Long-time Packer fans will remember fondly the late, great player and coach Dave "Hawg" Hanner. There can only be one "Hawg." A "Pig" is a long-shot.

Ol' #4 to be a ViQueen?
We've known for almost a year now, especially when the relationship between Packers GM Ted Thompson and our former QB Brett Favre went south -- and I don't mean Mississippi -- that in Brett's mind the best way to stick it to Ted would be to play for the rival ViQueens. That's why the Pack had a poison pill clause in the deal with the Jets that if they traded Brett to anybody in the division the Packers would receive three first round draft picks. But the Jets released Brett this week which makes him a free agent eligible to sign with any team...including any team in the division. Well, let's see...Da Bearz draft, as even one Chicago sports writer mentioned on radio this last week, can be summarized as "Jay Cutler" (oh, and that summarizes next year's draft for Da Bearz too according to this same reporter)...and the woeful Lions of course spent what's left of the Motor City on a rookie QB from Georgia. That leaves...hmm...the ViQueens. And just to stir the pot, "During a minicamp news conference on Friday, Vikings coach Brad Childress said he likely would discuss that (Favre's availability) with his staff at some point."

Oy. Brett, buddy, will ya please retire already? Ride your lawn mower, work on your farm, go huntin' and fishin'. Enjoy your money. Don't do any more damage to your reputation by showing that your shoulder and/or arm isn't what it used to be. And worse: don't EVER wear that funky purple. Yes, we'd still love you. But it would kind go from that admiration and grateful kind of love to more of that love you have for your crazy old uncle who still thinks the government can listen in on your phone calls...well, wait...they did...bad example...well, you know what I mean.

Read more on the latest Favre soap opera here.

Pack adds undrafted players

According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Packers have signed and/or invited to camp for tryouts the following players:

• Utah QB Brian Johnson


• Central Michigan OT Andy Hartline


• Colorado WR Patrick Williams


• Idaho State OT Evan Dietrich-Smith


• Delaware DE Ronald Talley


• Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton


• North Dakota State WR Kole Heckendorf


• Michigan TE Carson Butler


• Western Michigan WR Jamarko Simmons


• South Dakota State WR JaRon Harris


• Iowa WR Andy Brodell


• New Mexico State DE Rhyan Anderson


• Western Michigan TE Branden Ledbetter


• UW-River Falls C Scott Witte


• Tulsa QB David Johnson


• Maryland DE ean Muhtadi

So there are a whole lot of receivers in this bunch, obviously. Only one running back, and a couple tight ends. Needed somebody to throw to them so they invited a couple Johnsons to camp (I'm sure there's a joke there somewhere, but let it go, will ya?). There's Tulsa QB David Johnson and Utah QB Brian Johnson. I know, it sounds like that part of the Blazing Saddles movie where there's nobody but Johnsons at the Rock Ridge town meeting.

But, no. It's tryouts during this weekend's rookie orientation. Brian Johnson's not just "an arm," however. According to the Journal-Sentinel, "Johnson (6-feet, 205 pounds, 4.88) led the Utes to a 13-0 record and a victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, where he was named most valuable player after completing 27-of-41 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns." Johnson was also Mountain West Conference offensive player of the year. Not too shabby. Whether he'll get an offer after the tryout and have a shot at unseating either Matt Flynn or Brian Brohm as a backup to Aaron Rodgers is admittedly a long shot. But the Packers must have seen something.

Ditto for David Johnson. According to a seemingly well documented entry in Wikipedia, "In his final season, Johnson recorded 4,059 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions (five of which were in the C-USA title game), and finished as the second-most efficient quarterback in the nation, behind Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford. He was voted an All-Conference USA honorable mention player, and the Sporting News named him the Conference USA Offensive MVP. Johnson was also named a semi-finalist for the Draddy Award and the Davey O'Brien Award. The New York Times, The News & Observer, and CBS Sports named Johnson as a Heisman Trophy contender." So, he really only has one year to go on. But it was a good year. Let's see, who else only started about a year or so? Oh, that Mark Sanchez guy. Wouldn't it be funny if...oh...never mind...

You can read more about all these players here.

Still no punter on the horizon, though.

The Day After
One day after the conclusion of the 2009 NFL Draft and it still feels good. Not only was there a seeming consensus among Packers faithful that this was a great draft for the Packers, but that guru of draft gurus, Mel Kiper Jr., when asked on this morning's Mike and Mike in the Morning Show on ESPN which team he though had the best draft, the first team he mentioned was the Packers. Kiper said he really felt the Packers did a great job of addressing its needs, which were primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Nice to get that kind of confirmation.

Packer OTAs, Mini-camp and Shareholders Meeting Scheduled
According to an announcement on the Packers website: "Four of the Green Bay Packers' spring organized team activities (OTAs) will be open to the public as well as the media on Clarke Hinkle Field.

The four open OTAs are scheduled for Thursday, May 28, and the first three Wednesdays in June - June 3, 10 and 17. The workouts are tentatively scheduled for 11:15 a.m. each day.

The Packers also announced that the team's three-day mandatory mini-camp following OTAs would start one day earlier than originally scheduled, meaning it will begin on Monday, June 22. That mini-camp runs through Wednesday, June 24.

In addition, the annual shareholders' meeting will take place on Thursday, July 30, at Lambeau Field, one day before players report for training camp. The first training camp practice is slated for Saturday, Aug. 1."

Packers rookie orientation camp underway

Today through Sunday, the Packers will be hosting the drafted and undrafted rookies they signed this last week. There will also be a handful of first-year players on hand. There will even be a player or two who is not signed but who has been invited to try out for the team. There will be one practice session each day, along with meetings with coaches, medical personnel and staff members.

As noted here in prior posts, one of those players in for a tryout is UW-Whitewater RB Justin Beaver. And, as also said here before, he's a kid you just have to root for. You can hear a radio interview he did this a.m. with Milwaukee station 620WTMJ while he was driving to Green Bay. He's very realistic that he is a long-shot, but all he wants is that one shot. And he's got it this weekend. You can listen to him give his thoughts about the weekend and beyond here.

Camp Calendar
MAY 2-4: Rookie orientation camp, Don Hutson Center
MAY 19-JUNE 12: Organized team activity sessions. (One OTA session each week, weather permitting, will be open to the public and held at Ray Nitschke Field. The dates are May 21, 29, June 4, 11).
JUNE 17-19: Mandatory mini-camp (Ray Nitschke Field).
JULY 28: First summer training camp practice (Clarke Hinkle Field).

Packers sign 13 rookie free agents

With the dust from the draft settling, it seems that the final tally -- at least for today -- is that the Packers have signed an additional 13 rookie free agents. You can learn about them here.

In addition, there's a nice story about RB Justin Beaver, the Gagliardi Award winner from Division III Champion, UW-Whitewater, who has been invited to try out for the Packers this weekend. As the article points out, all his numbers compare favorably with those of some first round picks. The only one that doesn't is his height: 5'7". Still, he's interesting enough for Ted Thompson to invite him in for a look. Would be a heckuva story if he is able to make the team in some capacity. He's a kid you have to root for. Check out the story here.

Fans seem split on Culpepper as a Packer

In an online fan poll at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, out of currently about 2,000 votes cast at the time of this post, there seems to be a fairly even split between those who feel the Packers should sign free agent QB Daunte Culpepper and those who say they shouldn't. Right now, it's about 52% "No" and 48% "Yes." I think a lot of the "No's" may be basing their responses off their latent negative feelings for Culpepper from his days as a ViQueen: he was not well liked by Packer fans, especially when he and Randy Moss hooked up, or when he did his silly little "rolling rolling" hand movements after a big play. OK, based on that alone, admittedly, one can see why some fans feel the way they do.

However, Culpepper -- for now -- is about the only available veteran QB on the market. Given that the current backups to Aaron Rodgers consist of Jerry Baab and Dalton Bell...well...Culpepper is definitely an option to consider. And, admit it, anyone looks better in green 'n' gold than in purple. I mean, c'mon...

Reminder: Favre on Letterman tonight

As noted here in a prior post, Brett Favre will be appearing on the David Letterman show on CBS tonight. Would seem to be worthwhile tuning in, since this will be Brett's first national TV appearance since his retirement.

In addition, SportsBusiness Daily reports that Brett will be on the cover for the new "Madden NFL 09," video game. Apparently, he'll make that announcement official this evening on Letterman. From tossing footballs to pitching products...welcome to the world of the retired QB, Brett.

Culpepper a Packer?

Reports out of Green Bay, both locally and on ESPN, indicate that QB Duante Culpepper is visiting the Packers today. Culpepper was with Oakland last year and is now a free agent. At 31, Culpepper is one of those QBs whose best years are behind him. That's why the Pack is looking at him as a possible veteran backup to new starter Aaron Rodgers. To read more about Culpepper's visit to Green Bay, go here.

Badgers' QB Gets Packers Tryout

The quarterback with the most wins at the University of Wisconsin (somebody correct me if my memory is wrong about that), John Stocco, is getting a 72-hour tryout this weekend at the Packers rookie orientation camp. Stocco was 29-7 as a starter at Wisconsin, completing 57.4% of his passes for 7,227 yards, 47 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. Always underrated, even by some Badger fans, all Stocco did was win. He was named Most Valuable Player in his final collegiate game, the Capital One Bowl, where the Badgers beat Arkansas 17-14. The Badgers ended the season 12-1 (losing only to Michigan in week 5) and achieved a #7 national ranking. Stocco's leadership was a key to the season, particularly with basically an entirely new receiving corps and untested running game. He also showed his toughness, coming back for the bowl game after suffering a severe shoulder injury (throwing arm) which caused him to miss the last two regular season games, ending an impressive consecutive game streak.

Stocco was not drafted, obviously, but according to reports felt he'd get a free-agent call afterward. That didn't happen either. Still, he was quite happy to get a call from the Pack inviting him in for the weekend. As he is quoted as saying in an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "all I want is a shot." He's got that. Whether or not anything more will materialize remains to be seen. He will join free-agent signee Jerry Babb at camp. While not NFL starter material, if former Badger QBs Jim Sorgi and Brooks Bollinger can pick up back-up gigs in the league, there is no reason Stocco can't land somewhere.

The Packers also invited a couple other interesting players into camp, including a tight end who hasn't played football in eight years...yeah, you read that right. Read the article to learn more.

Post-Draft Signings

According to reports, the Packers have so far signed seven undrafted free agents. As PackersNews.com indicates, "The team has not announced the signings, but they have been confirmed through agents, schools and NFL sources."

Here are the reported, although unconfirmed, signings:

• Quarterback Jerry Babb of Louisiana-Lafayette
  
• Guard Pat Murray of Truman State
  
• Linebacker Rory Johnson of Mississippi
  
• Linebacker Juwan Simpson of Alabama
  
• Defensive end Larry Birdine of Oklahoma
  
• Defensive lineman Daniel Muir of Kent State
  
• Fullback Ryan Powdrell of Southern California

Pat Murray was one of the players mentioned in an article (referenced here in an earlier post) by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel prior to the draft. Clearly, the Packers wanted him and got him. They felt he might be one of those hidden gems hiding away at a smaller school. The Packers actually did have Truman in for a visit before the draft. It must have paid off, for both the Pack and Truman. Here's what the article said before the draft: "There isn't a huge market for players from Truman State, but the 6-3, 315-pound tackle/guard is a physical specimen who Tessler (Truman's agent, Brett Tessler) said benches 500 pounds and squats more than 700." You can read that entire article here.

You have to wonder about the purpose in signing FB Ryan Powdrell, other than as perhaps training camp fodder. Powdrell had a serious injury early in the 2006 season, dislocating and breaking his fibula during the game against Nebraska. According to this article at the time on AOL's NCAA Fanhouse, "many are calling (this) the most gruesome injury caught on tape since Joe Theismann."

And, for whatever reason, the Pack continues to load up on linebackers. Yaaaaaaawwwwwnnnnnn.