Randall Cobb during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This morning, I wrote a piece about Randall Cobb and how he is poised on the precipice of superstardom – but at least one website gives him no respect; the won’t believe it – in fact, you won’t find one Packer on this top 15 list.

Say what?

Not one? Not Casey Hayward? And most importantly, why not Randall Cobb?

Well, maybe it’s a good thing. After all, the Packers tend to fly under the radar. All we have to do is look toward already-superstar Clay Matthews III who talked earlier this spring about the “Packers Way” and succinctly described why taking care of their own and not seeking publicity is what this franchise is all about.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson is denied the football by Green Bay Packer CB Casey Hayward.

We don’t need the other members of the media to tell us who is the best up-and-coming Packers. We don’t need our players on lists that mean basically nothing now and will be even more meaningless by next season.

All we have to do is listen to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who said this week what he knows about Cobb. We know that other teams fear him not just because he was the Packers leading pass-catcher in just his sophomore season, but because he has accumulated nearly 4,000 yards of total yardage in just two years … and we know that he will only get better.

I don’t have any real arguments with the following list. The players on this list are incredibly talented football players and have bright futures. But you tell me if Randall Cobb or Casey Hayward might fit somewhere in here.

#15 Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

#14 Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys

#13 Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

#12 Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants

#11 Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams

#10 C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills

#9 Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

#8 Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

#7 Daryl Washington, LB, Arizona Cardinals

#6 Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons

#5 Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

#4 Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers

#3 Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

#2 J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

#1 Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As we inch closer to the start of OTAs, we will continue to take a closer look at the Green Bay Packers’ roster. Last week we began the series by breaking down the Packer quarterbacks. We will continue analyzing the offense by taking a look at arguably Green Bay’s deepest position on the roster — wide receiver.

For the past several seasons the Packer receiving corps has been lauded as one of the deepest and most talented groups in the league, and now with Donald Driver retiring and Greg Jennings packing his bags and finding real estate across the border, the group will be looking for young, ascending players to step up and fill the void the departing veterans left behind. A position that was overcrowded last year now has some spots open for competition heading into the 2013 season.

With Ted Thompson drafting two intriguing wide receiver prospects in the seventh round and signing a handful of others in unrestricted free agency, the Packers are retooling the position with young players who possess both size and speed. It seems Green Bay is in good hands with Aaron Rodgers throwing to Cobb, Jones, and Nelson, but the important thing to watch this offseason is to see if any of the young wide receivers step up and add another dynamic to the passing game.

Wide Receiver (10)

 Safe – Randall Cobb, 5-10, 192 pounds; James Jones, 6-1, 208 pounds; Jordy Nelson, 6-3, 217 pounds

The Packers seem to be pretty set for playmakers at wide receiver with Cobb, Jones, and Nelson manning the top three spots at the position. However, I am really interested to see which of these three players will emerge as Rodgers’ top target in 2013. They each bring a unique skill set to the position and have the potential to be the go-to-guy.

James Jones is congratulated by wide receiver Randall Cobb for scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field in 2012. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Cobb seems to be the rising star of the group. After making his presence known as a returner his rookie season, Cobb was utilized frequently in the offense as a multi-dimensional weapon who could line up in the slot, on the outside, and even in the backfield. Recording a team-high 80 catches and 954 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions last season, it seems Cobb has only scratched the surface of his potential. Expect Cobb’s role to continue to expand as Coach McCarthy continues to find creative ways to utilize Cobb’s unique skill set.

With Driver and Jennings’ departure, Jones is now the veteran of the group, but Jones provides much more than just leadership for the younger players. Simply put, Jones was a beast last season. He hauled in a league-leading 14 touchdowns and was Green Bay’s most consistent wide receiver. Jones has always been good, but he raised his game to another level last season and showed his coaches that he could be a reliable number one, if needed. Rodgers seemed to build chemistry with Jones last year as the season progressed, and I expect that chemistry to carry over into the 2013 season.

Nelson is the group’s big play threat who has the size and speed to go deep and outman smaller defensive backs. However, Nelson dealt with injuries off and on last season and his receiving numbers (745 yds, 7 TDs) and big plays decreased compared to his stellar 2011 performance (1,263 yds, 15 TDs). His receiving average also dropped from 18.6 yards per reception in 2011 to 15.2 yards per in 2012. I expect this had more to do with all the Cover 2 Green Bay faced last season, and less to do with Nelson’s ability to win his one-on-one matchups and get open down field. Maybe Nelson’s 2011 big play production will return if Green Bay gets a running game going this season.

On the Fence – Jarrett Boykin, 6-2, 218 pounds; Jeremy Ross, 6-0, 215 pounds; Charles Johnson, 6-2, 215 pounds; Kevin Dorsey, 6-1, 207 pounds

After the top three receiving spots, this position is wide open and filled with young, but unproven, talent. Boykin and Ross return from last season. Boykin saw limited action during the regular season (5 rec, 27 yds) and was at the bottom of the depth chart in a crowded position. However, Boykin had an impressive 2012 camp and preseason, winning his coaches’ attention and a final roster spot. This is no small task for a guy who was signed as a tryout player last spring and a long shot to make the roster heading into OTAs. Maybe Boykin will have another excellent camp.

Ross spent some time on the practice squad last season before he was activated as a returner toward the end of the year. Ross showed potential returning kicks and punts, but he’ll have to show the coaches he can also be a factor in the passing game to win a roster spot this season.

Kevin Dorsey works out during the Green Bay Packers rookie orientation weekend. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Seventh round picks Johnson and Dorsey are intriguing prospects. They are both big receivers with blazing speed (ranging 4.35 – 4.42 40 time). It is rare to find receivers their size who can ran that fast, so it makes me wonder what the catch is here. Johnson played at a Division II school and wasn’t even invited to this year’s Combine, so hats off to Green Bay’s scouting department for finding this guy. He recorded nearly 1,200 yards receiving and 16 touchdown receptions his senior season at Grand Valley State, but the level of competition he faced in college hurt his draft stock.

Dorsey played at a Division I school (Maryland) but was overlooked by many scouts because of his subpar receiving numbers last year—311 yds and 4 TDs. However, Thompson explained that Dorsey is a much better player than these numbers suggest.

Last year, Maryland had some injuries at quarterback, which greatly affected their offensive production and severely limited Dorsey’s opportunities. Dorsey is almost the exact same size as James Jones and has top end speed. Maybe Dorsey is a diamond in the rough and will prove to be a surprise player at the position.

After Cobb, Jones, and Nelson, I expect Green Bay to keep at least two more receivers on their final 53-man roster. Boykin has a leg up on the competition because he has played a year in this offense, but Boykin lacks the speed Ross, Johnson, and Dorsey bring to the table.

If Johnson and Dorsey show serious potential they may challenge Boykin and Ross for roster spots, and in the very least, the two seventh round picks will spend the season on the practice squad.

Long Shot – Myles White, 6-0, 182 pounds; Sederrik Cunningham, 5-11, 192 pounds; Tyrone Walker, 5-10, 191 pounds

White, Walker, and Cunningham are all undrafted free agents brought in to add competition during camp. Maybe one of these players surprises everyone and wins a roster spot, like Boykin last year. But as of now, with Green Bay selecting two young promising receivers in the seventh round and Boykin and Ross returning, there seems to be very little room left for White, Walker, and Cunningham to even get a fair shot at making the roster.

Both White and Cunningham are average-sized receivers with good speed (4.40 – 4.45 40 time), but were inconsistent in college. Walker is a small receiver who lacks top end speed (4.54 – 4.62), but was highly productive in college, leading the All Missouri Valley Conference in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,319), and touchdown catches (9). White, Cunningham, and Walker have their work cut out for them to earn a spot on the team, but it has been done before so don’t count them out just yet. Expect at least one these prospects to land on the practice squad as a developmental player.

Jordy Nelson is defended by Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings at Soldier Field. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports photograph

It will be interesting to see how many receivers Green Bay retains on the final 53-man roster this year. Last season the Packers kept six receivers on their final roster. With Driver seeing a limited number of snaps and other positions like offensive line left very thin, was this a mistake? Will the Packers keep six receivers again this year?

It’s difficult to predict how the final depth chart at wide receiver will play out. The only thing we know for certain at this point is to expect plenty of competition and maybe some surprises at wide receiver this offseason.

Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) (left) Graham Harrell (6) (center) and B.J. Coleman (9) (right) are announced to the crowd prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As OTAs are about to begin this month, here at LombardiAve we have decided it would be a good time to take a closer look at each position on the Green Bay Packers roster. Over the next few weeks we will break down each position and discuss which players are safe from being cut, which players will be fighting for a job, and which players will have a long uphill battle to make the roster.

Of course, it is all speculation at this point. That is part of the beauty of the NFL offseason programs. Players who look like long shots for making the final 53-man roster prove themselves in workouts and camp and make the final cut.

Even though it’s too early to predict the final 53-man roster at this point, we will begin breaking the players down into three categories heading into OTAs with the understanding that things are susceptible to change as the offseason progresses.

For the first installment of this series, we will begin with the most important position on the field — quarterback.

Quarterback (4)

 Safe – in fact, a lock: Aaron Rodgers, 6-2, 225 pounds

Aaron Rodgers during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Green Bay has invested a lot of money in Rodgers this offseason, $110 million to be exact, but for good reason. Rodgers is simply the best player at the most important position in the league — if not in all of sports. Rodgers has played at an elite level for several years. He has led the league in passer rating the past two seasons and has been a top five quarterback since he took over the starting job in 2008.

The Packers’ success relies on the arm of Rodgers, and despite the acquisitions in the running game this offseason and efforts to improve the defense, that is the way it will be until Rodgers decides to hang it up someday. As long as Rodgers stays upright, Green Bay will continue to be in the mix as Super Bowl contenders. Let’s just cross our fingers that Rodgers stays healthy in 2013.

On the Fence - Graham Harrell, 6-2, 215 pounds; B.J. Coleman, 6-3, 231 pounds

Beyond Rodgers things remain uncertain at the position. Harrell was the number two last year after Matt Flynn’s departure to Seattle, but Harrell did very little to help his cause last preseason where he struggled to sustain drives in the first three games.

Harrell put up good numbers in the fourth preseason game against Kansas City, where he threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Harrell looked like a different quarterback in that game and showed a good command at the position, but it was the fourth and least significant preseason game, so take away from it what you will. Harrell shows a good understanding for the Green Bay offense, but may lack the arm strength and fearlessness required to succeed at the position.

B.J. Coleman throws a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field last summer. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

There is still very little known about Coleman. He was subpar in his preseason appearances last year, but after spending the 2012 year on the practice squad, Mike McCarthy has stated that Coleman demonstrated a much better understanding of the playbook and command of the huddle during rookie orientation last weekend.

Coleman seems to be a new quarterback this offseason and could challenge Harrell for the top backup quarterback position. Coleman has a stronger arm than Harrell and may have more upside, but for Coleman to take Harrell’s spot on the roster, Coleman needs to prove to his coaches that he can handle all the responsibilities of the position during a game.

This will be one of the more interesting position battles to track over the offseason. At age 27, Harrell may have already reached his ceiling as a player, so I think it is safe to say we know what we’re getting out of Harrell at this point. However, Coleman is still young and has plenty of room to improve, so if he shows significant improvement this offseason he may just be the Packers new backup quarterback.

Long Shot - Matt Brown, 6-3, 225 pounds

I have to admit I know very little about Brown. In his senior season at Illinois State, Brown threw for 3,370 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 65 percent completion rate. These look like pretty good numbers, but some wonder about the level of competition he faced on a regular basis in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Brown could be a wildcard at the position and push Coleman and Harrell, but more than likely, he remains the fourth quarterback during camp. And if Brown shows some potential, he could win a spot on the practice squad and become a player Green Bay develops over the next few years.

Last year, the Packers kept two quarterbacks (Rodgers and Harrell) on their 53-man roster and one on the practice squad (Coleman). Will they retain three quarterbacks on the roster this year? Will Coleman or Harrell be the top backup behind Rodgers? Will Brown be a surprise player at the position?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out this offseason.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson talks with head coach Mike McCarthy prior to the Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow writer Travis Pipes has sparked an interesting discussion here at LombardiAve with a recent article about Ted Thompson and his success, or lack thereof, in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.

Just in case you missed it, I encourage you to check out Travis’s article here.

Travis takes a look at Thompson’s late round picks since Thompson took over as the Packers’ general manager in 2005, and makes the point that maybe his success in finding impact players in the later rounds of the draft isn’t as frequent as we typically perceive.

Desmond Bishop lines up against the Carolina Panthers. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Josh Sitton (fourth round) and Desmond Bishop (sixth round), this seems to be the case. Both have proven to be excellent players for Green Bay and great finds late in the draft, but why hasn’t Thompson hit any other home runs in rounds 4-7 in his time as the Packers’ GM?

Just to get a frame of reference, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how other general managers around the league fared in the late rounds of the draft during Thompson’s time with the Packers. I wanted to get a sense for how common it is for other teams to find impact players late in the draft, then this would give us a better understanding on how to judge Thompson’s efforts.

I compiled a list of all the GMs that drafted from 2005-12, and looked at each GM’s draft from 2005 to 2012. I focused on the players they selected in rounds 4-7 and noted any players that have played significant time for an NFL team. I also put an asterisk by any players that have proven to be either impact players or top players at their position.

So let’s see how the other GMs during Thompsons’ time with Green Bay did in finding impact players late in the draft.

(Both Rick Smith from Texans and Mike Tannenbaum from the Jets became GMs in 2006, but I included them on this list anyway becaue they were only one year removed from Thompson’s reign as GM.)

List of GMs and Late Round Success from 2005-2012

A.J. Smith – San Diego Chargers

2005 - Darren Sproles, RB, 4^th Round

Mike Brown – Cincinnati Bengals

2006 - Domata Peko, DL, 4^th Round

2010 - *Geno Atkins, DL, 4^th Round

Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys

2005 - *Marion Barber, RB, 4^th Round

- Chris Canty, DL, 4^th Round

- Jay Ratliff, DL, 7^th Round

2008 - Erik Walden, LB, 6^th Round

Rod Graves – Arizona Cardinals

2007 – Steve Breaston, WR, 5^th Round

2008 – Tim Hightower, RB, 5^th Round

Bruce Allen – Tampa Buccaneers/ Washington Redskins

2012 – *Alfred Morris, RB, 6^th Round

Mickey Loomis – New Orleans Saints

2006 – *Jahri Evans, OL, 4^th Round

- Rob Ninkovich, LB, 5^th Round

- *Marques Colston, WR, 7^th Round

2008 – *Carl Nicks, OL, 5^th Round

Bill Belichick  - New England Patriots

2005 – Matt Cassel, QB, 7^th Round

2010 – *Aaron Hernandez, WR, 4^th Round

Ozzie Newsome – Baltimore Ravens

2006 – Dawan Landry, S, 5^th Round

Kevin Colbert – Pittsburg Steelers

2007 – William Gay, CB, 5^th Round

2010 – Antonio Brown, WR, 6^th Round

Rick Smith – Houston Texans

2006 – *Owen Daniels, TE, 4^th Round

2009 – Glover Quin, S, 4^th Round

Mike Tannenbaum – New York Jets

2006 – Leon Washington, RB, 4^th Round

Ted Thompson – Green Bay Packers

2007 – *Desmond Bishop, LB, 6^th Round

- Mason Crosby, K,  6^th  Round

2008 – *Josh Sitton, OL, 4^th Round

- Matt Flynn?, QB, 7^th Round

2009 – T.J. Lang, OL, 4^th Round

- Brad Jones, LB, 7^th Round

2010 – Marshall Newhouse, OL, 5^th Round

- C.J. Wilson, DL, 7^th Round

2011 – Davon House?, CB, 4^th Round

2012 – Jerron McMillian?, SS, 4^th Round

As you can see, many GMs around the league have struggled to find impact players late in the draft. They seem to be lucky if they found one impact player in the late rounds in the past eight drafts. Many of the players on this list fall short of the definition of a true impact player, but either started or played a significant amount of snaps for their team.

T.J. Lang (70) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Compared to the other GMs, Thompson has done well finding players late in the draft that have come in and contributed significantly to the team. Players like T.J. Lang and Brad Jones may not be considered elite players at their respected positions, but they have found their role on the team and contribute significantly.

Newhouse and Wilson have started for the Packers the past few years, but have struggled at times. Due to the number of snaps they’ve played the past few seasons, I still consider these players decent selections late in the rounds of the draft.

The jury is still out on House, McMillian, and Flynn, but I included them on this list because of their potential. Even if you take away House, McMillian, Flynn, Newhouse, and Wilson, it seems Thompson has done well late in the draft when compared to his peers.

Only Mickey Loomis from the Saints has found more impact players in rounds 4-7 since 2005 (Evans, Colston, Nicks).

It seems it’s challenging for any GM to find true impact players late in the draft, especially when you look beyond the fourth round. Maybe it’s not as common as we think. It’s even a tall task to ask a GM to find a solid starter or role player in the bottom half of the draft.

But what do you think?

Do you think Thompson holds up well against his peers in finding talent late in the draft? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Packers wide receiver James Jones breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

When there’s talk about the Green Bay Packers, we often hear mentioned the names of their star players, such as Aaron Rodgers or Clay Matthews. Without a doubt, both of these guys are great players, but I would like to take a little time to shine the light on some of the guys that hold this team together but may not always get the praise they deserve.

These are the guys you’ll hear little about – unless it’s fans complaining about their lack of playmaking ability or some nonsense like that – but they bring it each and every week. They may not be doing the discount double-check or putting on their Old Spice any time soon, but they are vital parts to the Packers’ success. Here are my top five unsung heroes on the Green Bay Packers’ roster.

Let me know what you think.

5) Josh Sitton

Josh Sitton Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Sitton has been the Packers’ best offensive lineman and one of the top guards in the NFL the past few years.

The only reason Sitton isn’t higher on this list is because he has gotten some notoriety as of late (Pro Bowl nod last year) and isn’t necessarily a player that I would consider flies under the radar.

The league knows how good Sitton is at his position, but sometimes I wonder if fans truly appreciate the level of play this guy demonstrates each and every week. Through all the complaints about the offensive line the past few years, it seems Sitton’s talent has been overlooked by the average fan.

Sitton is a rock solid player for the Packers and his switch to the left side of the line just shows how confident Mike McCarthy is in Sitton’s abilities.

4) Tim Masthay

Packers punter Tim Masthay . Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, I put a punter on the list.

It’s a thankless job, but having a solid punter is vital in tilting field position to a team’s advantage. Masthay has been consistently good – at times great – for the Green Bay special teams. Masthay set a new franchise record with a 45.6-yard gross average in 2011, and put 25 punts inside the 20-yard line during his first season in 2010, the most by any Packer punter since Josh Bidwell in 2002.

Masthay had another stellar year in 2012 with 30 punts inside the 20-yard line and a 43.5 gross average.

OK, so maybe all these punting statistics don’t excite you, but all you need to understand is that Masthay has been putting up some of the top numbers at his position and doing it largely unnoticed. Masthay has been Green Bay’s answer to electric returners like Devin Hester and Percy Harvin.

3) A.J. Hawk

Here is a pick that will cause a reaction. Hawk has been one of the most overly-scrutinized players on the Green Bay roster since he was drafted in 2006. What do people expect of him? To apologize for being drafted fifth overall?

Yes, Hawk isn’t the Urlacher-type playmaker we thought he’d be when Green Bay drafted him, but get over it by now. Hawk is still a really solid player, and has been for the Packers for the past seven seasons. He has either led the team or finished second in tackles six of his seven seasons in Green Bay, and he has only missed two games in that time.

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Hawk is dependable and consistent. Hawk provides leadership on the field for a young defense and is responsible for calling plays and making audibles on the field.

He was a defensive captain during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010. The coaches have nothing but good things to say about Hawk, and sometimes I wonder why so many fans criticize him.

He’s coming off his best year as a pro (120 tackles, 3 sacks), and took a major paycut this offseason to stay with the Packers.

He played well against the run last season and looked lighter on his feet than in years past. Hawk isn’t the most athletic linebacker and struggles in coverage at times, but he deserves credit for the many things he does right on the field.

What this guy does each game for Green Bay goes largely unappreciated, and it’s time to give him a little love.

2) James Jones

Packers wide receiver James Jones. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why isn’t anyone talking about this guy? He led the league last year in touchdown receptions with 14, and he still goes unnoticed. Jones has been great for the Packers for a while now, but he has always been the guy sandwiched between “Jennings” and “Driver” or “Nelson” and “Cobb” when people talk about the Green Bay wide receivers.

Jones hasn’t complained much. He just goes out on the field and does his thing. He gives each performance his all, and the last few seasons you can tell.

Just watch some of the incredible catches he made last season. Numerous times Rodgers just hung the ball in the air and Jones jumped over the defender and hauled in the catch.

Jones is aggressive and fights for the ball in the air (something Finley could take note of), and since he fixed his issue with drops from a couple of seasons ago, Jones has been one of the most consistent and reliable pass catchers the last couple of seasons.

Jones has the strength and attitude to out-muscle smaller defenders in the passing game and is an effective run-blocker against defensive backs (an underrated skill for a wide receiver).

I like Nelson and am excited about Cobb’s potential, but Jones was Green Bay’s all-around best receiver last year. He showed up each and every week and gave it everything he had, and now it’s time to give the man some credit.

1) Morgan Burnett

Burnett quietly had a very good season last year. He led the team in tackles with 123, recorded 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and forced 2 fumbles. And more impressively, he was one of only two NFL defensive players last season to play every defensive snap on his team.

Considering the number of injuries Green Bay dealt with last season, this was a miracle. Burnett also showed a lot of improvement in coverage, helping his defense go from the 32^nd-ranked pass defense in 2011 to the 11^th-ranked pass defense in 2012. I would say that is significant.

Packers safety Morgan Burnett (42) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, Burnett’s improved play isn’t the only reason the Packers improved in pass defense, but as the free safety and man responsible for calling coverage audibles, I would say Burnett’s impact should be appreciated.

In fact, the number of big plays Green Bay’s defense gave up in the passing game dropped significantly in 2012. In 2011, the Packers surrendered 71 passing plays of twenty or more yards, and 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards.

Compare that to 2012 where they gave up only 50 passing plays of 20 or more yards and seven of 40 or more. That is a pretty significant difference and it can be attributed to the improved play at the safety position.

Burnett also showed his versatility last season. At times, he moved up in the box to play the run and did well. Burnett is a smart player who has the athletic ability to cover in man and drop back in zone. He is also a solid tackler, and at only age 24, Burnett is still young and should continue to improve in 2013.

Burnett’s contributions to the team may go unnoticed most of the time, but if a safety is doing their job right that is the way it should be.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Pickett, Brad Jones, T.J. Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Jarrett Bush

Davon House (31) breaks up the pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) during last year’s game at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers‘ offseason activities kick off this weekend with the rookie orientation, and it is time to get excited about the season up ahead. Every year there are a handful of low profile players that are buried on the Packers’ depth chart that really shine during offseason activities and get all of our attention. Examples of this in years past are Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Brad Jones, and Dezman Moses.

As exciting as the new high-profile rookies are, the players that will become the young core of this team will come from a variety of places, like last year’s practice squad.

Let’s take a look at some of the relatively unknown players I believe may surprise us all this offseason and become key contributors to the team going forward. I’m going to pick one player for each phase of the game as my surprise players of 2013.

Offense

Tight end Brandon Bostick (48) carries the football as safety Morgan Burnett (42) defends during family night at Lambeau Field last year. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

TE Brandon Bostick 

In case you haven’t read it, Mike Spofford from Packers.com wrote a great article on Bostick and his growth at the tight end position. Bostick spent all of the 2012 season on the Packers’ practice squad. On the scout team Bostick emulated players like Vernon Davis for the defense to practice against, and this gave him the opportunity to showcase his athleticism and receiving ability at the position. Bostick is an athletic tight end, to say the least. He played wide receiver at Newberry College and entered the NFL last season as too big (6-3, 245 pounds) and too slow (4.6 40 time) to play wide receiver at the pro level, but some teams projected him as a tight end at the pro level that could stretch the field and be affective in the passing game.

The Packers brought Bostick in last offseason to convert to tight end, and although he showed some promise, he still had a lot to learn at the new position. Bostick struggled with run blocking early on and had troubles grasping all the various responsibilities the Green Bay offense asks its tight ends to learn. These early struggles prevented the Green Bay coaches from activating him on game day, but the Packers still saw enough potential in the athletic tight end to retain him on the practice squad.

This offseason Bostick raised his weight to 260 pounds, which will help him be more of a presence in run blocking. This will bode well for Bostick as Green Bay will look to be more physical on both sides of the ball this season. If Bostick is able to improve his ability to run block, he could be a real asset to the Packers’ offense.

It will be a long, uphill climb for Bostick to make the final 53-man roster. As of now, Bostick is buried on the depth chart at a very crowded position. However, with Tom Crabtree gone there is no clear-cut second tight end on the roster to line up alongside Jermichael Finley. Andrew Quarless is returning from a major injury and may not be the same player he was in 2010. The other young tight ends still have a lot to prove, and I believe Bostick has more potential and upside than any of them. He has the potential to be another receiving threat at tight end, but he won’t see any playing time unless he shows the coaches he can do all of the dirty work required at the position. If Bostick can put it all together, expect him to make the final 53-man roster and be a key contributor to the offense this season.

Defense

CB Davon House

If House comes to OTAs and camp this year and plays well, I’m not sure if this will surprise anyone or not, but it seems at a crowded cornerback position House is often the forgotten man. House’s young career has been defined by injuries. After being drafted by Green Bay in the fourth round in 2011, House saw very little action his rookie season, dealing with hamstring issues and spending most of the season on the scout defense. However, House began the 2012 offseason as a more aggressive and much-improved player.

Davon House (31) catches a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

House was a standout player during OTAs and training camp and was even penciled in as the starting cornerback heading into the first preseason game last year. House looked like a future star in the Green Bay defensive backfield before dislocating his shoulder against San Diego in the first preseason game. House missed the remainder of the preseason and had to play the rest of the year with a shoulder brace. This prohibited Houses’s ability to jam receivers at the line and be aggressive in his tackling. This pushed House down the depth chart as Sam Shields and breakout rookie Casey Hayward played well and solidified the starting and nickel cornerback positions opposite Tramon Williams.

House had surgery to repair the shoulder in January, and with an offseason to heal, there’s no reason to believe House can’t return to his pre-injury form.

I look for House to have another good offseason this year, and barring any major injuries, be a contender to start at cornerback this season. Defensive back coach Joe Whitt Jr. said this offseason there will be an open competition for the starting spots at cornerback. As most will see this competition between Williams, Shields, and Hayward, don’t be surprised if House throws his hat in the ring and comes out on top.

House’s size (6-1, 195 pounds) offers a different body type than the other Green Bay cornerbacks. His physical playing style could be effective against big receivers in the division, like Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson. House was arguably the best cover corner on the Packers’ roster last offseason, and with Williams struggling the last two seasons maybe House will be a better candidate to play the shutdown corner role on the defense. I get the feeling House’s best play is still ahead of him. If House returns this offseason fully recovered from his shoulder injury, I believe he could be a serious contender to start at cornerback, and in the very least, be a solid player in the Packers’ defensive sub-packages.

Special Teams

WR/KR Jeremy Ross

Jeremy Ross (10) returns a punt during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

I imagine Coach McCarthy will relieve Randall Cobb from his returning responsibilities and use him solely on offense this season. If this is the case, I expect Ross to take over the kick and punt returning duties. Ross was a practice squad player last season until he was activated in week 15 against the Chicago Bears. The first time Ross touched the ball was when he fumbled a backward lateral from Cobb on a punt return and the Bears recovered it, nearly costing the Packers the lead. Ross’s brief career has also been defined by his fumble on a punt return in the playoff loss against the San Francisco Forty-Niners. This fumble led to the Forty-Niners going up two scores and putting the game out of reach.

Ross has had his low moments, but he has also shown some promise in his limited action as the punt and kick returner last year. After Cobb left the Tennessee game with an ankle injury, Ross took over returning duties and broke off a 58-yard kick return, and the following week Ross provided the Packers with a spark against Minnesota by returning a kickoff 44 yards and a punt 32 yards. Ross has definitely shown his ability to break a big return, and the best may be yet to come for this young player.

Ross’s size (6-0, 215 pounds) and speed (4.39 40 time) also offer some potential as a breakaway receiving threat in the pass game. Maybe with a full offseason working in the Green Bay offense and catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, Ross shows the coaches he can do more than just return punts and kicks. He could push for the fourth or fifth receiving spots on the roster.

I’m sure Ross would like to erase that fumble against San Francisco in the playoffs, but I look for him to redeem himself in the return game this season and maybe be a surprise receiving option on game day.

There is no way at this time of the year, as a fan and spectator, to predict which players will grow and develop on the roster and have a breakout season. However, you can look at players’ past work and see potential and speculate that under the right circumstances these players may grow and develop into special players. Whether these players pan out or not, look for Green Bay to continually find young talent to build their roster around.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses celebrates a tackle with free safety Morgan Burnett (42) against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Every offseason the Green Bay Packers lose key players to free agency or retirement (Driver, Jennings, Woodson, Walden, etc.). Green Bay has done a good job this offseason replenishing their roster through the draft and signing undrafted free agents. At this point, maybe Ted Thompson will even sign a few veteran free agents at a bargain price to add to the young and competitive roster, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Thompson just rolls with the players he currently has on the roster (in fact, today’s news about the shifting of the offensive line emphasizes that point).

With the new player acquisitions after draft weekend, the competition on the roster should be fun to watch this summer. With the offseason losses there are plenty of positions on the roster that need a young emerging player to step up and fill. Let’s take a look at some of the positions on the roster where the Packers need a player to emerge during the upcoming season.

Starting Running Back

Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris, Alex Green, James Starks

Green Bay desperately needs to find a featured running back who can be a legitimate threat. The assumption here is that Lacy will be that guy next season because he was drafted in the second round. Lacy certainly has the ability and physical running style to be an every-down back, but I doubt anyone will just hand him the job. Lacy will have to earn a starting spot in training camp, and I expect there will be plenty of competition.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) gets by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

Fourth round selection Johnathan Franklin also has the skills and potential to be the starting back in the Packers’ offense. And don’t forget about last season late-comer, DuJuan Harris, who looked like the most explosive back on Green Bay’s roster at that point. Harris could give Lacy and Franklin a run for their money for the starting running back spot. At the very least, Harris will rotate in with Lacy and Franklin and provide a good change of pace.

There’s still Green and Starks, but I don’t see either of them being realistic options for the starting role at this point. Both have dealt with injuries in their short careers and haven’t proven to be consistent on the field. I expect the starter to emerge from Lacy, Franklin, and Harris, and a rotation between these three backs during games could be a real possibility.

Starting Strong Safety

Jerron McMillian, M.D. Jennings, Sean Richardson

After Woodson was released this offseason, the safety position suddenly looked awfully thin. The free safety position is set with Morgan Burnett, but strong safety is wide open. Like most, I thought Green Bay would find their safety in the draft, but Thompson focused on other positions and reiterated that he believes in the young players at strong safety. At this point, strong safety looks like a two-horse race between McMillian and Jennings. They both rotated in and out last season when Woodson missed time with a broken collarbone.

Jerron McMillian during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Being a smaller safety, Jennings struggled against the run, but held up well in coverage. McMillian showed the speed and athleticism to come up in the box and play against the run. He also played decent man coverage against tight ends and slot receivers, but he looked out of place at times when he dropped back in zone coverage.

McMillian seems to have the most growing to do on the field, but also seems to have more upside than Jennings. I think his playmaking potential and his fearlessness to create contact makes McMillian the favorite to start at strong safety. However, maybe Jennings shows more improvement this offseason or the unproven Richardson comes back from his neck injury and surprises us all.

Starting Left Tackle

Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod, Bryan Bulaga, David Bakhtiari

Editor’s note: This was written before the news This morning that McCarthy plans to move Brian Bulaga to left tackle and switch Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang at the guards.

It’s hard to even guess what will happen at left tackle this season.  Being the key position to protecting your franchise quarterback, you’d think it would be more settled at this point. Maybe Sherrod returns healthy and competes with Newhouse for the starting spot. Maybe Don Barclay lines up at right tackle and Green Bay moves Bulaga over to the left side. Maybe David Bakhtiari learns quicker than we expect and makes a real push to start at the position. Maybe all this increased competition gets the best out of Newhouse and he keeps his starting job. It’s too early to tell on this one. If I had to put money on it, I’d say Bulaga gets moved over to the left side, but that’s just a hunch. We’ll see how it develops in camp.

Backup Outside Linebacker

Dezman Moses, Nate Palmer, Andy Malumba, Other?

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses (54) prepares to hit Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Ricky Stanzi (12) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The starting outside linebackers are pretty much set with Clay Matthews and Nick Perry. However, the Packers need another pass rusher to emerge from the second unit that can rotate into the game to provide fresh legs in the pass rush. Moses provided some good depth at the position last season, but Green Bay needs another guy to step up alongside Moses.

This is the most important position on the defense, and it’s essential to have at least two players that can step in if Perry or Matthews go down with an injury (like last season). Maybe the Packers bring in a veteran free agent here, but if not, it looks like it’s between sixth round pick Nate Palmer and undrafted free agent Andy Mulumba. Both of these guys were highly productive in college and have an affinity for rushing the passer. The Packers seem to be high on Palmer, so I’ll give him the edge at this point.

Backup Center

J.C. Tretter, Greg Van Roten, Patrick Lewis

It’s clear Evan Dietrich-Smith will be starting at center when the season begins, but the Packers still seem to be missing a clear-cut backup at the position. Van Roten is an undrafted free agent returning from last season and could show improvement from year one to year two, but he may be better suited at guard. Tretter played left tackle in college, but was drafted to provide depth on the interior offensive line. Tretter doesn’t have any experience playing center, but he’s intelligent and tough. He could be groomed into being a center behind Dietrich-Smith. Lewis is an undrafted rookie who played center at Texas A&M and could be one of those surprise players who pushes for a roster spot. This position is anyone’s for the taking at this point.

Second Tight End

Andrew Quarless, D.J. Williams, Brandon Bostick, Matt Mulligan, Ryan Taylor

Green Bay needs to find another receiving threat at tight end. This player could even be groomed to eventually start if Finley doesn’t return after the 2013 season. If Quarless returns healthy, he could be that guy. He missed all last season with a knee injury, but when healthy, he was Green Bay’s best blocking tight end and has the size (6-4) and athleticism to be an asset in the passing game.

Mulligan was brought in to replace Crabtree‘s former blocking duties and will offer little in the passing game. I’m not sold on Williams. He had too many drops in his limited action last season and was ineffective as a run blocker. However, Bostick shows some promise as both a receiver and run blocker. He could be a surprise player this offseason. I’m not sure Taylor will ever emerge as anything more than just a special teams player. My guess is Quarless has a good year and emerges as the second tight end.

Fourth and fifth Wide Receiver

Jarrett Boykin, Jeremy Ross, Charles Johnson, Kevin Dorsey, Other?

October 1, 2011; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Kevin Dorsey (12) is tackled following a catch against the Towson Tigers at Byrd Stadium. Maryland beat Towson 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The top three wide receivers are set with Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson; however, the remaining two wide receiver spots on the roster are wide open. Boykin has the most playing experience from the remaining receivers and is the favorite at this point for claiming the fourth wide receiver spot, but maybe another guy steps up and challenges him for the spot in camp. Ross could remain on the roster due to his kick and punt returning ability. We’ll see if he can offer something in the passing game as well.

Seventh round picks Johnson and Dorsey are intriguing prospects. They’re both big receivers with good speed. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them made the final 53-man roster. In the very least, they will both be retained on the practice squad. Every year in training camp it seems an undrafted free agent makes a splash at wide receiver, so don’t count out those players to fill the final roster spots as well

These positions will be settled during offseason workouts and in training camp, but for now, it’s fun to speculate what will happen come start of the 2013 season. Let me know what you think. Who do you believe will be holding down these positions when the season starts on Sept. 8 in San Francisco?

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started the Packers news this week by signing a mega-contract. It ended with former Packer LeRoy Butler being called out for supporting Jason Collins.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

What a week it has been my fellow Cheeseheads in Packers land near and far.

Starting with the draft and the retooling of the offense and the bazillion dollar extension of Aaron Rodgers to the LeRoy Butler situation, there has not been a dull moment.  Kind of nice to have some football news and not have to pick on the Vikings fans for their silly uniforms (but hey, what else are the Vikings good for except two victories a year).

In looking back at the draft, which has pretty much been covered from every angle, one thing that I am noticing is how some teams, such as the Steelers, are saying they were not sold on Eddie Lacy because of his injury history. I have also been reading about why the Packers did not draft any safeties or why they failed to address this need or that need.

Am I sensing draft envy by the other teams?  Could it be that Ted Thompson pulled off such a draft coup that other general managers are jealous and the only way to fight back is to put our choices down?  I guess time will only tell.

One thing that makes me proud about being a Packers fan (and owner), is that you very seldom hear anyone from the Packers slamming or putting down other teams.  Now there is the occasional trash talking, but that is part of the game.  What you never hear is anyone putting down other teams, their players or the choices that were made.  It solidifies the class that our team has and I truly believe is part of the reason why the Packers are so successful, both on and off the field.

The other big chunk of news was the blossoming saga involving LeRoy Butler.  Now before I go any further I want to put this disclaimer out:  This is not a political statement, nor is it a religious statement. This is my outlook on an event that shows that there is still bigotry and bullying abound at all levels of society.

LeRoy Butler

It began with LeRoy sending out a tweet saying, “Congrats to Jason Collins.”  Collins was one of the first professional sports players to publicly announce he is gay (Glenn Lawrence Burke who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics, is considered to be the first openly gay player to play professional sports).

The tweet was no more than four words.  Words that were not hurtful or derogatory in any way, which is a stark contrast to the words tweeted by Mike Wallace of the Miami Dolphins.

Yet those four words cost Butler a speaking engagement because they offended some people at a church.  We may never know exactly why these people were offended, we can assume that the people who were upset have a differing opinion about homosexuality.

In the end, LeRoy was given the choice to apologize for his tweet and ask forgiveness for his support of Jason Collins, according to the many news articles that detail the events.  He refused to do so. What is ironic about this story is that his speech is about standing up to bullies and doing what is right.  I guess there are some people in that church who could have used this message sooner rather than later.

I applaud Butler for standing up for his own convictions and I truly wish the Pastor of the church and the members who were so upset would come forward to explain themselves, not to be judged, but to further the dialogue on treating our fellow-man with dignity and respect.  I also wish those players who came out negatively to Jason Collins would not backtrack on what they originally said, we can learn from their comments as well.

I guess in the end, for as much good as there has been on and off the field this week, there is still so much room for improvement when it comes to how we, as people, players, and teams express ourselves and our thoughts about those around us.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs against Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After selecting defensive end, Datone Jones, from UCLA and running back, Eddie Lacy, from Alabama, it looks like the Green Bay Packers are assembling a pretty good draft so far. Well, expect a lot more from Ted Thompson and his crew on day three of the NFL Draft.

After several day two trades (so complicated the details will give you a headache) the Packers will be going into day three of the draft armed with 10 picks.

Yes, I said 10 picks!

OK, maybe that is not enough to get you excited about rounds 4-7 of the draft, but you should be excited, especially if you are a Packers fan. This is a deep draft with still plenty of talent left on the board, and finding great players in later rounds is Thompson’s calling card.

Simply put, day three of the draft is Thompson’s day. It’s his time to shine and really work his magic. Expect Green Bay to find considerable value and talent on day three.

Now, what will the Packers do with those 10 picks? Maybe they use them as ammunition to trade up and get the players they really like, or maybe they take more bites out of the apple and add more depth and competition at various positions on the roster.

It should be interesting to watch unfold. The Packers still need to add depth at offensive line, safety, wide receiver, outside linebacker, and defensive line. I could also seem them adding another tight end and possibly a quarterback later on.

Let’s look at a few players at these positions Green Bay may target on day three of the draft.

Senior Bowl north squad offensive lineman David Quessenberry of San Jose State. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The Packers desperately need to add depth to the offensive line. They may not need to find immediate starters, but they need to add competion at left tackle and center and find depth at guard. Look for versatile players, like Alabama’s Barrett Jones and San Jose State’s David Quessenberry, to help Green Bay solidify their offensive line. Both these players can play multiple positions on the line, and whereas Jones projects more to be an NFL guard or center, Quessenberry has the measurables (6-5, 302 pounds) and quick feet to play left tackle.

Safety

It seems many of the top safeties are off the board after the first two days, but there are still several players left with potential playmaking ability. Green Bay missed out on D.J. Swearinger in the second round and J.J. Wilcox in the third, but if a guy, like Fresno State’s Philip Thomas, falls to Green Bay in the fourth, expect them to take him without hesitation. I have been high on Thomas for a while and like his playmaking ability. He would be a great pick in the fourth round, but the Packers may have to use their extra picks to trade up and get him. Also, look for late-rounders, Tony Jefferson from Oklahoma or Bacarri Rambo from Georgia.

Wide Receiver

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) makes a catch.

A lot of wide receivers came off the board on day two of the draft, but this year’s class is a deep one and provides plenty of options in rounds 4-6.

Quinton Patton from Louisiana Tech may be the best available wideout, but he will more than likely be gone by the time the Packers pick in the fourth round. They could trade up for Patton, but there are plenty of other options out there the Packers could wait until the end of the fourth to select, like Da’Rick Rogers from Tennessee Tech or Cobi Hamilton from Arkansas. Maybe, they wait even longer and take someone like Marques Wilson from Washington State with one of their three fifth round picks.

Outside Linebacker

Look for Green Bay to take another outside linebacker in rounds four or five. Chase Thomas from Stanford could be there in round four and would be a great fit for Green Bay, or maybe a guy like Michael Buchanan from Illinois will fall to the Packers somewhere in the fifth round. There are plenty of “tweener” rushbackers still available. I expect Green Bay to leave the draft with at least one more rushbacker (3-4 OLB) added to their roster.

Tight End

I am actually surprised how many tight ends have come off the board already. I just didn’t have this year’s tight end class rated that high. It doesn’t seem there are many complete tight ends left to select, but look for San Jose State’s Ryan Otten in rounds five or six to provide another receiving option for Green Bay. Dion Sims from Michigan St. and towering 6’7’’ Joseph Fauria from UCLA are still available, but both these players seem like project picks at this point.

North Texas Mean Green quarterback Derek Thompson (7) passes under pressure from Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jesse Williams. Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

The Packers went defensive line in the first round, but I expect them to pick up a nose tackle on day three. They need to continue to add depth to the interior of their defensive line and prepare for Pickett’s eventual departure.

If they could get Jesse Williams from Alabama in the fourth round that would be an excellent pick. Some mock drafts had Williams go to Green Bay in the first or second round. I am surprised he has fallen this far in the draft. However, Green Bay may target Williams, but they would probably have to use their extra picks and trade up into the top of the fourth round to get him.

If the Packers miss out on Williams, look for them to target massive defensive nose tackle, Kwame Geathers, from Georgia in rounds five or six.

It is always difficult to predict where players will go this far in the draft, but I expect Green Bay to have a big day. This is Thompson’s time to shine, and with the talent still left on the board it will provide good theater for the remaining rounds of the draft.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

On the day of the NFL draft, it is easy to get excited about the potential prospects that the Green Bay Packers could be adding to their roster this weekend.

We all expect Green Bay to address their roster needs in the draft, but it is also important to keep in mind the players currently on the roster that could make a big impact on the team next year.

Every year it seems some Packer player makes a big jump from year one to year two, and I expect this year will be no different. This season I expect this player to be outside linebacker Nick Perry.

Many seem to be counting Nick Perry out when discussing the Packers’ need at outside linebacker. Consider these mock drafts from various NFL analysts—

Rob Warner from fftoolbox.com has Green Bay taking OLB Sam Montgomery from LSU in the first round.

Warner says when explaining the pick —

“An upgrade from rush linebacker Eric Walden is sorely needed.”

Clark Judge from cbssports.com has Green Bay taking Texas A&M OLB Damontre Moore in the first round.

Judge explains—

“Rewind the videotape of the Packers’ loss to San Francisco, and see why the Packers must find someone, anyone, for outside contain.”

Charles Davis from nfl.com also has the Packers taking Moore from Texas A&M

Davis states—

“A tough combine might hurt his draft status, but the Packers are still seeking pressure opposite Clay Matthews.”

Gil Brandt from nfl.com has Green Bay selecting OLB Jarvis Jones from Georgia with their first pick.

Brandt—

“Nonetheless, he can be the kind of outside pass rusher Green Bay is looking for.”

Notice a theme here? I have heard similar sentiment among many Packers fans. Where does Nick Perry, their first round pick from last season, factor in? These guys act like Green Bay is desperate to find anyone to fill the other outside linebacker position. They don’t even acknowledge Perry’s return from injury this season.

Yes, the Packers need to add depth to the position, but an immediate need? I don’t think so. I don’t have a problem with Green Bay taking another outside linebacker in the draft that will bring some additional pass rush, but I still see Perry as the solution at the position for the foreseeable future. Perry’s presence means the Packers don’t have to reach for an outside linebacker in the draft and select one in the early rounds.

Feb 27, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Nick Perry does the shuttle run during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Perry has all the physical tools to be an effective 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s 6-3, 265 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds. He has the strength to hold up well against the run and the quickness and speed to be effective in both rushing the passer and dropping back in coverage. He has plenty of potential — he just needs to put it all together.

Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel interviewed outside linebacker coach Kevin Greene about Perry’s potential — “He can be physical. He can rush the passer … He can do the whole spectrum of this position.”

Coach Greene also went on to say that Perry proved to him that he could rush the passer and cover receivers, citing an example of when Perry covered Colt’s receiver Reggie Wayne perfectly down the seam in week five last season. Coach Greene also reiterated that he likes Perry’s power and his ability to “knock tight ends two yards into the backfield.” Perry proved he can be effective at the position, and he has his coach’s confidence.

Perry was placed on injured reserve week six last season with a wrist injury, so there is very little to work off of when considering Perry’s performance at the position. However, he showed plenty of potential in the five games he started last season, and though there were some growing pains at the position, we need to remember that Perry was working on transitioning from a college defensive end to an NFL outside linebacker. A difficult task that takes time. Last season was Perry’s first year playing the position, and given another offseason to develop, he could prove to be effective rushing the quarterback standing up.

Last season, Perry had his moments. He recorded 18 tackles, two sacks, and eight quarterback hurries in five games. He had a rough game in the season opener against San Francisco, but rebounded strong against the Chicago Bears the following week. If you go back and watch the tape of that game, you’ll see that Perry was effective in pushing the pocket, which forced the Bears to shift their protection to his side. This freed up Clay Matthews to have a monster performance, recording 3.5 sacks and terrorizing Cutler all game. Perry also had a pretty impressive game in week five against the Indianapolis Colts, showcasing his power on his crushing hit on quarterback Andrew Luck, which was unfairly flagged.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) goes by San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Some overlook Perry because of his unimpressive numbers in those five games, but what they fail to see is that Perry got good push at the line and helped take some of the attention off of Matthews. In fact, Matthews had some of his best games last season with Perry lining up on the other side. Just compare the numbers.

With Perry in the lineup last season, Matthews recorded eight sacks, 21 tackles, and one forced fumble. After Perry was placed on injured reserve, Matthews only recorded five sacks, 22 tackles, and one forced fumble in his remaining seven games (I was not counting the four games Matthews missed with a hamstring injury). The change in those numbers is pretty significant.

Simply put, Matthews was better with Perry in the lineup, and that in itself should be enough evidence to believe Perry could be the answer at the other outside linebacker position.

Yes, Green Bay needs another viable pass rusher outside of Clay Matthews on the defense, but who’s to say that pass rusher isn’t currently on the Packers’ roster?

I say he is, but what do you think? Do the Packers bring in another guy to compete with Perry for the starting job or do they trust that last year’s first round pick will play to his potential?

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D.J. Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State University. At just 5’11″ 239 pounds, Smith was highly overlooked in the draft, which allowed the Packers to get great value in him late in the draft.

In 2011 Smith appeared in all 16 games and even started three times. He totaled 32 tackles and picked off Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on Thanksgiving day.

In 2012 Smith tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season against the Houston Texans. He started all six games he played in, in 2012 — he totaled 29 tackles and deflected 4 passes.

Many considered Smith the replacement for inside linebacker A.J. Hawk, who has struggled the last few seasons for the Packers.

However, in 2012 Hawk played very well for the majority of the year, especially after Smith went down. The Packers obviously trust Hawk enough to release Smith.

Smith’s agent said that the Packers told them they needed to “create some space for things that are coming.” He also stated that the Packers may be interested in brining Smith back at a later date.

his agent said that “a number of teams have already expressed interest in Smith.”

A possible destination for Smith would be Packers’ in-division rival the Minnesota Vikings, much to chagrin of Packer fans. The Vikings are in desperate need of linebacker help and they obviously know Smith pretty well.

The Packers also released running back Brandon Saine.

With the releasing of both Saine and Smith the Packers save about $1 million in cap space for 2013.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The April 22nd Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com has posted a new mock draft every week since the end of last season. We at LombardiAve.com have been posting our own mock drafts every week as well. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have worked out for the NFL scouts, some multiple times, and opinions are being formed that will determine the draft –day fates of hundreds of football players.

We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers draft.

We know that the Packers, absent trades, pick 26th in the first round. The only real unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down to improve the Packers’ draft fortunes.

The latest FanSided mock draft goes two rounds deep. Here’s what they think the Packers will do.

Sep 3, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman DJ Fluker (76) warms up prior to the game against the Kent State Flashes at Bryant Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Flashes 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select DJ Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

FanSided analysis: The Packers want to get more physical, so what better way than to bring in one of the most physical and dominating run blockers in this year’s draft.

Dec 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) is tackled by Nebraska Cornhuskers safety P.J. Smith (13) during the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 55^th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Montee Ball, Running Back, Wisconsin

(No FanSided analysis provided)

I really don’t think this is how the first two rounds will shake out. Fluker is a road grader (but not an elite pass blocker) and Ball is a TD machine, but I think Fluker will be gone by the time the Packers pick in the first and Ball might not be worthy of a second round pick. I’d rather see the Packers go pure OT first then go after some D line help.

In my last mock draft I put some philosophical things out there about what the Packers need and many agreed with my thoughts. To summarize, the Packers need larger, more physical bodies (especially on defense) and a mindset change from speed and finesse to power and toughness. I’m not saying the Packers aren’t tough but lots of others are saying exactly that. I think they need to be tougher on both sides of the football though. So please Ted Thompson…no more short, fast guys. The Packers need length and strength.

So here we go again Packer Nation- once more with feeling before the real thing starts on Thursday night in New York!

Packers 2013 Mock Draft:

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. (26) Menelik Watson, OT, FSU. Watson is an athlete and has legitimate right OT talent. Given the problems the Packers have had at left tackle over the last couple of years it makes sense that taking Watson would allow Bulaga to move to LT. I think Watson is a better pass blocker with more upside than the other tackles currently graded by the experts as first round talent.  ALTERNATE: Kyle Long, OT, Oregon. Another athlete who can move and has a great bloodline.

Oct 27, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers offensive linesman Al Bond (54) faces Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Margus Hunt (92) during the game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The Mustangs defeated the Tigers 44-13. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2. (55) Margus Hunt, DE, SMU. Let’s talk about length. Hunt is another athlete with 6-8 length and flexibility to play 3-4 DE or OLB. He has a frame that could carry some more weight but I’m not sure he needs it. He’s certainly strong enough (38 press reps at the Combine). Many compare him to some of the top DEs already in the league. Hunt would make a nice addition to go along with Perry or Matthews on the outside. ALTERNATE: Tank Carradine, DE, FSU. Carradine probably won’t last until this deep in the second round, but if he does and Hunt’s not on the board the Packers should snap him up.

3. (88) Barrett Jones, C / G / OT, Alabama. Jones’ draft stock has dropped precipitously since Alabama won the BCS Championship, but he’s the type of guy the Packers like and his flexibility also makes him a multiplier for the O line. His recovery from post-season lisfranc surgery is on track. The Packers have gambled on players who had injuries coming out of college before, and lost, but Jones’ upsides are worth taking a shot on him. ALTERNATE: David Quessenberry, C / G, San Jose State. Quessenberry is another flexible O lineman with length and strength who belongs on the Packers’ roster.

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) makes a long gain on a reception against the Missouri Tigers in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

4. (122) Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina. Yes…Lattimore is a risky pick indeed but if he pans out the Packers will have addressed a pressing need and he’d be the best story in the NFL this year. Granted Risk is not exactly Ted Thompson’s middle name but taking Lattimore here is the right place to get him if the Packers want him. Lattimore can also catch, which seems to be a skill lacking in the current stable of Packers RBs. ALTERNATE: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. Many experts seem to think Ball might last this long in the draft. If he does, and the Packers don’t believe Lattimore is worth the risk, Ball would seem to be a no-brainer here.

5. (159) Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech. Davis is a large (6-3 233) receiver with good speed (4.55) for a guy his size. He’s also got big hands to help him battle for the ball and long arms to help him battle out of jams at the line of scrimmage. He could develop into an Anquan Boldin-type receiver. The Packers already have the best three WR lineup in the league in Jones, Nelson, and Cobb, but Davis would be able to add toughness and be more than a suitable replacement for the departed Jennings. ALTERNATE: Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon. Mellete is a small school guy with 6-2 216 size and good speed with ball skills.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Kwame Geathers (99) tackles Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) in the second half at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

5. (167- compensatory) Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia. At 6-5 and 343, Geathers is a load and would bring toughness and attitude to a DL that seems to need some of both. A truly immovable object, he was part of a rotating D line group at Georgia but would need to be prepared to play more often as part of the Packers’ D line. While he might not be an immediate impact player being able to grab Geathers at this position would be a good get for the Packers. ALTERNATE: Nicholas Williams, DE, Samford. Williams has the size (6-4 309) to play 3-4 DE or he could be one of the situational subs the Packers like to use when they’re in nickel or dime defenses.

6. (193) Travis Long, ILB / OLB, Washington State. Long has played both inside and outside LB. I see him moving inside for the Packers. At 6-3 256 he can stand up to the run and he tackles and bats passes. He also sacks quarterbacks and tackles for loss. His experience as a standup OLB also makes him flexible…a Packers LB requirement. ALTERNATE: Jonathan Stewart, ILB, Texas A&M. Another new-breed (taller / larger) Packers ILB candidate at 6-3 244, Stewart led the Aggies in tackles last season. He does it all.

Nov 10, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Brandon Terry (86) defends after North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Brandan Bishop (30) made the successful interception during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

7. (232) Brandon Bishop, S, North Carolina State. Bishop has size (6-2 205) and decent speed (4.60) as well as a nose for the football. What the Packers seem to lack in the defensive backfield Bishop can help provide. He tackles too- over 100 times last season. ALTERNATE: Vaughn Telemaque, S, Miami. With similar size and speed to Bishop (6-2 211 and 4.59), Telemaque is considered more of a project but we all know you can’t coach size. Or speed. These guys both have what it takes.

That’s it for this week Packer Nation. Let me know what you think of my all-big, all-tough draft. Of course Ted Thompson will probably see things I don’t. He’ll most likely wheel and deal some mid-round picks simply because the middle rounds in this draft are unusually well-stocked with good players. One thing’s for certain though- The Packers have needs. Whether the front office addresses them via the draft or undrafted free agents, their work is cut out for them.

We’ll be featuring draft-related stories all week long on LombardiAve.com.com so watch for them!

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Green Back Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers schedule for the 2013 season is out and everybody is wondering how the season will turn out for them. They have their work cut out for them no doubt, but things may not be as bad as some of the “experts” think. If I weren’t a Packers fan first and a hack writer second, I might be inclined to think 2013 will be a real downer- a tough season to play and to watch. But I don’t necessarily agree with the rest of the pundits. Besides…it is what it is. The Packers will have to make the best of it, and I think they will.

Some overall impressions of the schedule as I see them:

-  The Packers do not play consecutive road games this season. This is the very first time this has ever occurred.

-  The Packers have two consecutive home games in mid-season (Chicago and Philadelphia), but otherwise they’re home-away-home-away all season long. There are pluses and minuses to this aspect of the schedule, but nobody can complain about that tough 3 game road stretch late in the season this year.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) stomps on Green Bay Packers offensive guard Evan Dietrich-Smith (62) after the play. Suh was ejected from the game during the third quarter at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

-  The Packers play Detroit on Thanksgiving once again this season. Some believe this to be a bad thing. I kind of like it. I enjoy watching Detroit lose almost as much as watching the Packers win. And some memorable moments have resulted from Packers  / Lions Thanksgiving Day contests over the years. Here’s to making some more in 2013!

-  The Packers get an early-season week 4 bye. They’ll also have a mini-bye after they play Detroit on Thanksgiving.

-  The Packers are scheduled to appear on national TV five times and will play in the second game of double-headers four times. That means exiled Packers fans (like me) will likely be able to see at least half their games this season. Never a bad thing! And on Sundays with noon starts it’ll be time to improvise, adapt, and overcome. Just like the Packers themselves.

-  The Packers will not play any Thursday night games this season.

When I look at the 2013 schedule I see absolutely no games the Packers cannot win or that they are predestined to lose. With everybody returning healthy (especially Bulaga, Worthy, Perry, Walden, and D.J. Smith) and the players Ted Thompson will add via the draft and free agency (impact players at WR, TE, RB, D line, and LB / DE) I see this being a team that can and will do great things. As always it will be up to the players to make it happen.

Here are the Packers games of the 2013 NFL season:

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers safety C.J. Spillman (27) during the third quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday September 8- at SanFrancisco 49ers (1525 start on Fox) All sorts of emotions and revenge factors will play into this one. They’ll be preparing for it for months, and if the Packers have an answer for the read-option then they probably have a great chance to win. If not, well the 549 they gave up in the playoffs last season may not look so bad. PREDICTION: Packers win 34-28.

Sunday September 15 – Washington Redskins (1200 start on Fox) The Packers get their first look at Washington with RGIII in their home opener. Or maybe not if he’s not yet healthy enough to play. Without RGIII Washington is not in it. When this one’s over Packers fans will be happy. PREDICTION: Packers win 31-17.

Sunday September 22 – at the Cincinnati Bengals (1200 start on Fox) These are not your father’s old Bungles. Marvin Lewis has these guys playing. But they won’t be able to stop Rodgers and (insert rookie RB sensation here) and the revised and revitalized tough Packers D. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Sunday September 29 - BYE

Sunday October 6 – Detroit Lions (1200 start on Fox) Fresh off a bye…Detroit at Green Bay. Enough said. PREDICTION: Packers win 34-17.

 Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday October 13 – at the Baltimore Ravens (1200 start on Fox) This one has the makings of a defensive struggle. Or at least it did before the Ravens lost much of their defensive core. I see it being Rogers against Flacco for all the marbles now. PREDICTION: Packers win 35-24.

Sunday October 20 – Cleveland Browns (1525 start on CBS) The Browns are a team in transition. Unless there are some really humongous surprises in store from them I can’t see this one going their way. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Sunday October 27 – at the Minnesota Vikings (1930 start on NBC) Adrian. Peterson. Stop him and there’s a decent enough chance to win. Let him run roughshod for 200 plus and it’ll be a very long and unhappy day. PREDICTION: Packers lose 24-21.

Monday November 4 – Chicago Bears (1940 start on ESPN) Now this is what I’m talking about! Nationally televised. Oldest and most emotional rivalry in the league. Charged up fans. Psyched up players. It gets no better! PREDICTION: Packers win 24-13.

Sunday November 10 – Philadelphia Eagles (1200 start on Fox) The Eagles come to Lambeau with all sorts of new wrinkles. But they’ll need more than that to keep Rodgers from taking this one over. While I think the Eagles will eventually hit their stride, it won’t happen on this day. PREDICTION: Packers win 33-17.

Sunday November 17 – at the New York Football Giants (1930 start on NBC [flex]) Another revenge game. Another road game against the Giants. Another tough but winnable one. When this one’s over both sides will feel it for a while. PREDICTION: Packers lose 27-21.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is stopped by Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the 1st quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday November 24 – Minnesota Vikings (1200 start on Fox [flex]) Adrian. Peterson. Sound familiar? When the Vikings come into Lambeau this time it’ll be up to Ponder to outplay Rodgers. Not gonna happen. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Thursday November 28 – at the Detroit Lions (1130 start on Fox) Ahh…Thanksgiving! Football! Family and friends! And a liberal helping of Packers-Lions rivalry just for flavor. We eat after the game honey! This will be a tough one but it won’t go to the Lions. PREDICTION: Packers win 21-17.

Sunday December 8 – Atlanta Falcons (1930 start on NBC [flex]) A tough one to call. Playing this game in Lambeau may be enough to give the Packers the edge. The speedy Falcons don’t want any of the Packers in the last quarter of the season, but they get them anyway and take it from them. PREDICTION: Packers lose 31-21.

Sunday December 15- at the Dallas Cowboys (1525 start on Fox [flex]) I like this game because I loathe the Cowboys and it’ll be a game I will probably go see in person. I simply will not watch the Packers lose to the Cowboys in person in 2013! Rodgers will outplay Romo as it should be. PREDICTION: Packers win 38-24.

Sunday December 22 – Pittsburgh Steelers (1525 start on CBS [flex]) The last home game of the regular season for the Packers. Not an easy opponent but these days “on any given Sunday” is the way it seems to be.  Just not on this one. PREDICTION: Packers win 27-17.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off to Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green (20) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers beat the Bears 21-13. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday December 29 – at the Chicago Bears (1200 start on Fox [flex]) So it all comes down to this. The Packers might not need this game but they’ll want it anyway. The Bears might need it but the Packers won’t let them have it- not without a fight. PREDICTION: Packers win 21-13.

There you have it Packer Nation. The Packers will have to play well early and often to make me look like I know what I’m talking about, but I see a 13-3 season for them. They’ll go win Super Bowl XLVIII, win, and take over New York. After all- what team is better suited to play in (and win!) an outdoor Super Bowl in a Northeast February?

Go Pack GO!

Follow Bill Walton on Twitter @PackersTX

The San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers will take on the 49ers in the primetime slot on September 8, 2013 at 3:25 p.m CDT in San Francisco’s Candle Stick Park.

All Packers fans know that the 49ers not only beat the Packers in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs last season, but also came into Lambeau Field week 1 and handed the Packers a 30-22 loss.

The Packers have said all offseason that the focus is learning how to stop the read option that the 49ers used to accumulate over 500 yards of total offense against the Packers in the playoffs, there new techniques will be tested right off the bat.

The Packers-49ers series has been very entertaining over the past two decades with a number of big games between the two.

Who can forget the 1999 NFC Wild Card game when Steve Young hit Terrell Owens with just a few seconds left on the clock to beat the Packers 30-27?

Or how about when the Packers knocked off the 49ers in the 2002 NFC Wild Card game winning 25-15?

Overall, the Packers have won 14 of the last 16 meetings against the 49ers dating back to the 1990 NFL season.

The past record means nothing as the 49ers will open up as the NFC favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

Can the Packers avoid three losses in a row to the 49ers and the second consecutive opening day loss to the 49ers?

Or will the 49ers set out to embarass the Packers again?

Find out Sept. 8.

Stay here at LombardiAve for further posts on the Packers 2013-14 scheudle and stay tune

Oct 1, 2011; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Marcus Lattimore (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The April 15^th Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com has been posting a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft on April 25th. We at LombardiAve.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine and Pro Days complete. Interviews, visits, and private workouts are happening every day. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have worked out for the NFL scouts, some multiple times, and opinions are being formed that will determine the draft –day fates of hundreds of football players.

Naturally we Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

We know that the Packers, absent trades, pick 26th in the first round. The only real unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down to improve the Packers’ draft fortunes.

The latest FanSided mock draft goes two rounds deep. Here’s what they think the Packers will do.

 Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Tyler Eifert, TE/Notre Dame

FanSided analysis: Green Bay needs help up front, but another way to help Aaron Rodgers would be to get him a capable tight end for the future. Jermichael Finely is sticking around for now it seems, but he’s not a long term option anymore as animosity grows. Eifert gives Rodgers his Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, and that makes him even more dangerous than he was before. Menelik Watson and other offensive lineman will be available on the second day for the Packers to flirt with, but Eifert won’t be and if they want to help Rodgers, they’ll get him a giant tight end.

South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Marcus Lattimore (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 55^th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Marcus Lattimore, RB/South Carolina

FanSided analysis:  This is an out of the box pick, but it’s one that could happen. The Packers need a running back badly and Lattimore is one of the most interesting wild cards in the draft this year. He’s coming off of a serious knee injury but all signs indicate that he’s way ahead of schedule in his recovery. Had he not suffered the injury, Lattimore would have likely been a first-round pick, but if he’s here he’d be a steal for the Packers. They need help on defense and Lattimore is still a risk, but Willis McGahee got taken in the first round after a devastating knee injury and Lattimore is not only much better, but further along in his recovery.

I just don’t think either of these picks will pan out that way. It’s true that Tyler Eifert is widely regarded as the best TE in this draft, but I tend to think Ted Thompson will not take him in the first round. There are several talented TEs coming out. The Packers do need a TE, but not in the first round. O line and D line help are simply greater needs, and in my opinion Eifert is simply not going to be the “best player available” at 26.

Regarding the second round pick, let me admit that I am a Marcus Lattimore fan. His potential was practically unlimited until he blew out his knee. Many experts and draftniks agree. I simply don’t think the Packers will take Lattimore this high. I like his blend of size (6’0” 221) and speed (4.4 before his latest knee injury). What scares the you-know-what out of me is that in Green Bay he could end up being a great NFL story (movie script calling) and break all the Packers rushing records, or he could be out of football entirely if he gets hurt again. Even a minor knee injury would probably sideline him for an extended period. That’s not to say I don’t think the Packers should take Lattimore. I just don’t think he’s a second round pick. Like the TE position, there are several really good RB prospects in this draft. I think TT will draft a RB, but when and whom are the questions we won’t have answered for us until the draft is done.

From a big-picture standpoint here is my 2013 NFL Draft wish list for the Green Bay Packers:

-  I’d still like to see TT stick to tough, fast, mean guys with size in the defensive secondary. Every time I see a mock with a 5’8” DB going to the Packers (in any round) it makes me want to do bad things! I think the NFL is trending toward  bigger DBs. Look no further than Seattle’s defensive secondary as an example. Those guys can play.

-  I think the same about WRs and RBs. The Packers already have a small quick WR (Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb) and a small-ish quick back (DuJuan Harris). I’d like to see larger, more durable players at those positions. It would be great to have a stable full of APs and Megatrons, but the Packers are a TEAM and their approach works as long as they have enough of the right kind of players.

-  When it comes to O line and D line players I like versatility and coach-ability. I’m not averse to “project” players who need some instruction and reps to develop at the NFL level, but I don’t necessarily think they should be high draft picks. It’s simply impossible to have too many good big men on either side of the ball though.

-  The Packers need another QB to compete for the backup QB position. The Packers have been blessed to have really only two starters at QB for almost twenty years. Even so backup QB is a weakness on the Packers roster right now.

These are some of the players I’d like to see in Packers green and gold next season- in no particular order:

Menelik Watson, OT, FSU. “Freakish” athlete and natural RT. Good run blocker. Potentially allows Bulaga to move to LT.

Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama. A one-man wrecking crew with a great backstory. Anchored the best run defense last season. Also plays goal line FB.

Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Margus Hunt (92) talks to the referees during a break in the action. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Margus Hunt, 3-4 DE, SMU. Long (6’8” at 277) and quick. Second coming of the Mad Stork?

Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. Versatility personified. Draft stock has fallen but talent has not.

David Quessenberry, OL, San Jose State. Versatile G/C could back up EDS and play G if needed.

Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. All he does is score touchdowns. Lots of ‘em.

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific. Big (6’8” 315) and athletic former TE.

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Richard Rowe-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma. Big enough (6’1” 190) Fast. Tough. Packers legacy (S Ken Stills).

Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas. Fast (4.5) and has interesting size (6’3” 244). He’s similar to Finley as a hybrid WR / TE.

Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia. 6’5” and 342 pounds of immovable object mayhem.

Vance McDonald, TE, Rice. Athletic 6’4” 267 pound receiver and good route runner.

Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois. 6 feet-plus with 4.4 speed, a nose for the ball, and he tackles.

T.J. McDonald, S, USC. Big (6’3” 219) and he tackles. Are we seeing a trend here?

Obviously the Packers won’t get all of these players. But I’d be happy to see any of them on the 2013 team.

That’s about it for this week Packer Nation. Let me know what you think. I’ll do another mock draft next Monday, so watch for it! And keep watching LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Tramon Williams is one of the highest paid Packers on the roster. Will he be worth keeping around?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By now it’s not news that Green Bay Packers‘ cornerback Tramon Williams has struggled with inconsistent play for the past two seasons. It would appear that the soon-to-be 31-year-old cornerback has lost a step. Along with Williams’ age, he has also been hampered by the lingering shoulder injury he suffered two seasons ago in the first game of the 2011 NFL season.

Tramon returns an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 at Lambeau Field.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

As an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Tech

Tramon Williams is one of the highest paid Packers on the roster. Will he be worth keeping around?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

, Williams may have already hit his ceiling in the NFL so his declining play may only get worse in the coming years. Personally, I think Williams still can be an elite corner in the NFL. Like I previously stated he has been hampered by the shoulder injury, which has impacted his play significantly, if he can come back healthy this season he will be fine.

The Packers have a very difficult decision to make with Williams, however, for a number of reasons.

First, can the defense continue to survive Williams’ poor performances as cornerback #1? Again, I think Williams will come back 100 percent healthy this season, which is huge for him since he hasn’t been healthy for two seasons. However, even if Williams comes back healthy stating that he can return to his 2010 form, may be a reach, but he has to become effective again.

Second, and most importantly, the money Williams is set to make. Williams and the Packers agreed to a 4-year, $41.25 million extension in 2010 that has paid Williams a boat load of money. In 2013, Williams is set to earn $6 million in base salary with a roster bonus of $1.2 million and miscellaneous earnings of $1.4 million. Add all that up and Williams’ 2013 salary cap hit against the Packers is a whopping $8.5 million with $4 million considered “dead money.”

2014 is also a big money year for Williams, if the Packers keep him around. In 2014, Williams will make $7 million in base salary with a $1.2 million signing bonus and another $1.4 million in miscellaneous earnings. Add all that up and Williams could make $9.5 million in 2014.

Tramon Williams is just short of the end zone at the end of an interception return against the Chicago Bears in 2009.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Third, is Williams hampering the development of the younger corners on the roster? Davon House, Casey Hayward and Sam Shields are the future of the secondary at the cornerback position for the Packers. Hayward has already been quoted this offseason as saying he would love to be a starter on the outside.

This begs the question, should the Packers and Williams part ways? It’s an interesting argument at the very least. The money the Packers would save by letting Williams walk either this year in training camp or next offseason would be significant.

However, on the flip side, losing Williams could be a bad thing for the young corners who count on Williams for helpful veteran tips and an example of how to conduct oneself on and off the field. Williams will take on the Charles Woodson role as veteran leader in the secondary for the Packers in 2013, releasing him might put too much pressure on the young guys in the secondary.

All in all, arguments can be seen on both sides. The Packers will have to ask themselves, is veteran leadership and solid play enough to keep an aging player on the roster  - one who makes a significant amount of money”

The release of Charles Woodson, Cullen Jenkins, Nick Barnett and Corey Williams (traded to Browns) in recent years might be a clue as to what the Packers might be thinking for Williams’ future with the team.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a key reason the Packers have been so successful the past decade.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers have made the NFL Playoffs eight times since 2002 – yes, that’s eight of the last 10 seasons that the Packers have made the dance.

There are many reasons for this impressive statistic, but the most important reason is clear – consistency in the man under center.

The Packers played well at home over that decade with an impressive 65-15 record, but even more importantly, it’s been the Packers’ record on the road that has factored into the team’s success.

Russell S. Baxter (@BaxFootballGuru) tweeted the statistics you see below outlining all of the team road records for the NFC North. As you can see, the Packers with their 48-40 record on the road is 10 games better than the Bears, 16 better than the Vikings and 31 games better than the lowly Lions.

NFC North Road Records since ‘02: #Packers (48-40), #Bears (38-50), #Vikings (32-56), #Lions (17-71) #NFL

— Russell S. Baxter (@BaxFootballGuru) April 7, 2013

As is to be expected, the Packers won 10 or more games during all of those eight seasons when they made the playoffs. During this past decade, the Bears have had four seasons with 10 or more wins, the Vikings have had three and the Lions have recorded double digit wins just once.

The consistency in winning both on the road and at home can be attributed to consistency in quarterbacks leading the team. Since 2002, the Packers have had two quarterbacks, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers – with two games played by Matt Flynn (one of them when Rodgers was rested in the final game of 2011).

Jay Cutler is one of seven QBs who have played under center for the Bears in the past decade. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Compare that to the Bears and seven quarterbacks who led the team in yards passing over the past decade: Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Chad Hutchinson, Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, Brian Griese and Jay Cutler.

The Lions have had five quarterbacks leading the team in passing yardage the past decade: Joey Harrington, Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Shaun Hill, and Matthew Stafford.

For the Vikings, their quarterback situation has been similar. The team has had six different quarterbacks who have led the team in passing: Daunte Culpepper, Brad Johnson, Tarvaris Jackson, Gus Frerotte, Brett Favre, and Christian Ponder.

Consistency on the road and at home is clearly tied to the consistency of the guys under center.

One wonders why the Packers are about to make Aaron Rodgers the highest paid player in the National Football League. Should anyone question the reason why, point them to this post. It tells the story, clearly and simply.

However, a safety that nobody seems to be talking about is Georgia Southern safety J.J. Wilcox.

Wilcox is a freak of an athlete that has changed positions in college not once, but twice. Wilcox started out as a wide receiver at GSU and then moved to slot receiver. However, this past season, his senior year, Wilcox again switched positions, this time to safety.

Usually when a player only plays one year at a position he intends to play at the professional level it raises red flags. However, with Wilcox the transition has been flawless. If you don’t believe me take a look at his Youtube highlights, they don’t disappoint.

Wilcox measures at 6-1, he ran a 4.51 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine, and though that isn’t the fastest 40-time for a safety, Wilcox has deceptive speed. Wilcox also was a returner at GSU, which would add to his value with the Packers as they’re trying to fade Randall Cobb out of the return game.

In his senior season, Wilcox started 13 of 14 games and tallied 88 tackles, three passes defensed and two interceptions. Wilcox is very reliable in man-to-man coverage, which would free up Dom Capers to use more of his exotic blitz packages with a safety who has the ability to cover a slot receiver one-on-one.

Arguably Wilcox’s best attribute is his ability to attack the line of scrimmage and ball carriers. Wilcox has a tremendous nose for the football and packs a punch when he tackles.

Wilcox does have a few weaknesses besides his inexperience. He gets tied up with blockers too often allowing some big run plays to occur. Wilcox would be a work in progress, but it all depends on where the Packers could potentially snatch him up in the draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Packers taking Wilcox in the second round (No. 55 overall) which is the highest I have personally seen him go. He is projected as a 2-4 round pick by NFL.com, which would be a perfect place for him to go.

I can see Wilcox in Green and Gold, but unlike Kiper, I would rather see him in the third round rather than the second.

Clay Matthews, who is closing in on a long-term deal with the Packers, has his sights on last year’s Super Bowl MVP, Joe Flacco.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With all the focus on Aaron Rodgers and his potential bank-breaking extension, the Green Bay Packers are also reportedly close on extending another one of its superstar players, Clay Matthews.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and Matthews are close to a deal that would pay Matthews around $13 million annually.  The potential new contract would make Matthews the highest paid pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL. The deal will reportedly eclipse the previous deal of six-year, $78 million contract that the Dallas Cowboys and DeMarcus Ware agreed on a few seasons ago, which made Ware the highest paid pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL.

The Milwaukee Journel-Sentinel reported last week that the deal between Matthews and the Packers is “in place” and the “finishing touches” will be worked out shortly.

Obviously for Ted Thompson, the hope is for the Packers to have all of its must-sign veterans locked up before the NFL Draft rolls around in just more than 20 days.

A number of Packers fans, me included, have been skeptical about extending Matthews to such a large deal because of his injury history.

Matthews has missed a handful of games over the last couple of seasons with a nagging hamstring injury, and for a pass-rusher that is particularly alarming.

There is no debate that when healthy and on the field, Matthews is worth every penny of this potential deal. He is a gamer and arguably the best defender to come to Green Bay since the minister of defense himself, Reggie White.

Nonetheless, Matthews and the Packers are closing in on a deal that would make the “Claymaker” the highest paid pass-rusher in the game.

Packers Nation shall remain strong though the forces of evil attempt to disrupt (OK, so we hope you know this is tongue-in-cheek).
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

I just unlocked myself from the panic room as the black SUVs were parked out front of the house again.  It seems Emperor Goodell will not leave me alone for exposing his conspiracy to end the glorious reign of the Packers.

Over the past few weeks rumors have swirled like a spring tornado in Kansas that this free agent or that free agent was going to sign with the Green and Gold.  All disinformation I tell you!  From Chris Canty to Ahmad Bradshaw to Michael Huff and even Colt McCoy, names are being thrown around left and right with a greater purpose.  All of this is part of the NFL’s master plan to divide the Packers Nation.

Time and time again, articles are written how this great free agent acquisition will bolster the Packers and lead them to their next championship.  Then after creating a false hope among the weaker fans of Packers Nation, the NFL then orchestrates that player signing with another team.  Then they start a new set of stories how the Packers refused to step up to the plate and make a legitimate offer.  Smoke, mirrors and confusion are all used to create tension and frustration.

The latest had the Packers interested in Michael Huff.  How he would be a great fit for the Packers but he decided to sign with the Ravens, even before meeting with the Packers.  Talk radio exploded about how Huff bypassed the Packers so he would not be insulted by their lack of a qualified offer for his services.  These talking heads will spew anything to support the hand that feeds them.  How can the Packers be criticized for not even offering something to a player who never even came for a visit?

This has many of the fringe elements of the Packers Nation calling for the head of Ted Thompson for not going out and getting these players.  I am starting to think that many of these fans are either cyborgs or the NFL plants who are in on the conspiracy to destroy the Packers Nation from within.

My question is why?  Why question Ted and his master plan to defeat the forces of darkness that conspire against us?  We all know that his theory is to draft and develop and that for the most part this process has served the Packers well and brought us great fortunes.  Why question the financial blueprint in place for the continued financial success of the Packers.