The clock may be ticking for B.J. Raji.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Earlier this week, our own Jason Hirschhorn questioned whether the Packers should pursue a huge contract with Green Bay Packers’ defensive lineman B.J. Raji. He hasn’t been the only writer who has questioned Raji’s overall value to the Green Bay Packers.

Today, Jersey Al Bracco of Jerseyal.com provides with some nifty statistical analysis (courtesy of Pro Football Focus) about Raji’s career numbers and points out the inconsistencies the defensive lineman has given the team over the past three years. In fact, Al asks the simple question, “Warrior or Shrinking Violet?”

While we all would like to think that Raji is the warrior we have seen from time to time, he oftentimes has disappeared from the football landscape.

Last year was a perfect example. We all wondered where he was during the first half of the season, only to have our questions answered in the second half when he reappeared with a vengeance.

Al also asks this important question: “Overall, he graded out as a ‘positive’ in 2012, but now it’s time to get back to my original premise. Did Raji fatten up his numbers against the bad offensive lines to offset poor play against the better lines?”

Hirschhorn had similar thoughts about Raji and whether the Packers would be serious about pursuing a big contract with the lineman. Considering that the Packers will most likely work first on producing extensions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews, coupled with the fact that the Packers, like all teams, have limited dollars to spread around, Raji may be the odd man out.

Here’s how Hirschhorn addressed that issue:

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

Packers fans love B.J. Raji.
Raymond T Rivard photograph

Could Raji be that player who will be allowed to test the market?

Only Ted Thompson can answer that question, but as we enter this year’s free agency period, it will be interesting to note the dollars that players of Raji’s ilk will command in the open market. You can bet that the Packers are also watching those numbers closely – though things do change from year-to-year.

Hirschhorn says it better than I can:

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

I don’t think there’s a Packers fan who doesn’t love Raji. He’s an intelligent, funny, and talented young man. However, the dollars and the circumstances may catch up with him and his place with the Packers.

That’s what makes the National Football League such a brutal business. The numbers sometimes overtake the personalities and teams are stuck between the proverbial rock and hard place when developing their rosters.

His performance on the field over the next year will be crucial in determining whether the Packers get serious in signing him to an extension.

We can only hope that his performance matches up with the numbers and that all works out for Raji. It would be great that he will be allowed the opportunity to stay with the team for years into the future.

Time will tell …

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Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve spent any time at Lombardi Ave, you’re surely aware that the Green Bay Packers are set to negotiate three major contract extensions – B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers – over the next 12 months. Those extensions have been treated as a package deal in many ways, as all three players are represented by the same agent, David Dunn.

Because Raji and Matthews were drafted in the first round of the same year, they’re entering the final year of their rookie deals. Rodgers, having signed an extension midway through his first year as a starter, is under contract through 2014. Thus, the expectation for several years has been that Raji and Matthews will receive their new deals first, and then Rodgers’ extension will fall soon thereafter.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

However, if recent reports are to be believed, a Rodgers extension could be in the works now prior to any extension for Matthews or Raji. This may be very telling, as even though Rodgers is by far the team’s most valuable and indispensable asset, he has two years left on his contract. He’s not the biggest worry the Packers have in terms of contract negotiations. So why would the Packers hammer out an extension with Rodgers ahead of the sooner expiring Matthews and Raji deals?

The answer may very well be that Green Bay doesn’t anticipate room for all three contracts, and thus will let Raji test the open market.

As currently constituted, the Packers have about $20 million in cap space. Part of that figure is already earmarked for the incoming rookie class with some space reserved for free agency and emergencies. However, most of that figure will go toward extensions. Next year’s salary cap doesn’t figure to increase very significantly, and with even more contract negotiations coming into view after 2013 – James Jones, Bryan Bulaga, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb chief among them – the Packers already have an idea of which deals they want to pursue and which ones they’ll pass on.

As we discussed as part of this week’s mock draft analysis, Raji presents all sorts of problems for Green Bay. His dominant 2010 season suggested he’d be one of the league’s best nose tackles for the foreseeable future, but Raji struggled to repeat that performance in 2011. This past year was even more confusing, as Raji returned to a high level of play but did so at the five technique position rather than the nose.

While there is value in a 3-4 end, a nose tackle is considerably more important to Green Bay’s defense. Furthermore, Raji will likely demand to be paid like a fulltime nose tackle rather than an end.

With just as much good tape as bad, no defined position, and limited cap space, how much can the Packers afford to invest in a Raji extension?

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talk with outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reading the tea leafs, it appears that Green Bay is letting their other extensions decide that question for them. Depending on how much it takes to re-sign Rodgers and Matthews, the Packers will know if a lengthy extension with Raji is reasonable.

They don’t want to be caught in a situation where they’ve extended Raji and don’t have enough cap space for either Matthews or Rodgers. Thus, Green Bay has prioritized their negotiations to prevent that scenario.

It’s unclear at this time what the end result will be, but it’s time to start wondering if this is Raji’s last season in the Green and Gold.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Clay Matthews celebrates a sack against the Lions in 2010.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Former Green Bay Packers front office man Andrew Brandt and others have come out tonight to say that it’s expected the National Football League’s salary cap will go up by as much as $3.3 million for this year … that’s good news for all 32 teams, including the Packers.

Jermichael Finley may be a casualty of the salary cap and the need to pay other players.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

While that extra money will place the Packers in excellent position to pay its 2013 draft choices and tender their restricted free agents, one thing is for certain – they won’t be using much of the salary cap increase for signing free agents. Sure, Packers’ GM Ted Thompson may go after one or two bargain basement players on the market, but he’s going to use the extra funds to pay Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.

As it stands, the Packers are around $22 million under the cap with the addition of the 2013 numbers. Not only do the Packers sit nicely under the cap, but figuring out ways to pay Rodgers (who will probably get $20 million-plus per year) and Matthews (who will command around $10 or $11 million per season) becomes a bit easier.

Another thing is for certain – I don’t envy Ted Thompson for what stands in front of him in making this all work, but I also don’t envy him in how he might have to do to get there. To make it all work, it may be necessary for Thompson to part ways with either A.J. Hawk or Jermichael Finley – maybe even both. Eliminating one or both of those players from the mix would certainly make the signing of Rodgers, Matthews – and B.J. Raji as well – much simpler. But it also places the team in jeopardy of losing veteran leadership. The Packers have already lost Donald Driver and Jeff Saturday to retirement, have released Charles Woodson, and will most likely lose WR Greg Jennings to free agency.

However, it’s become ever more apparent that Hawk and Finley must go.

A.J. Hawk may be a victim of the salary cap.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I’ve posted the past few days that the Packers should part ways with either A.J. Hawk or Jermichael Finley – probably both. Eliminating both salaries would bring the Packers about $13 million that could be used toward the signing of the big three.

The two veterans should be let go not only because of salary cap concerns, but because of other on- and off-field intangibles that are a detriment to the team. Sometimes in order to save the many, it’s time to sacrifice the few. In this case, Hawk and Finley should be either released or traded. It will make all of the necessary signings less painful and allow the Packers to throw more money toward the paying of the big three on the front end of their contracts. By allocating as much as they can early in the contracts, the Packers won’t  fall into the same traps other teams have on the back ends of their stars’ contracts. What happens is that in order to stay under the cap and continue to pay the high salaries of their stars, they have to clean house.

Yes, the addition of the 2013 salary cap money will help the Packers carry out those contracts, but it won’t be enough to do all that the Packers would like. That will take the sacrifice of Hawk and Finley.

Only then will the Packers have the flexibility to move on comfortably.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

This past Sunday, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Green Bay Packers are seriously considering applying the franchise tag to free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings. The news came as a shock to most, as Jennings had been all but written off as a luxury the Packers couldn’t afford. Suddenly the paradigm has shifted and a future with the Packers number one receiver isn’t so intangible after all.

But let’s just slay this beast now. Nothing has changed. Greg Jennings is still as good as gone.

When a rumor, any rumor, hits the newswire during the pre-draft part of the offseason, the smart approach is that of skepticism. These rumors do often come from someone close to the situation, but that’s not a good reason to believe them. All parties involved want to calibrate the audience to believe their side, regardless of how far they have to strive from the truth. These rumors are almost always a skewered form of what’s actually happening, if anything is happening at all.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Review of the Jennings rumor

After going a full year without any meaningful conversation with Jennings and his agent regarding an extension, Packers GM Ted Thompson apparently is now seriously considering applying the franchise tag. This is the same Ted Thompson who habitually cuts ties with older, injured veterans and has built a team with only two players aged 30 or older under contract. This Ted Thompson apparently has decided to franchise a player who’s missed 11 games over the last two seasons and turns 30 in September.

Doesn’t that seem a little out of character for a man who’s never out of character?

Unless David Byrne is masquerading as Ted Thompson in the Packers’ front office, this rumor is no more likely than Reggie White lining up for Green Bay next season. The Packers under Thompson have shied away from holding onto expensive veterans who appear to be on the downside of their career. You don’t have to look back very far to find an example. Hell, you don’t even need to flip the page on the calendar. On Feb. 15, Charles Woodson was handed his walking papers. Woodson was set to make $10 million and nearing his 37 birthday. Despite playing competently when healthy, he’d become too much of a health risk. Accordingly, Thompson decided his cap space was better spent elsewhere.

Some have theorized that the Packers might be planning to tag Jennings so that they can trade him for draft picks. While that would make far more sense than retaining Jennings, that boat doesn’t hold much water either.

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) drops back to pass during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Lions 45-41. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If you recall the 2012 offseason, the Packers faced a similar franchise tag situation with quarterback Matt Flynn. Flynn was considered the top quarterback available in free agency after Peyton Manning, and the news surrounding 1265 Lombardi Ave. was that the Packers would franchise Flynn and trade him to the highest bidder.

As we know now, Thompson never pulled the trigger on the franchise tag. By all accounts, Thompson is a straight shooter and doesn’t like to bend the rules. While there is no way to stop teams from applying the franchise tag for the purposes of trading the tagged player, it goes against the spirit of the rules. It may seem silly, but that’s a line Thompson has repeatedly refused to cross, and thus it’s very unlikely the Packers will do a tag and trade with Jennings.

So why is this rumor even out there?

At this point we’re left with only conjecture, but we’re not totally in the dark. This past Friday, it was reported that the Jennings camp is seeking a contract that pays around $14 million per year. Such a deal would make Jennings the third highest paid receiver in the NFL. Even the most ardent Jennings supporter would be hard pressed to rank him that highly.

If Jennings were that much of a game changer, wouldn’t the Packers be knocking down his door with contract offers? That’s where this rumor comes in. It seems logical that the Jennings camp leaked this story to the press to create the illusion that the Packers do indeed want to keep him. While that won’t manifest a contract with the Packers, it does provide leverage in a negotiation with his next team. Jennings will be able to get a lot more money if there are not only several teams bidding for his services, but his original team still values his abilities.

Regardless of the exact reason for the rumor, it’s unlikely that the end result is another season for Jennings in Green Bay. The Packers have more vital extensions to sign with B.J. Raji, Clay Matthews, and Aaron Rodgers, and Jennings can get a far larger contract on the open market. At this stage, both parties have more to gain apart than they do together.

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Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Combine edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at LombardiAve.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Nov 3, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) during a 44-30 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Kansas State

Analysis: The Packers linebacker depth chart leaves a lot to be desired and it can immediately be improved if Green Bay decides to bring in a player like Brown, who has been turning heads during the draft process.

Here’s where things get interesting. Arthur Brown is a name we haven’t spent much time discussing, but he’s one of the more intriguing players in the draft. Measuring in at 6-0 and 241 pounds, most teams will look at Brown and determine he’s too small to spend a first round pick on. That’s not a very good reason, but he does lack an obvious position at the next level.

His speed and playmaking ability most naturally lend themselves to weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, which obviously doesn’t do much for Green Bay. For the Packers, he’d probably shift to the inside where his skills balance out those of Desmond Bishop. It’s not a great fit, but Brown is much more talented than he’s given credit. His athleticism makes this a legitimate option should the Packers decide to address inside linebacker early.

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) and linebacker Christian Robinson (45) in the game at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

However, if that’s where Ted Thompson wants to go, he will have to consider Alec Ogletree. His DUI arrest is certainly going to be a red flag for the Packers, who don’t want to spend a first round pick on a player who might end up suspended. However, chances to take a top 10 talent at the back end of the first round are few and far between. Without his character concerns, Ogletree does not make it this far. With the Packers in a win-now mode, this is the type of pick that merits consideration. As we’ve seen from players like Johnny Jolly, bad personal habits can be controlled during the season. It’s a calculated risk, but if it works out Green Bay would have its second All-Pro linebacker.

Nov 12, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) tries to catch the ball in the end zone but is unable to remain control during the second quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at AT

More and more, we’re hearing that teams in search of a wide receiver are valuing Cordarrelle Patterson and DeAndre Hopkins as the best wide receivers in the draft. The benefit of this is Keenan Allen – the most complete receiver in the draft – might be available when the Packers are on the clock. Wide receiver isn’t Green Bay’s biggest need, but Allen is the type of receiver the Packers haven’t had since Javon Walker’s one great season. He’s a big target with great hands, understands the complexities of route running, and will fight for the ball better than any wideout in this class. For Green Bay, he’d provide another receiver to line up wide thus opening up opportunities for slot receiver Randall Cobb.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman John Jenkins (6) hits Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) as he throws in the second half at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Another option we haven’t spent much time discussing is mammoth Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins. At 6-4 and 346 pounds, Jenkins has the look of a true 3-4 nose tackle. A few years ago, it was all but assumed the Packers had the nose tackle position locked up, but B.J. Raji has proven much better at end. At the very least, Green Bay needs another player who can provide Raji some rest. With Ryan Pickett now the graybeard of the team, it’s time to find a replacement.

Jenkins could be that player.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

Jermichael Finley (left) has lined up for five seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Will be be brought back for another?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The more I think about it, the more I look at their salaries and upside, the more I watch the young kids breaking their butts at the NFL Combine, the more I feel it’s time the Green Bay Packers cut ties with A.J. Hawk and Jermichael Finley.

A.J. Hawk has been a solid contributor for the Packers since being the number one draft pick for the team in 2006.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Don’t get me wrong, I am huge a fan of both Hawk and Finley. Both have produced for years with the Packers. Both probably have quite a bit left in their tanks.

But this is professional football. Number one, it’s a young man’s game and I think that of all his attributes, General Manager Ted Thompson gets it. That’s why he has perfected the draft and develop scheme that has produced three division championships and a Super Bowl championship since 2005.

Hawk, who has spent seven years with the Packers after having been selected as the team’s first round pick (number 5 overall) in 2006, has been a battler. Remember back in 2010 when he didn’t play a single down in the team’s opener at Philadelphia and then was thrown onto the field when injuries hit the team? Not only did he rise to the occasion, but he became an integral part in the team’s Super Bowl run that year. In that season, he made 71 tackles and had 39 assists, his third best season up to that point in his career. He also had three interceptions. In his first season he had 84 tackles and 37 assists and in 2007 he had 78 tackles and 27 assists.

A.J. Hawk
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

However, Hawk had a significant downslide in 2011 (57 tackles, 29 assists) before rebounding with a solid year in 2012 (81 tackles, 39 assists). Those look like good numbers on the surface, but if you look at where those tackles were made, more of them than not were well beyond the line of scrimmage. Hawk is around the ball much of the time, but many times after 3, 4, 5 or even more yards have been gained. And we won’t go anywhere near his drop back and pass coverage skills.

Yes, Hawk has contributed, but for most, he’s just one of the guys. He’s not a standout player who slices into the backfield to break up running plays, he rarely gets to the quarterback and doesn’t strike fear into the eyes of an offense.

With D.J. Smith and Desmond Bishop expected back from injuries suffered in 2012, the odd man out, at least in my eyes, is Hawk. And if we consider the dollars that a player of his age (29) is due, more than $5 million, it’s time to consider moving on.

Here are Hawk’s career statistics:

Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley is a tight end who attracts a great deal of attention from opposing defenses.
Raymond T. Rivard

I feel much the same about Jermichael Finley. He’s a huge talent. He has contributed to a prolific offense that has, for the most part, been the standard of the industry. He had one of his best seasons in 2012 – most of which came in the second half of the campaign – and he’s toned down his comments in the media.

In his five-year career, Finley has had 198 catches for 2,485 yards (12.6 yard average), and 17 touchdowns. That includes 2010 when he played in only five games.

Those are impressive statistics, and yes, he is a talent. But he is also heading into the final year of a two-year contract which has an upside and a downside. Should the Packers keep him, he will have huge incentive to have a big year and will most likely leave it all on the field. On the flip side, if he does have that big year he will most likely walk in free agency and the Packers would lose him anyway.

So, what to do with the mercurial player? Do the Packers try to trade him? Do they keep him? Or do they cut him, cut their losses and look to the draft for someone who could be an heir apparent? The team does have tight ends who would be serviceable (Tom Crabtree, if they re-sign him; Andrew Quarless, who is coming off a missed season due to a horrendous knee injury; D.J. Williams, who is an unknown; and Ryan Taylor, who has been a special teams contributor), but they need the type of player who can stretch the field and attract attention over the middle. Finley has provided that threat.

So, why shouldn’t the Packers keep him? Well, let’s start with the head games and the drops. He has spouted off in the media about a lack of chemistry with his quarterback, his agent has joined in the discussion. He has been a disruption in the locker room and his dropped passes have caused consternation across the franchise and especially among the fan base.

Here are Jermichael Finley’s career statistics:

Where to go?

The bottom line is that should the Packers cut ties with Finley and Hawk, they will save several million against the salary cap – money that could be freed up to be apportioned across new contracts that will come due in the coming year for Aaron Rodgers, B.J. Raji, and Clay Matthews.

The Packers got the ball rolling early in adding to their available funds this offseason when Donald Driver and Jeff Saturday retired. Then they cut the $10 million that would have been due Charles Woodson, and with the impending loss of Greg Jennings to free agency, the Packers are in very good financial shape as they head into thick of the offseason. They should have plenty to sign their draft choices and to begin negotiations with Matthews and Raji. More than likely, they will wait until 2014 to sign Rodgers – his contract will be a whole different animal as he is likely to get at least an eight-year deal worth at least $20 million per year.

I say the Packers move on by cutting ties with Finley and Hawk. They go with the players they have in-house and use their draft and develop philosophy in adding new talent to the mix.

What do you think?

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Charles Woodson has worn the Green and Gold with pride for seven years. For that, we are grateful.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When it comes to the Green Bay Packers and Charles Woodson, is change  good or is it bad?

I get easily confused as I move up in years and it seems that I am not the only one who is confused as to if it is good or bad.

Yesterday the Green Bay Packers released Charles Woodson.  By many accounts he was the heart and soul of the defense – a leader in the locker room and on the field.

He was also an aging veteran who had been injured most of last season and was poised to be a big hit against the salary cap.

During his departure, younger and faster players showed they could handle his job, so he became expendable.  He became a statistic of the business side of the NFL.

So that leads us to the big question: Is the release of Woodson good or bad?  I read many posts that criticized the release.  One fan wrote, “ I can’t really believe they did this … they have made some dumb moves but this one tops the rest.”  Many other fans questioned the loss of his leadership.

While other fans realized that his salary cap hit, his age and declining speed were all factors in his release , they wished him well and put their faith in the brain trust at 1265 Lombardi Avenue to do what is best for the team.

So is it good or bad?  After separating the emotional aspects of losing another well-liked player who represented the team with class and dignity, I think the move was done at the right time and with the best interests of the team and more importantly for the right reasons.

Take a step back and look at the big picture.

Woodson is an aging veteran who was moved from his original position to cover his deficiencies in covering younger and faster players.

While recovering from his second broken collarbone, younger players stepped up and in his absence they were able to raise and maintain a level of play that improved the defense.  Now I am not saying that Woodson was the cause of the defense’s poor play over the past few years, what I am pointing out is that the younger players showed that they were ready to fill the void in his absence.  Once they proved that, his ticket out of Green Bay was stamped.

B.J. Raji is one of the cornerstones who will lead the Packers into the future.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

There is also the concept that the needs of the team are more important than the desire to keep a player because of the emotional attachment (see Donald Driver).  Everyone is familiar with the necessity to sign Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and BJ Raji to new contracts.  These players are the current cornerstones of the team and Thompson and Mark Murphy have to address these needs to sustain the team’s level of play.  Woodson’s contract was something that could have hindered future extensions.

Finally, there is the question of the loss of his leadership on and off the field.  Yes it will be missed.  But in the past, Reggie White, LeRoy Butler, Brett Favre and many other leaders have moved on and the team found their replacements.  His loss is not going to create a leadership vacuum.  It will, if anything, force younger players who have watched him lead, step and and be that leader.  To quote Disney’s “The Lion King” (NFL version), it is the circle of life.

In the end, the release of Woodson was a well-calculated decision based on the needs of the team in conjunction with the fact that younger players had developed enough to fill his spot admirably, thus there would be no dropoff in play in the secondary.  The release was best for the team and that is what we, as fans, need to focus upon.

Players come and players go.  In time, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and other fan favorites will leave the team, just as Woodson has.  The Packers will survive.  There will be bumps and bruises, and learning curves for new players and new team leaders, but the Green and Gold is bigger than any one player.

So, Mr. Woodson, thank you for your dedicated play, your passion and leadership.  Thank you for leading this team to a Super Bowl victory.  We all look forward to the day when you enter the Packers Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame (as a Packer).  Though you did not want to be here at first, you embraced us and we embraced you.  Change may hurt, but I believe that in this case, the change is good for all those involved.

New opportunities will arise for everyone involved and your time here will be treasured.  You wore the Green and Gold with pride and for that we are forever grateful.

But his presence was bigger than just his on-field accomplishments. Without even counting all that Charles Woodson has done and all the people he has touched within the communities where he has lived and worked, let’s just look at what he was able to do for his teammates.

During the 2010 Super Bowl XLV run, Woodson was larger than life among the team. His post-game speeches inspired that team to greatness. When he was injured midway through the Super Bowl, he stood with tears in his eyes to give a halftime speech that moved his teammates on to the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl win. His “One Mind, One Goal, One Purpose, and One Heart” rallying cry lifted the Super Bowl team to great things and has cemented Woodson’s words not only in Packers lore, but also onto the team’s Super Bowl XLV ring.

Now that Sir Charles is gone from Green Bay, the team must move on with new leadership and a new outlook. Who will be that leader? Aaron Rodgers? Clay Matthews? B.J. Raji? Who will inspire their teammates to great things?

That remains to be seen. The days will turn to months and it will be a new season. Charles Woodson will be with a new team, the Packers will have a new identity.

We await the new rallying cry.

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Will Charles Woodson be back with the Green Bay Packers?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Charles Woodson is still good enough to be a starter for an NFL team, the question, however, is whether it will be with the Green Bay Packers. In fact, that’s a $10 million question because that’s what Woodson will cost the Packers against the revenue cap if he plays all 16 games with the team next season.

But it’s not all about money either.

Woodson missed nine games last season after suffering a broken collarbone – the same bone he broke in Super Bowl XLV.
While he was out of the lineup Woodson was replaced by Casey Hayward at the cornerback position and by Jarron McMillian and M.D. Jennings at safety. They played well and in fact Woodson’s presence wasn’t really missed.

So, do the Packers benefit by bringing Woodson back or do they cut their ties to free up funds to pay three players who are due big paydays: Aaron Rodgers, B.J. Raji, and Clay Matthews?

It will be an interesting offseason for the Packers. With the question of Woodson looming, it’s already known that the Packers have lost Donald Driver and Jeff Saturday and will most likely lose WR Greg Jennings. There are those who feel that ILB A.J. Hawk may also have played his final play for the Packers and whether they bring back Jermichael Finley back is a big question.
Stay tuned

Where has the 2009 and 2010 lockdown, ballhawking cornerback Tramon Williams gone?

The answer: He is gone and will never return. Williams is set to make just under $6 million in 2013 and just under $7 million in 2014, those numbers make him the third highest paid Packer on the roster. This is the point where the Packers should be asking themselves, ‘is Tramon Williams really worth $13 million over the next two seasons?’

If the answer isn’t obvious then there is a problem in Titletown.

For the past two seasons Tramon Williams has been a liability for a Packers defense that has been tough to watch, especially in the playoffs. During the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, Williams was one of the best corners in the NFL. In those two seasons Williams had 10 interceptions, 35 pass deflections and 96 tackles, even though he only started 26 of the possible 32 games during that span.

The last two seasons Williams has just six interceptions, including only two this past season. Williams’ tackling ability has also taken a hit over the past two seasons, especially this season. In particular the two regular season games against the Minnesota Vikings, Williams appeared scared to tackle Adrian Peterson (I know it’s not easy).

His poor tackling (at best) paired with his diminishing coverage skills Williams just isn’t worth the money anymore. In a division that has receivers such as Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson, the Packers need a corner they can count on to limit these players, and Tramon cannot do that anymore.

 It’s no secret that guys like Clay Matthews, BJ Raji and Aaron Rodgers will need their contracts extended in the near future and the ability to free up $13 million from a declining player makes sense.

All one has to do is look at the Packers’ roster and see that the secondary is in good hands without Williams. Sam Shields had his best season as a Packer in just 10 games this season. Shields intercepted three passes and defended 10 passes. He also had a huge pick-six of Colin Kaepernick in the eventual playoff loss to the 49ers.

Rookie Casey Hayward also had a huge year for the Packers in his rookie campaign and could even be named defensive rookie of the year (most likely not). Also, don’t forget about Davon House, who was actually penciled in as the starter for the 2012-13 season before he went down with a shoulder injury in the preseason. House, Hayward and Shields give the Packers a solid secondary crew that are all very young and will continue to get better.

I’m in favor of the Packers and Williams agreeing on a new contract in which Williams takes a significant pay cut, but if a deal cannot be reached then the Packers should either trade or release the veteran cornerback.

I’ve been a Williams supporter for years and I think he still has some good football left in him. However, the past two seasons have made me feel otherwise. The Packers need the money he makes to extend better players and because of that reason he has played his last down in Green Bay.

We all remember the magic performed by none other than Packers QB Don Majkowski. Well, author Jerry Bulone takes us through the list below of current Packers who perform their own forms of magic. Photograph courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

You cannot mention magic in Green Bay and not be reminded of Don Majikowski and that magical year in 1989. It had me believing in magic and much of Packers Nation as well.

But the magic did not stop there …

There are several members of this Packers team who perform magic on a regular basis, but it goes largely unnoticed … until now that is

Jermichael Finley.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Jermicheal Finley - The disappearing act

Jermicheal Finley has a combination of size and speed that is rarely seen in the NFL. He flashed his potential in the 2009 playoffs against Arizona. He had 6 catches for 159 yards in what seemed to be the birth of a star, or at the very least a preview of things to come.

However that was not the case and as a result he turned to magic. The last five games he has performed a disappearing act like no other.

So how can someone with so much talent completely disappear in games? A true magician never reveals his secrets.

Tom Crabtree.
Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

2. Tom Crabtree – Pulling a rabbit out of his hat

Tom Crabtree has only caught 6 passes this year, but he has made them count. He has the two longest touchdowns for the Packers this season and averages 30.5 yards per catch.

It seems like whenever the packers need a boost, Tom is there when you least expect it. Whether it be during a punt, a 3rd and long, or a busted play, it doesn’t matter.

B.J. Raji
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

3. B.J. Raji - the old cutting a woman in half trick

B.J. is a great defensive lineman, thus naturally he thought he would be a great magician as well.

However a magician is only as good as the props he works with. Since there was no lady available, Raji decided to cut his stats in half. In 2010 he had 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Then in 2011 he only had 22 tackles and 3 sacks.

The only problem is, in order to complete the trick you are supposed to return the prop back to its original state and Raji’s stats are actually worse this year than last. This act is still a work in progress.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Clay Matthews – The great escape

Not since Harry Houdini has there been someone who has had such sensational escape acts.

However his acts do not involve handcuffs, water torture devices, or milk cans, they involve 300-pound linemen, constant double teams, and illegal holding.

Yet, Clay still manages to find a way to escape every game and have an impact. He is among the leaders in tackles for a loss, QB pressures, and sacks.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. Aaron Rodgers – Pick a card, any card

Nobody is better against the blitz than Aaron Rodgers. It often seems like he knows what the opposing defense is going to do before they do it.

The same would be true for his card trick. He would study your habits of picking cards, watch any film he could on you, then tell you to simply pick a card, any card.

While you were picking that card, he would instantly fire a rocket pass to Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, then proceed to tell you the card in your hand, which was…

The ace of spades!

Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s reigning MVP and is on course for another shot at that title. The Packers have to keep him healthy. Dean Hall photograph

The Green Bay Packers have weathered an early storm of controversy, bad luck, and injuries to post a 6-3 record. The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Packers – even though we only have 7 games left, it’s a tough road ahead.

That road ends at New Orleans on the third of February 2013 for Super Bowl XLVII.

In order for the Packers to complete that journey they are going to need these 10 players to stay healthy and productive. They are ranked below in order of value.

A.J. Hawk.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

10. A.J Hawk

I used to think A.J Hawk was overpaid, overrated, and on his way out of Green Bay. Now I view him as the most valuable linebacker not named Clay Matthews. Why the change? Because he’s played better. His tackling is better, he’s more impactful, and he’s reliable. Coach McCarthy has said Hawk is always the same guy every day. In the past that has usually been a bad thing, not this year.

T.J. Lange
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

9. T.J Lang

Lang has always been pretty solid. He is willing to battle with anyone, and is among the most efficient statistically of all the Packers lineman. However his true value lies in his versitility to move around the offensive line. The news coming out of Green Bay is that Bulaga’s injury is more serious than expected. This does nothing but make Lang even more valuable

Jordy Nelson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

8. Jordy Nelson

Jordy had taken the place of Greg Jennings in the offense. It took a little time but he has definitely hit his stride.  He now looks like a legitimate go-to receiver. Also, as we have witnessed lately there is a noticeable drop off in the offense when he is not playing.

Tramon Williams
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

7. Tramon Williams

Tramon has been a little up and down this year. That being said, he is still our best cover corner. He is very effective at times and has a knack for the big play. He is by no means a shutdown corner the likes of “Revis Isle,” but he is a former Pro Bowler cornerback and they do not grow on trees.

Charles Woodson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

6. Charles Woodson

He is no longer playing at the elite level that he once was, but make no mistake, he is still very valuable. He is effective in so many different ways and is on the field more than any other player.  He is also the leader of the defense, and a great communicator to the other young members of the secondary.

B.J. Raji
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. B.J Raji

B.J Raji is our best defensive lineman. He gets a great push in the pocket and is great against the run. He is the perfect 3-4 tackle and is exactly what Thompson thought he was when he drafted him in the first round. The Packers defense played well without him for a two-game period, over the long haul I am not so sure the results would be as inspiring

Randall Cobb
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Randall Cobb

Randall is our most explosive receiver, who can do it all and is only going to get better. He leads the Packers in receptions (45), yards after the catch (250) and plays over 20 yards (9). Combine this with the fact he is a great returner and that makes him a very valuable weapon in the Packers offense and special teams.

Marshall Newhouse
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

3. Marshall Newhouse

Marshall has shown steady improvement since he has been a starter. That being said, he is still probably just a slightly-above-average tackle in the NFL. However he protects “the blindside” and the options behind him are far worse… If he goes down (and with Bulaga already out) they would have to turn to undrafted rookie Don Barclay. This, at best, is not ideal, and at worst … catastrophic

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

2. Clay Matthews

He is the best overall defensive player in the NFL. He is great in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer. The only thing that exceeds his talent is his motor. He never quits and leaves everything on the field.  A long-term injury to the Claymaker would result in a huge drop-off to an already inconsistent defense.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Aaron Rodgers

He is former Super Bowl MVP, reigning NFL MVP, near the top of the NFL in every major statistical category and could still possibly get better. If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that his backup is Graham Harrell? It’s safe to say the 2012 Green Bay Packers will only go as far as #12 takes them.

Oct. 07, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) avoids pressure from the Green bay Packers defense during first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

If the Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line protects Aaron Rodgers when they play at Houston Sunday night, the Packers will score some points. In fact, we all know that if Aaron Rodgers has the time and his receivers can get open, Green Bay will move the ball through the air.

If the line can do that, the team might not even have to worry about the run game that took a huge hit when Cedric Benson went down last week at Indianapolis.

The real question will center around the Packers defense. Which defense will show up? Will it be the defense that was solid against the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks in weeks two and three or will it be the defense that reverted the past two weeks to the leaky sieve that was seen in 2011?

Most disconcerting once again against the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts the past two weeks has been the soft “keep ‘em in front of you” defensive backfield that allowed both Drew Brees and Andrew Luck to move the ball at will.

With it looking like B.J. Raji might not play or will be severely limited  at Houston, the Packers defense will be hard pressed to slow the potent Texans. Consider that Houston running back Arian Foster is probably one, if not the best, runner in all of football, the Packers will have their hands full in trying to stop him. Even with Raji in the lineup, their task of slowing Foster would be difficult.

When you’ve got the threat of Foster on every down, the added task of stopping the Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson tandem will also be a huge undertaking for this Packers defense.

Just how the Packers will do so is up to defensive coordinator Dom Capers. While his defenses during the first couple of seasons in Green Bay were unpredictable and aggressive, it seems the rest of the league has caught up with Capers’s schemes and offenses are giving their QBs the time to find open receivers all over the field. Just ask Drew Brees and Andrew Luck about that. While the run defense has done a good job of stopping the run this season and forcing third downs and long, giving up first downs has become the norm on third down.

So, the key for the Packers Sunday night will be getting off the field on third down and allowing Aaron Rodgers and the offense to chew up time on the clock and score points.

However, the Packers certainly can’t afford to get into a shootout with the Texans. The Packers defense has to find a way to slow down the Texans and force some field goals instead of giving up touchdowns.

If they do all that, they will have a shot at knocking off the undefeated team from Houston.

Some say this is a must-win for the Packers. I’m not so sure, but a win would certainly go a long way in restoring some of the confidence and swagger that this Packers team most surely needs at this point in the season. Mike McCarthy’s teams have always done well inside the North Division, so they need as many of these non-division games as they can get.

To do that, the right defense has got to show up.

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Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) rushes as Chicago Bears guard Lance Louis (60) and offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (72) block during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers go into Sunday night’s showdown in Houston without the services of starting running back Cedric Benson – we all know that.

But the jury is still out on the availability of wide receiver Greg Jennings, defensive lineman B.J. Raji and tight end Jermichael Finley.

All of them went down to injury over the past couple of weeks and for a team that’s struggling on both sides of the ball, losing important starters like these guys isn’t going to help their cause at Houston.

Jennings has been a hit or miss over the last three games as he struggles to make it back from a groin injury. As the days wind down to their next game and without him practicing, one has to lean toward him not making it to the field in Texas.

Of all the three – Jennings, Raji and Finley – his loss affects the team the most. I say that because when he is out it hasn’t seemed that any of the other wide receivers, with the exception of James Jones, has really stepped up their play. Heading into the season, wide receiver was seen as the Packers’ greatest strength. Without Jennings it seems like one of its greatest liabilities.

The defensive line received a bolstering when Mike Neal returned, but losing Raji removes its strength in the middle. How Dom Capers adjusts to Raji’s loss will be a key in stopping the potent Houston run game.

Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

As for Finley, Packers Nation is so disappointed in his comments today that were taken to diss Aaron Rodgers that most probably don’t care. However, he is a talent the Packers need to help make up for the loss of Jennings. His backups, D.J. Williams and Tom Crabtree, have also been dinged up in the early going, so if Finley can make it back onto the field in time for Sunday’s game that will be a plus.

The real question, however, on the injury front, is how the Packers will fill the void left by Benson. The newly-acquired running back is gone for the next two months and it sounds like the Packers running game will be managed via committee.

I guess we’ll see if Alex Green and James Starks will be able to carry the load. Throw in John Kuhn and hopefully the Packers will be able to throw some different looks at opponents. No doubt, the offense is going to miss the pounding up-the-middle running style that Benson brought so effectively. The bottom line is that Benson will be difficult to replace – as will Jennings, Raji and Finley.

Being a healthy team would go a long way in knocking off the 5-0 Texans, but that’s not what the Packers bring. How the staff schemes to adjust for those losses will be a huge key in how the Packers do against the Texans and down the road.

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It looks as though B.J. Raji will be ready to go when the Packers face the 49ers in the 2012 NFL season opener in nine days. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The calming words of Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy about the injury condition of defensive lineman B.J. Raji were what Packers fans across the world wanted to hear.

Here’s what he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last night: “I don’t have a high level of concern about B.J. Raji’s ankle right now based off the information I was given and also talking with B.J. First play of the game, that’s not a good feeling.”

McCarthy’s last sentence may be a bit of an understatement as all of Packers Nation held its collective breath last night when they saw Raji grabbing his ankle and being assisted by Packers medical staff. It was the first play of the the final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs – a contest that first of all means nothing and second of all means nothing.

The Packers easily won the game, 24-3, but it was that first play injury which drew much of the attention and concern for Packers fans.

To watch as Raji was injured was pure torture for Packers fans who have already been reeling from the number of injuries suffered over the course of Training Camp this year.

One more injury to one of the most valuable defensive players on an already questionable defense would have been a huge blow. So, when McCarthy uttered his words after the game last night, the Nation could breathe easier.

Judging from what the coach said, it’s hoped that Raji would be ready to go nine days from now when the Packers host the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 season opener. And judging the Packers second-, third- and fourth-string defenses, the team is going to be in high demand for Raji. Giving up 250 yards on the ground against the Chiefs was disturbing in and of itself and if it’s an indication of what’s to come this season – well, it could be a long season.

Dom Capers needs to get that fixed and do it in a hurry.

The 49ers will take no hostages as they bring in one of the most potent run attacks in the league. Raji needs to heal up in a hurry and the Packers defense needs to address its lack of a run defense immediately.

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This past April, former Packer great Leroy Butler walked onto the stage at Radio City Music Hall and announced the selection of the future of the Packers defense: Jerel Worthy.

The Packers took Worthy with the 51st pick of the draft, which raised eyebrows in Packer Nation. Worthy came with a lot of baggage, the same type of baggage from which Ted Thompson normally avoids. While playing at Michigan State, the defensive end developed a reputation for being lazy and taking plays off.

After being drafted Worthy embraced his reputation by saying “I take plays off just like everyone else,” which made many cringe. There were also criticisms of his play. Many scouts said Worthy didn’t possess the ability to shed the offensive lineman and work in space. But with the right coaching staff I feel all of this can be fixed.

Through training camp I haven’t heard much from Worthy other than that he is a high energy player who has treated every play like it was an in-game situation. That last sentence signifies that the man has started to change his ways.

I think that Worthy is the key to getting this defense back into championship  form. I’ll even go out on a limb and say Worthy is the next great Packer defensive lineman.

Worthy plays with a mean streak, and this is what this defense has been missing. If Worthy can put his energy and attitude into playing football then I believe he will fill the hole left by Cullen Jenkins.

In college, Worthy took on a lot double teams. This allowed his defensive mates to take advantage and penetrate the backfield. This fact alone should bring a smile to Clay Matthews and BJ Raji’s faces.

He doesn’t need to be an immediate All-Pro defensive end this season, he just needs to have enough of an impact to make his defensive mates better. Worthy possesses something that CJ Wilson, Mike Neal, and Jarius Wynn don’t seem to have: aggressiveness.

Worthy will get his chances to show his abilities with Anthony Hargrove serving an eight game suspension. If he stays healthy he could start making his impact in week 1.

During Thursday’s preseason game against the Browns, and the remaining two games,  keep your eye on #99 as he starts to get acclimated to the game.

July 31, 2010; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) takes part in a blocking drill during training camp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIREAfter the first days of training camp, much can be learned about the 2012 Green Bay Packers. Nothing more stands out to me, however, than the improvements being made on the defensive side of the ball.This is probably because of all the competitions being held on the defensive side, meaning more chances for players further down the depth chart to make their names known.One example would be Davon House – a rookie last season. He has been making plays left and right by getting interceptions and just making big plays all around. Head Coach Mike McCarthy thinks he can develop into a solid bump and run cornerback in the NFL sooner rather than later.Another player making big plays in the secondary has been second round pick, Casey Hayward out of Vanderbilt. Both House and Hayward, have been taking turns making big plays in the, seemed to be improved, Packers' secondary. Hayward is talked about as being a ball hawk cornerback with good speed.Both players have a good chance to move up the depth charts quickly if they continue on these hot streaks.Moving from the secondary, the Packers have also seen improvements along the defensive line where another rookie, Mike Daniels out of Iowa, has made the most of his opportunities. He has the size, strength, and even the quick feet to shed blocks and become a force in both slowing down the running and passing attack.Green Bay Packers defensive end Jerel Worthy

Another rookie making big strides early would be defensive lineman Jerel Worthy out of Michigan State University. He’s been consistently improving from day to day but where he has been making the biggest impact has been the defensive attitude he has brought to the team. He has a lot of energy which he uses to pump up not only himself, but the rest of the Packers’ defense.

The final two players who have made an impact early are returning veterans Charles Woodson and B.J.Raji.

Woodson has been playing safety in the Packers’ base defense which, ultimately, places him always in better position to make big plays on the ball and this is exactly what he has been doing in the first days of training camp.

Raji had a slow year last season, but it seems as if he is trying to turn it around this season. He has slimmed down to become more athletic and be able to slide around blocks a lot easier and this has made a big difference in training camp so far.

There will be much more to come with training camp getting under way but after the first days of training camp, not much more can be asked out of the defense as they look much improved from last season.

Greg Jennings is headed toward a new contract. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

This past Friday afternoon as the Packers finished with their second workout of the young Training Camp, Greg Jennings talked not only about football, but about himself – specifically where things stand with contract negotiation.

Jennings is in the final year of his current deal with the Green Bay Packers and is hoping for a new agreement. But “hoping” could be the operative word. He understands a lot of things on and off the field and when it comes to understanding his value on the football field, he doesn’t back down.

This past off-season, gigantic deals to many wide receivers who may or may not be Jenning’s equal, in value were completed. Most notably was the deal cooked up for Detroit Lions “Mega-Tron,” Calvin Johnson. While Jennings knows that Johnson deserves every cent he is earning by signing on the dotted line, the Packers go-to guy also knows that Johnson has been the single-most recognizable face for that franchise – more so than the quarterback and that “stomping” defensive lineman.

Jennings is a fan favorite, but isn’t the face of the Packers. We all know Aaron Rodgers is that guy.

But there were others who got giant deals that may or may not be considered overpayment. Consider these deals: Vincent Jackson signed a five-year, $55 million deal ($26 million guaranteed) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Pierre Garçon got a five-year, $42.5 million deal ($20.5 million guaranteed) to leave Indianapolis for Washington; Marques Colston signed a five-year, $36.3 million ($17.7 million guaranteed) to return to New Orleans; DeSean Jackson, who’d been franchise tagged by the Philadelphia Eagles, got a five-year deal worth $47 million ($15 million guaranteed); and Robert Meachem got a four-year, $25.9 million deal ($14 million guaranteed) to leave New Orleans and replace Vincent Jackson in San Diego.

So, just what is Jennings worth?

Greg Jennings is a fan favorite. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Just ask Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Here’s what he said about Jennings in published reports:

“Wow, Greg Jennings. He has a number of things I think he’s exceptional at,” McCarthy said. “You can start mentally, he has an exceptional understanding of not only what he’s asked to do but what people are trying to do against him. He’s very astute as far as recognizing defenses. He’s always been a very good preparation individual as far as during the course of the week and match-ups and (being) educated on players and keeping track of how they played him the last time he faced them and so forth.

“He understands his size. He understands what people are trying to do to him, particularly when he’s in the slot. And physically, he’s so disciplined and his body control really stands out. He makes his routes look the same. His ability to get in and out of breaks is exceptional. He creates separation. His hand/eye coordination and yards after the catch is as good as it gets.”

Will A.J. Hawk win the starting inside linebacking position this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Since the Packers moved to a 3-4 defensive philosophy, their defense has been about as consistent as the lineup for the Monday Night Football broadcasters.

In 2008, they were twentieth in yards given up per game. In 2009, they jumped to 2nd, in 2010, they were 5th and in 2011 all way down to last.

While some might point to the presence, or lack thereof of a player like Cullen Jenkins (he played in only four games in 2008 and, of course we know by the unsullied jersey of Eli Manning last January, zero games for the Pack in 2012), the play of their linebackers hasn’t been a stellar example of consistency.

In fact, no position on the Packers defense has had to endure as many rotating starters since 2008 as the linebacking corps. For long periods of time, the following have been completely out or at the very least severely encumbered by injury: Matthews (hamstring, shin), Hawk, Barnett, Walden, Zombo, Brad Jones, Brandon Chillar.

Will D.J. Smith get more playing time or even a starting role this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So it should come as no surprise when we, Packers fans to the enth degree, search for spectacular stability. We’ve had it at almost every other position for years, Rodgers, Jennings, Bulaga, Woodson, and until last year, Collins and to some extent Raji. With a breakout performance by Desmond Bishop last year, we know that spectacular play from the inside linebacking position is possible. That could be what’s suddenly driving speculation that Hawk is in a training camp battle to save his starting position (and therein his roster spot).

Since they lost to the Cardinals back in the 2009-10 playoffs, when it became painfully clear that Hawk just did not possess the speed necessary to track down running backs on the sideline, I’ve never been a big fan of the Ohio State product. But Hawk had a productive year in 2010 and the Packers, on a Super Bowl high, invested a multi-year contract in the linebacker and let Nick Barnett go.

Last season, Hawk was consistently blamed for not making enough big plays. When he did have to sit because of injury, Packer fans were treated to some excellent playmaking by his understudy, a rookie, D.J. Smith. He’s 5-11, 239 pounds, and came out of a small school, Appalachian State.

During his unlimited action last year, he had 40-plus tackles and an interception. It will be very interesting to see if Smith gets more snaps than usual during the preseason, especially if it is with the first team. The Packers will likely say it is to give Hawk a rest, but many will view this as a clue that Hawk has a fight on his hands, which is as good a motivator as there is for someone who has already inked his post rookie payday contract.

Oct 8, 2011; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Jared Crick (94) lines up against Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Mike Adams (75) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers are putting together a really good NFL Draft with Nick Perry, Jerel Worthy, and Casey Hayward. So, how will the Packers finish off their 2012 draft class?

The Packers have two fourth rond picks and plenty of sixth- and seventh-rounders so the Packers have some flexibility if they want to make a trade for a player like Ole Miss’s Bobby Massie to provide more depth on the offensive line after Chad Clifton was cut. If they stay where they are in the fourth round, they should look at running back and another defensive lineman.

Feb 26, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah State running back Robert Turbin runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The first thing the Packers should do in the fourth round is pick up a running back. Miami’s Lamar Miller is a definite possibility if he continues to fall but a more realistic option is Utah State’s Robert Turbin.

Turbin was productive and college and has shown a great combo of size and speed. I think Turbin has the tools to be a really good NFL running back.

Despite picking up Jerel Worthy, the Packers still need some help at defensive end and the two players that are now steals are Boise State’s Billy Wynn and Nebraska’s Jared Crick.

Wynn will probably be off the board by the time the Packers pick, but Crick will probably still be there and he would be a great pick as he could start at defensive end.

A defensive line of Crick, B.J. Raji, and Worthy would be able to dominate in the trenches.

In the sixth round, the Packers will probably look at taking a young quarterback like Ryan Lindley out of San Diego State.

Lindley has an impressive arm but he lacks in the areas of consistency and accuracy. However, I think Lindley will be at least as good as Rex Grossman with the potential to be similar to Brett Favre.

Lindley can be a backup that the Packers can develop which is eactly what they want.

December 17, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley (14) against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the first quarter of the New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

In the seventh round, the Packers have four picks and plenty of possibilities.

The Packers could take some chances on some players like Arizona State’s Vontaxe Burfict as he is a high ceiling guy that would not be much of a loss if he does not pan out.

Notre Dame safety Robert Blanton could be another possibility if he is still on the board.  Colorado offensive guard Ryan Miller is a player that has a high ceiling and could be very effective.

A player that is off the radar but a very good talent that would be worth taking in the seventh round is Utah cornerback Conroy Black.

Black has all the skills to develop into a starting cornerback in the NFL as he could be a dime cornerback next season even.