If you can catch it live, come on over to cheeseheadtv.com and listen in. If you can’t make the live podcast, look for the posted recording.

Among the topics we’ll discuss are the running backs situation (especially how James Starks fits into the equation, Mason Crosby and his future with the team, position battles that should be interesting to follow during OTAs, and which rookies will be most fun to watch.

Heck, we might even spend some time talking about Brett Favre, time permitting.

CheeseheadTV, if you don’t know, is one of the premier Packers blogs out there on the Internet. Their insightful looks at Packers news is something that every Packers fans should bookmark and take a look at on a daily basis.

So, spend a few moments and stop over to the site for a listen. I’m not sure I will provide any new Packers news, but it’s sure to be a decent discussion about where the team stands at this point in time, one day from the start of OTAs in Green Bay.

Last month, we gave away a $300 worth of Sports Memorabilia…This month, FanSided and Lombardi Ave have teamed up with Deals2Buy.com to give away a LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV!!!

This LG Electronics 42-Inch LED TV is provided by Deals2Buy, a leading website for deals, discounts and close-out inventory offers. Focused on delivering best-of-web pricing, Deals2Buy is known among tech-savvy consumers as the one stop shop for deals on items like laptops, cameras, televisions and other technology products – as well as apparel, accessories, travel, and even credit card offers. Sign up for the Deals2Buy Hot Deal Alerts newsletter and follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay in the know about the hottest deals every day!

To enter, simply like us on Facebook and sign up for our daily email newsletter, FanSided Daily. It is completely free and customizable to your unique rooting interest. Then earn additional entries by sharing the contest with friends!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older, who are the owners of the property depicted in the photo. Begins: 9:00 a.m. C.T. on 5/15/13. Ends: 11:59 p.m. C.T. on 6/15/13. Subject to Official Rules at www.fansided.com. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: FanSided. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Aaron Rodgers will once again lead the Packers onto the Lambeau Field turf this summer for the annual Packers Family Night.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Has it been 13 years already? This summer’s annual ritual known as Packers Family Night will again be sponsored by Bellin Health and has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3.

The featured event of the night, an intra-squad scrimmage between the Packers offense and defense, will highlight the evening’s festivities, which begin at 5:30 p.m. The on-field scrimmage will begin at about 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $10 and will go on sale June 24 at 9 a.m. The tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, over the phone or through the Internet – in addition, tickets may be purchased at the Packers ticket office at Lambeau Field. There is no limit in the number of tickets one may buy and all individuals attending the event need a ticket, regardless of age.

According to a press release by the team today, this is information you may want to know:

The defense, including Clay Matthews, gets ready for a Family night scrimmage a couple of seasons ago.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

A group ticket program (minimum of 50 tickets) will be offered again. The application form is available online athttp://pckrs.com/familynight, in person at the Packers ticket office or can be requested to be faxed by calling 920/569-7501. Group ticket orders are restricted to approved groups and organizations, and are to be used for the sole purpose of accommodating a group or organizational outing. Resale is prohibited.

Other festivities that make up the night’s activities are as follows as provided via the Packers’ press release:

Included in the evening’s activities will be the popular Chili’s “Jerseys Off Our Backs” promotion with approximately 20 jerseys – all of which will have been worn by Packers players in the just-completed scrimmage – to be given away in a random drawing.

The Kemps Packers Experience returns this year. The evening will feature other activities for the younger fans, including sidewalk chalk and face painting.

The Copps-Pick ’n Save Family Night Picnic also returns and the spectacular Copps-Pick ’n Save Fireworks Show will conclude the night.

Parking for the event will be $5, with net proceeds to be donated to the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program.

In case of inclement weather, no refunds will be issued unless all stadium activities – from 5:30 p.m. until the end of the fireworks show – are cancelled.

For fans not attending the event, WLUK-TV FOX 11 again will originate a statewide telecast. In addition to Green Bay, the event will be televised on WITI-TV in Milwaukee, WMSN-TV in Madison, WFXS-TV in Wausau, WLAX-TV in La Crosse and WEUX-TV in Eau Claire. It will be hosted by Drew Smith and other members of the Fox 11 sports and news staffs.

Family Night is a popular event for those who have never been to Lambeau Field and want to feel as close to a game-day experience as possible, this is the event to attend.

Jake Stoneburner, the undrafted free agent, signed a contract Friday, along with 17 other drafted and undrafted players. Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Just before the Green Bay Packers’ drafted and non-drafted rookies were to hit the practice field this afternoon for the start of their rookie orientation camp, Packers officials announced the signing of 18 of the newbies to contracts.

Among the draft choices who have signed on the dotted line are their three fourth round choices, David Bakhtiari, Johnathan Franklin and J.C. Tretter. In addition, they have inked their fifth, sixth, and seventh round selections: Micah Hyde, Josh Boyd, Nate Palmer, Charles Johnson, Kevin Dorsey, and Sam Barrington.

First-round selection, defensive end Datone Jones, and second round running back Eddie Lacy have not yet signed.

The official press release on all the signings this afternoon is below …

David Bakhtiari was one of the Packers rookies who tweeted about their new life. James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

If you think you were excited about the start of the Green Bay Packers rookie orientation sessions being held this weekend in Titletown, you must know that the guys headed there have got to be ecstatic.

This is the season of optimism and high hopes among the 80+ football players who see their name residing on the Packers roster and many of the rookies who are headed to Green Bay for the first time have used the opportunity to tell all the world about it. Through Twitter, below are some of the tweets the new guys have sent out today and yesterday about their new life …

You might want to take the time to welcome them to Wisconsin.

@arrickupton @packers packers for sure Sir!!

— Andy Mulumba K. (@A49K) May 6, 2013

I’m going to miss the California sunset…. Less than 24 hrs until I’m in TITLE TOWN #GRINDTIME twitter.com/IAM_Dat_One/st…

— Datone Jones (@IAM_Dat_One) May 9, 2013

And people just say we just a bunch of dumb jocks. @ebak92 #pimpingthesystem twitter.com/DBak59/status/…

— David Bakhtiari (@DBak59) May 7, 2013

Making moves early! Business trip #greenbay here I come

— Gilbert Pena(@Speaks4G) May 9, 2013

Today begins the newest chapter of my life. … God is good

— Eddie Lacy (@Lil_Eazy_Ana_42) May 9, 2013

Green Bay here I come. Only one state of mind #mpod

— Jake Stoneburner (@STONEYeleven) May 9, 2013

Can’t wait to head out to Green Bay in the morning!

— JC Tretter (@JCTretter) May 8, 2013

Jus landed in Detroit on my way 2 Green Bay…. Good bye Mississippi gotta go chase my dream!!!! #PackerNation

— Josh Boyd (@StepStr8_97) May 9, 2013

✈ Wheels up

— Kevin Dorsey (@Kev_Dorsey) May 9, 2013

#GreenBayBound

— Myles White (@M_White03) May 9, 2013

Finally made it Green Bay

— Nathan Palmer (@natep4) May 9, 2013

@jamaican_nathan headed there now.

— Sam Barrington (@Sam_Barrington_) May 9, 2013

DBrian Urlacher tackles Green Bay Packers running back James Starks at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Urlacher is a demon, a monster and a Packer-killer, but that’s why this Green Bay Packers fan will miss seeing him hunting along the line of scrimmage and tracking down running backs.

OK, now put down your pitchforks and douse those torches … any fan of the game of football has got to appreciate what Urlacher has done to promote the league and make the Chicago Bears one of the best franchises – but of course not quite up to the level of the Packers.

We’ve all called Urlacher’s name out when the Bears have played the Packers – most of the time with an expletive either in front or behind his name. That’s a part of football – a great part of football. And I will miss it.

Ryan Grant is tackled by Brian Urlacher in the second half of a 2011 game at Soldier Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 27-17. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

How can one not appreciate watching a guy like Urlacher the past 13 years? Like Charles Woodson, he was an icon, a classy guy who loved to play. And like Woodson, he’s also been on the outside looking in – a hall-of-famer without a team and certainly in the twilight of his career. Will he end up anywhere? Is it time to hang them up? If it is, I will miss him.

Like Woodson, the two of them want to play and both of them still feel they have what it takes to compete and be a contributing member of an NFL team. Whether any of the 32 teams in the league think the same way is highly doubtful, but there’s been talk he might end up in Minnesota. If he doesn’t, I will miss him.

I will miss Urlacher’s intensity and determination. It seemed like every time he played the Packers he would come up with a huge play. Well, it wasn’t every game, but he had a few of his bigger moments when playing Green Bay.

In fact, I came across this post recently - “Brian Urlacher’s Greatest hits — 2000-13″ that I would like to share with you. Of the top 10 greatest moments of Urlacher’s career as determined by the Chicago Sun Times, 50 percent of them were against the Packers. Here ya go … take a look and remember … but also remember that the Packers’ record against the Bears from 2000-13 was 18-9. So, though Urlacher did his job in disrupting the Packers during his career, his record against Green Bay wasn’t so great.

I will miss him and will miss watching the Packers have their way with a player of his caliber.

Brian Urlacher’s Greatest Hits — 2000-13

Dec. 23, 2007: Returned an interception of Brett Favre 85 yards for a touchdown to put the finishing touch on a 35-3 rout of the Packers at Soldier Field.

Jan. 23, 2011: With the Bears trailing the Packers 14-0 in the third quarter of the NFC Championship Game, Urlacher intercepted Aaron Rodgers at the Bears 6 and might have gone all the way for a momentum-changing touchdown had Rodgers not tripped him up at the Bears 45 for a 39-yard return.

Sept. 27, 2010: In a 17-17 tie with the Packers with 2:27 to go, Urlacher forced wide receiver James Jones to fumble after a 12-yard gain to midfield. Bears cornerback Tim Jennings recovered and Robbie Gould kicked a 19-yard field goal with four seconds left to give the Bears a 20-17 victory at Soldier Field.

Sept. 19, 2004: With the Packers driving to take the lead on a first-and-goal play from the 2-yard line in the second quarter, Urlacher stripped the ball from running back Ahman Green in the backfield and Mike Brown returned the fumble 95 yards for a game-changing touchdown as the Bears ended a seven-game losing streak against the Packers with a 21-10 victory at Lambeau Field. Urlacher had 14 tackles (10 solo) in that game.

Dec. 4, 2005: En route to winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, Urlacher had 16 tackles (13 solo), including one tackle-for-loss and two pass-breakups in a 19-7 victory over the Packers at Soldier Field for the Bears’ eighth consecutive victory after a 1-3 start.

Here’s Urlacher’s interception of Brett Favre in 2007 …

Packers fans across the southern reaches of the state of Wisconsin and even those in Dubuque, Iowa, will get the chance to catch up with the Packers Tailgate Tour starting May 14.
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

In 10 days, the Green Bay Packers will once again host one of their most unique events, the Tailate Tour, which reaches out to fans across the state of Wisconsin – this year reaching as far as into the state of Iowa. Packers president Mark Murphy gathers together representatives of the team, in addition to some past and present players, to make stops in towns and meet with their fans.

Here’s what Murphy had to say about the tour on packers.com this week:

There are two reasons we conduct the Tour. First, we want to thank our fans for their great support. Every team in the League talks about how great their fans are, but as we travel across the state (and Iowa) and see our fans, I realize how strong the bond is between our fans and the team. The other reason for the Tour is to raise money for a charity in each of the five towns where we stop. Over the previous seven years of the Tour, we’ve raised over $800,000.

The Tailgate Tour Bus.
Packers.com photograph

That’s a fantastic gesture by the franchise owned by the fans.

And it ticks me off …

Why?

Well, it’s quite simple. I live in northern Wisconsin – that outpost of trees, lakes and snow – and for the past two years the tour has ignored all of northern Wisconsin and its legion of fans, myself included. Ok, so the team bus did hit the Northwoods in early 2011, but not since.

Whether you live in Hayward, Glenwood City, Medford, Ashland, Rhinelander or Arbor Vitae, you’ve been out of luck. There’s been no scheduled ride of the tour bus to these regions for quite some time.

In fact, if you live north of Highway 29, forget it. You may never see the bus – ever again – especially if the plans are to reach out to fans in other states. Heck, they may even make plans to head into those bastions of evil – Illinois and Minnesota – before touching the ground that is known as the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

A Tailgate Tour stop in La Crosse.
Packers.com photograph

Yes, we have roads here … and yes we have Packers fans here. In fact, we greatly outnumber those dastardly Vikings, Bears and Lions fans. We cheer as loudly on Sundays as the best of them and follow the team as closely both during the season and the offseason.

So, not to make bad light of all those fans who live in Oshkosh, Beloit, Tomah, Wisconsin Rapids, and even Dubuque, Iowa – they deserve every chance to visit with their heroes as we in northern Wisconsin. We don’t begrudge their opportunity at all. We just hope that we, too, get the chance someday. We hope that Mark Murphy will turn his eyes northward for once and point the bus in our direction.

Wherever they stop, we would be there to meet them and cheer them.

Yes, we hope folks in the southern reaches of our great state enjoy their time with Murphy, Alex Green, Jarrett Bush, and Randall Cobb. Get an autograph for us here in the hinterlands.

We’ll be thinking of you and hoping for the same opportunities some time in the future.

Again, we will offer for your entertainment and/or for your participation a live blog where we will be talking about all the picks, as well as all Packers news – it doesn’t have to be about the draft either. There’s plenty of Packers news today and every day … if you want to talk or give opinions about Aaron Rodgers’ new contract, the Packers Way or anything that comes to mind … have at it.

We’ll be here throughout the night talking football and the draft.

Join us By clicking here …

Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) tries to break free from the grasp of UCLA Bruins defensive end Datone Jones (56) at the Rose Bowl. Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Walterfootball.com, probably one of the more renowned draft centrals in all of the blogosphere, grades out each team with their selection(s) in each round of the draft and came home last night with a nice evaluation for the Green Bay Packers – an A- for the selection of UCLA defensive end Datone Jones.

While the Packers upgraded one of the team’s thinnest positions on the team – the defensive line – walterfootball also feels that Packers General Manager Ted Thompson continues to be one of the finest evaluators of talent in all of football.

Here is walterfootball’s take on the Packers selection of Datone Jones:

 Green Bay Packers: Datone Jones, DE/DT, UCLA: A- Grade 
Datone Jones has been discussed as high as No. 19 to the Giants, so the Packers are getting good value with Datone Jones. They’re also getting a tremendous upgrade on the defensive line. Green Bay was completely obliterated by Colin Kaepernick, so the team needed to find players to help them stop the read option. Jones is a great fit, as Ted Thompson continues to be one of the better drafters in the NFL.

How did the other NFC North teams fare on their first night? Well, we have to start with the Minnesota Vikings, who shocked the football world with their three first round selections – walterfootball gave them an A for their pick of Sharrif Floyd at 26; a B for their selection of Xavier Rhodes at 25; and a B- for their trade back into the first round with the New England Patriots where the Vikings selected WR Cordarrelle Patterson.

Ziggy Ansah

The Lions selected Ziggy Ansah at #5 – walterfootball graded that selection out as a B+.

Kyle Long
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears, selecting at #20, probably made the biggest reach last night with their selection of guard Kyle Long. Walterfootball graded that pick out as a D.

So, what was the absolute worst pick of the first round – the Cowboys’ selection of center Travis Frederick at #31.

Here is how walterfootball describes that pick:

 Dallas Cowboys: Travis Frederick, G/C, Wisconsin: MILLEN HIGH-PRICED SCOREBOARD THAT MAKES PEOPLE BLIND KIELBASA Grade 
Travis Frederick!?!? The Wisconsin lineman who was considered a third-round prospect? There were other reaches in the first round, but this takes the cake. It seems like the Cowboys panicked with all of the guards flying off the board, which is the worst thing you can ever do in the NFL Draft. It’s never been more obvious that Dallas needs a real general manager.

There you have it … check out all of the grades given out at walterfootball.com.

And while you’re at it, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter.

Last month, FanSided launched our brand new iOS Sports App.

This month, FanSided and Lombardi Ave have teamed up with SportsMemorabilia.com to give away a $300 spending spree on Packers Memorabilia of your choice!

To enter, simply like us on Facebook and sign up for our daily email newsletter, FanSided Daily. It is completely free and customizable to your unique rooting interest.Then earn additional entries by sharing the contest with friends!

SportsMemorabilia.com is the Web’s leading retailer for officially licensed products and autographed sports memorabilia from NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, Soccer, Boxing, UFC, Nascar, Golf,Tennis, and more. The online shop carries over 400K unique products from autographed jerseys, footballs, baseballs, photos, basketballs, and more. NBA fan? The playoffs are here! Get 25% off NBA memorabilia from autographed Dwyane Wade jerseys, signed Larry Bird basketballs, signed Kevin Durant photos, and tons more right now on SportsMemorabilia.com. Sale ends soon.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years and older, who are the owners of the property depicted in the photo. Begins: 9:00 a.m. C.T. on 4/19/13. Ends: 11:59 p.m. C.T. on 4/30/13. Subject to Official Rules at www.fansided.com. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: FanSided. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Submit a photo starting today, April 22, 2013, and ending at 11:59 p.m. Central Time, May 1, 2013 for the contest.

According to the website, here is what you could win:

The Grand prize package includes two (2) game entrance tickets to the Packers Fan Appreciation game. The grand prize winner’s photo or digital image will also be featured on the Packers Fan Appreciation season ticket. The Green Bay Packers will provide the winner with two round trip economy class airline tickets for travel within the U.S. 48 (restrictions apply) to Green Bay or the surrounding area. Two nights of hotel lodging (one room) in the Green Bay area will also be provided, with room and taxes only to be covered by the Green Bay Packers.

To enter, all you need to do is visit www.packerseverywhere.com and sign up for the Photo Contest by following the links and instructions to complete the registration. Voting for the winner will be done online at the site where five finalists will be posted. “The entrant whose digital image has the largest number of votes during the voting phase on or about May 15, 2013, wins the Grand Prize if all terms and conditions are met,” the website states.

For the complete rules of the promotion, click here. Read all the requirements … it’s important. Then click on over and submit your entry.

Who knows. If you’re like me, you think “I never win anything.” Well, the reason I never win is because I never play the game. This is your chance.

The second day of the NFL Draft plays second fiddle to the first round and opening night of the event that is fast becoming one of the most watched and most anticipated happening in the NFL each year. This year will be no different as the full list former players who will announced second day picks has been released.

Representing the Green Bay Packers in announcing the team’s picks will be newly-elected Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dave Robinson.

A few of the notables presenting are Deion Sanders, Neal Anderson, Tim Krumrie, Wayne Chrebet, and Mark Brunnel.

Here is the full list of former players slated to announce second-day picks:

Arizona Cardinals: Fullback Larry Centers

Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback Deion Sanders

Baltimore Ravens: Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden

Buffalo Bills: Defensive end Chris Kelsay

Carolina Panthers: Safety Mike Minter

Chicago Bears: Running back Neal Anderson

Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive tackle Tim Krumrie

Cleveland Browns: Offensive Dick Schafrath (no second-round pick; team does have a third-rounder)

Dallas Cowboys: Defensive tackle Tony Casillas

Denver Broncos: Linebacker Randy Gradishar

Detroit Lions: Wide receiver Herman Moore

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Dave Robinson

Houston Texans: Center Steve McKinney

Indianapolis Colts: Offensive tackle Tarik Glenn (no second-round pick; team does have a third-rounder)

Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback Mark Brunell

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive back Gary Barbaro (no second-round pick; team does have a third-rounder)

Miami Dolphins: Offensive guard Larry Little

Minnesota Vikings: Safety Joey Browner

New England Patriots: Running back Kevin Faulk

New Orleans Saints: Safety Steve Gleason (no second-round pick; team does have a third-rounder)

New York Giants: Offensive guard Rich Seubert

New York Jets: Wide receiver Wayne Chrebet

Oakland Raiders: Defensive back Willie Brown (no second-round pick; team does have a third-rounder)

Philadelphia Eagles: Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter

Pittsburgh Steelers: Running back Merril Hoge

St. Louis Rams: Offensive tackle Orlando Pace

San Diego Chargers: Defensive back Jim Hill

San Francisco 49ers: Offensive guard Guy McIntyre

Seattle Seahawks: Linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Deefensive tackle Warren Sapp

Tennessee Titans: Linebacker Keith Bulluck

Washington Redskins: Linebacker LaVar Arrington

Like the first robin on the landscape – like this one found last weekend amid the snow showers – the Packers official season of spring has also started.
Dean Hall photograph

Like the swallows returning to Capistrano or the first Robin in the spring (or late winter as we have come to know it here in Wisconsin), today marks the start of the Packers Nation’s spring.

Off season workouts begin today!

At this point of the year we have to grab on to anything and everything we can to get our Packers fix.  Like the first strong cup of coffee on a rainy, spring morning, the start of workouts is that jolt that we need to start preparing for more important things headed our way in the Packers Nation.

So what can we expect from these off season workouts? … nothing!  But the fact that the guys are getting together gives us something to talk about.  Knowing that they are gathering to start the season, we begin to build our expectations even more so then they already are.  The Lombardi Trophy is not going to be enough.  It will have to be complete and total domination of every team in the NFL.

The start of workouts allows us to push the dreams of a cold winter night aside and look forward to the players doing whatever it is they do up in Green Bay.  At this point does it even matter if they work out?  No.  As long as we know they are there and it is scheduled it just represents that the NFL season, ney, the Packer’ season has officially started and we can begin to put all speculation aside and begin to grasp at the straws of reality as to what is happening with our favorite players.

If you’re as luck as this guy to be at Wisconsin’s highest point, it’s time to exclaim that the Packers spring has arrived.

We will not gather any conclusive information as to where this teams stands or what they will do, but again this is just a sign, a sign of bigger and better things to start.

So scream from the highest point in the land (or if in Wisconsin scream from Timm’s Hill) and let the NFL know that the Pack is back to work and that the disappointments of last season have been washed away like the snow in rain, leaving only the green grass of Lambeau Field for us to gaze upon.

THE PACK IS BACK and spring can officially start!

With that said, we take profootballtalk.com’s “Sunday morning one-liners” and provide our own spin on whatever the issue may be. We try to be funny, but we’ll leave the chuckle factor up to you. We realize that we can’t always be so serious … if you want that, click on over to the mainstream media guys. They love talking X’s and O’s and do a great job at it.

Here, we like to have our tongue firmly implanted in our cheeks from time-to-time and this is one of those times.

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below – keep it clean, though, or we may have to come find you … (yes, we’re kidding). You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter at any time.

So, here we go …

Sunday morning one-liners

Will the Bills move Arthur Moats to inside linebacker this offseason?

Who knows … and who cares?

A look at the history of trades up and down the draft board for the Dolphins.

Now, this is interesting, but will it affect the Dolphins’ draft board this year?

Jake Ballard
Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots will continue to bring TE Jake Ballard along slowly.

Well, who in their right mind would want to bring him along quickly?

Gary Myers of the New York Daily News doesn’t think the Jets will draft a quarterback.

What? I didn’t think the Jets had any quarterbacks.

The Ravens website doesn’t believe the team will be lacking leadership without LB Ray Lewis.

No, but they surely will be lacking the saliva Lewis spit all over them every game.

Ohio State held their spring football game at Paul Brown Stadium.

That’s nice. Is it really worth a story? Who won? Oh, don’t tell me – Ohio State.

Ten players on the Browns’ draft radar.

Well, considering they only have seven picks, they should be in pretty good shape.

Emmanuel Sanders
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette isn’t in favor of the Steelers matching the offer sheet WR Emmanuel Sanders signed with the Patriots.

So who cares what Ed thinks? He doesn’t control the purse strings.

Breaking down draft prospects at wide receiver with the Texans website.

Breakdowns are always great. Will they need some prozac?

Colts QB Andrew Luck reports for work Monday after spending some time this weekend visiting a children’s hospital.

Now that’s nice. Warm fuzzies before the coaches start ripping on him in practice.

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown is on board with new video boards for the Jaguars.

Shouldn’t the Jags be more interested in spending money on good players before they improve their video boards?

Looking back at the Titans’ draft in 2001, including the pick that gave them a pair of Dysons on the roster.

Jerry Glanville
Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

It’s always nice to look back. But they shouldn’t dwell – we all know the NFL stands for Not For Long … right, Jerry Glanville?

Broncos exec John Elway doesn’t think the 2013 draft is a top-heavy one.

I never liked John Elway, so I don’t care what he thinks.

The Chiefs are working to come up with new rewards and experiences to make attending their games more appealing.

How about a winning football team, guys? That will make the game appealing.

The Raiders probably won’t be drafting any kickers or punters.

That’s good, because they need a whole lot of other players.

Chargers coach Mike McCoy and G.M. Tom Telesco threw out first pitches at a Padres game.

Let’s hope they didn’t throw like a girl … they already have a quarterback who throws that way.

Texas Tech RB Eric Stephens said it would be a dream come true to play for the Cowboys.

I would say it would be more like a nightmare.

The Giants are expected to bring Virginia Tech S Alonzo Tweedy in for a visit.

So, are we supposed to get excited about this?

Chip Kelly
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles coach Chip Kelly won with different kinds of quarterbacks as a college coach.

Aren’t all quarterbacks different?

The Redskins are moving Darryl Tapp to outside linebacker.

Woo-hoo! They must be “Tapp-ing” into his inner (or is it outer) strengths.

Bears LB D.J. Williams isn’t worried about having no guaranteed money in his contract.

I’m sure he’s more concerned about having a guaranteed job.

The Lions website takes some time to remember the accomplishments of two-way player Dorne Dibble in the 1950s.

Oh yes, Dorne. Remember him well. Not.

Compensatory picks have landed the Packers some contributors in past seasons.

And let’s hope that trend continues.

What are the chances Tennessee WR Justin Hunter lands with the Vikings?

Our hope is that the Vikings fall asleep on draft day and miss their two first round selections.

JArthur Blank
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons owner Arthur Blank is ready to get to “the fun part” of designing his team’s new stadium.

What’s the fun part? Going to the bank and withdrawing the cash so the taxpayers don’t have to pay for it?

Panthers DE Frank Alexander went through a similar experience to Utah DT Star Lotulelei regarding a heart scare at the combine.

Now, this is not a funny thing. We seriously hope that Star is healthy. Great potential.

The Saints are excited to get back to work.

It’s about time.

A suggestion that the Buccaneers could be interested in drafting Tennessee QB Tyler Bray.

Why do they need a suggestion? If they want to do it, they will do it?

Cardinals QB Drew Stanton still wants to be a starting quarterback.

Drew Stanton
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Too bad, Drew. Dream on.

Former Rams WR Isaac Bruce is starting to move into coaching.

Great player. We wish him luck.

Former 49ers QB Joe Montana had some strong thoughts about Tiger Woods getting a penalty at the Masters.

What the heck does Montana know about golfing? And is anyone really going to listen to his opinion? Stick to football, Joe.

The Broncos and Patriots called CB Antoine Winfield before he signed with the Seahawks.

Wonder what they called him?

Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past eight weeks I have been reviewing Ted Thompson’s previous NFL drafts with the Green Bay Packers, beginning with his first in 2005. The conclusion I have reached is, although flippin’ awesome, Ted Thompson has a really difficult job.

He has drafted 75 players during his time with the Packers. In my opinion, based on my look-see analysis nearly 65 percent of the players selected managed to stick around at least two years and make reasonable on-field contributions. To make a baseball comparison of Thompson’s draft success, he hits for a high average, with a lot of doubles, and has home run power that keeps the pitcher honest. That’s a guy you want on your team. He’s going to win you games and you can depend on him.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson’s first five first round draft picks – not counting 2008 because the Packers’ first pick was in the second round, Jordy Nelson – were really solid. One MVP quarterback, one bust and three intricate pieces to either the offense or the defense.

As for the two most recent, it is too early to tell. Thus far it is a tough call. Both Derek Sherrod and Nick Perry have had their seasons cut short by injury. But they both still have the potential and opportunity to develop into solid players.

One could argue that Thompson’s worst draft class was his first, in 2005. You could also contend that it was his best. Aaron Rodgers was an obvious home run and Packers Nation may not have celebrated Super Bowl XLV without Nick Collins. But other than those two guys it’s pretty slim pickings. Brady Poppinga is the next note-worthy player to emerge from the 2005 draft.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson’s most consistent draft of his eight is the 2010 draft class.

All seven players selected are still on the team and each of them have made reasonably significant on-field contributions. The knock on this class might be that there have been no stars who have emerged and there is a decent chance that none do.

Many of these guys do have the ability for Pro Bowl seasons, but health has also been a concern for many of these players.

With the past behind and the 2013 draft in front of the Packers it is safe to assume that five of the Packers eight picks will make the team.

Continuing with the seasonally appropriate baseball analogy, it’s possible there might be a home run in the bunch, but it’s likely there will be a lot of doubles and a couple of singles.

However they drop, it will be exciting because the 2013 season is on the horizon.

Below is every draft pick of the Packers under Thompson’s regime. This is provided by NFL.com.

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below, click on over and Like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

The Green Bay Packers announced this weekend that they will be signing a free agent Monday – Loyce Means. It’s not one that’s going to shake the NFL free agency foundation at its base, but one that will certainly add another body to the Packers’ defensive backfield.

So, who is this street free agent the Packers have added?

Undrafted out of the University of Houston in 2011, Means was signed by the Buffalo Bills, made it through training camp that summer and was then cut. However, he signed on with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League, where he started the final games of their season. He wasn’t offered a contract last season and spent the year working out in the Houston area. The Packers were impressed by the speedy free agent when they saw him run a sub-4.4 40 yard dash.

Originally from Houston, Means attended Madison High School. According to the University of Houston website, out of high school he was a three-star recruit by Scout.com, was ranked No. 85 in the state by Scout.com, was a member of the Houston Chronicle Area Top-100 team, was named First-Team All-District as a junior, recorded 25 tackles, forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles and had one sack, while also recording four interceptions.

While at Houston, the university website listed his career highlights:

Tackles: 6, vs. Tulsa (11-15-08)
Interceptions: 3, vs. Tulsa (11-15-08)
Interception Return Yards: 95, vs. Tulsa (11-15-08)
Long Interception Return: 69, vs. Tulsa (11-15-08)
Pass Breakups: 2, vs. Rice (10-13-07)

At his pro day, he weighed in at just 177 pounds, which may have played a role in his lack of interest in the 2011 Draft. Means has bulked up a bit in the past two years, now being recorded at 190 pounds.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel also listed his accomplishments in the Eastham Energy All-Star Game in Tempe, Ariz., after his senior season. “He scored three touchdowns, one off an interception, one off a blocked field goal and one off a fumble.”

Means was a decent student as well. He was named to the dean’s list, according to one news release from Jan. 2011.

Packers GM Ted Thompson has always said a team cannot have enough good defensive backs on their roster and though Means is a no-name, Thompson is pretty well known for finding players on the scrap heap of anonymity – Packers fans are hoping Means might be one who could contribute.

Well you’re in luck because the major leakage of the day has been revealed – New Era has come out with all 32 NFL caps that will don the heads of all teams’ first round draft choices next month at the NFL Draft.

And you can get yours, too.

New Era has provided an early look at the 2013 NFL Draft Cap Collection on it official Facebook page. As you might guess, these are pretty cool. In addition to the fitted cap collection, New Era also offers snap backs and flex fit caps for sale. They have multi-color schemes that focus in on the team colors of each franchise from across the league, giving customers a nice selection from which to choose.

Take a look at the Packers hat. You will see the “G” front and center like you would expect and you will no doubt be proud to wear one of these.

Can you see yourself in one of these as you await the call by the commission of the Packers’ first round selection? I’ll be ready for the day. How about you?

Here’s the collection that you can browse …

Giovani Tavecchio was signed today by the Green
Bay Packers

But who is this guy … what do we know about him?

Well other than the fact that he graduated from the University of California, not much has been published as yet about him.

He was born July 16, 1990, making him 22 years old. His parents are Renato and Gabriella Tavecchio and Giorgio is said to have been very involved in the communities in which he has lived – Milan, Rome, Shelton, Conn., Falls Church, Va., and Miraga, Calif. He majored in political economy.

We also know that upon arrival at Cal as a freshman, he was on the football team four days prior to his first game. In an videotaped interview on the college’s website, Tavecchio talked about his four years as an athlete and student. His parents in the video also talk about the young man’s growth while at Cal. His mother, Gabriella said, “he’s become a man, a good man.”

“I’ve been very fortunate because everywhere we’ve moved, my parents main priority was me and my brother,” Giorgio said.  I’e had the best of every place I’ve lived. Family dinners were huge. My dad always made sure we sat down and ate with a knife and fork … just those little things …”

Giving back to his community has also been important to Giogio and his family. “The community has give so much to us,” Gabriella said. “It’s time to give back.”

“He was involved in Athletes in Action, he got involved in … programs to go help people and that’s the way we are … and that’s the way we brought him up,” Renato said.

Giovani Tavecchio will compete for a job with the
Green Bay Packers

Giorgio’s work as a child mentor at an area school has also been a big part of his life as he volunteers his time several hours per week. “I just try to be a positive influence on this five-year-old kid.”

As a soccer player-turned-place kicker for the Golden Bears, Tavecchio was thrust quickly into his role on the team and though his statistics aren’t overly impressive, the Packers obviously saw enough in their tryout session to sign him with a contract with an opportunity to beat out Crosby.

At Cal, Tavecchio converted 48-of-64 field goals (75 percent).

He will have to show that he can kick at a more consistent rate if he’s going to have a shot at making the Packers squad and though he’s a longshot at best, he is still an intriguing cast member and should bring a new perspective not only for the Packers, but for Crosby.

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