Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell during the game against a Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

You know which one.

From my perspective, the major media outlets originally fumbled the reporting of this key play in the Packers-Saints game in 2012. Most merely referenced Graham Harrell tripping, stumbling, or fumbling. Take a look at how major media characterized the action:

Associated Press: Harrell tripped and fumbled as he tried to hand it off, allowing the Saints to get the ball. Brees then found Joseph Morgan wide open behind the defense for an 80-yard touchdown and a 24-21 lead.

USA Today: Enter Graham Harrell, the second-year player from Texas Tech who was standing under center for the first time in an NFL game. Snapping the ball at the 2-yard line, Harrell tripped on the foot of center Jeff Saturday and fumbled a planned handoff to Cedric Benson. The Saints recovered the ball and four plays later took a 24-21 lead on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Joseph Morgan.

ESPN: Harrell, the backup who had a roller coaster preseason in his first summer as the Packers’ No. 2, entered the game for a first-and-goal at the two-yard line. Harrell tripped over center Jeff Saturday’s feet on his first snap and could not cleanly hand the ball off to tailback Cedric Benson. Harrell was charged with a fumble, negating a chance to build on a 21-17 lead, and the Saints recovered.

Fox Sports: In the first-ever regular-season snap in Harrell’s NFL career, the 27-year-old former Canadian Football League quarterback stumbled backward after tripping on the foot of veteran center Jeff Saturday. As he was falling, Harrell attempted to hand the ball off to running back Cedric Benson, but it bounced away and was recovered by New Orleans.

If you have a moment, review the play.

Saint defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley, number 77, bulldozed Packers center Jeff Saturday, number 63, two yards into the backfield. Saturday’s left foot came into contact with both of Harrell’s feet as Harrell had his back to Saturday.

To simply infer that Harrell stumbled and lost the ball misses the mark. None of the above media outlets referenced the tremendous defensive effort of Bunkley. If I were a statistician, I would consider crediting Bunkley with a forced fumble.

“A forced fumble occurs when the ball carrier loses the football due to the force of a defensive player. This can be a result of being hit or of having the ball stripped by a defender.”

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell was originally scorned for his fumble against the New Orleans Saints last year. But upon further review … Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports photograph

My rationale is that Bunkley’s force caused a chain reaction that led to the fumble. If Bunkley would have been credited with a forced fumble, the reporting of the play may have been much different and Harrell may not have been labeled as the “almost goat.” Instead the focus of the play may have been on Bunkley being the “almost hero” for the Saints.

Others speculate Harrell could have aborted the handoff, tucked it in, and taken a loss. If you notice the tape, his arm is outstretched after his second foot comes in contact with Saturday’s foot.  His balance was already lost. He could just have likely fumbled it while trying to tuck it in.

It also would have been nice to know if anything tipped the Saints off that it was a run play to the Packers’ left side. For example, did it appear Packers fullback John Kuhn’s stance prior to the snap indicated he was preparing to push off on his right foot and move to his left? How did the Saints anticipate the snap count so well?

Fortunately, the Packers won this game, and after some reflection, the media are not so hard on Harrell now, many preferring to reference his “up-and-down” preseason performance in 2012 as his big question mark. But even that is incorrect. Harrell had a down-and-up preseason, finishing the exhibition season with a near perfect game against Kansas City. In my book, his trend line is still up until we see more of his work.

What do you think about Harrell? Leave a comment below, go to our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

Quarterback (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) (left) Graham Harrell (6) (center) and B.J. Coleman (9) (right) are announced to the crowd prior to the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It may seem unconscionable that a team like the Green Bay Packers about to hand out a lifetime contract to a 29-year-old quarterback would turn around and draft another player at his position. However, as we all know, Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson has made far more curious selections before. But why invest another draft pick at a position that is as solidified as any across the league?

It’s the same answers Packers fans always hear: value and depth.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

While Aaron Rodgers has proven to be both incredibly effective and durable, there’s no player with today’s heightened player safety concerns who can be relied upon for a full season. Packers management got a glimpse into what life without Rodgers would be like when the 2011 MVP was temporarily sidelined with an eye injury against the Saints this past season. The dynamic offense fumbled on the first snap with backup Graham Harrell at the helm, nearly causing the game to fall for New Orleans. While it’s unfair to judge Harrell based on one snap, his body of work has left a poor impression. The former Texas Tech standout will need to improve considerably if Green Bay is to remain competitive should Rodgers be sidelined again.

Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Graham Harrell (6) and BJ Coleman (9) and Aaron Rodgers (12) conference on the sideline during the pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Harrell isn’t the only in-house option, however. 2012 seventh round selection B.J. Coleman possesses the physical tools you look for in an NFL passer. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Coleman is set to go through his first “QB School.” While that sounds promising, it’s important to remember that Coleman never seriously challenged for an active roster spot at any time last offseason, and his small school pedigree suggests he may need another year or two before a spot on the 53 is warranted.

And here is where the 2013 NFL Draft comes in. For teams searching for a franchise quarterback, the talent pool yields more questions than answers. There is a silver lining, however. This draft class contains more quarterbacks with starting potential than any in recent memory.

To be clear, that’s not saying this draft will yield more starters than in years past, but the potential is there. Better still, due to depressed demand for quarterbacks, some quality prospects will be available late on the second day and beyond.

Jan 21, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad quarterback Landry Jones of Oklahoma (14) during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

This is where smart GMs like Ted Thompson earn their salary. It is very unlikely that Green Bay will select a quarterback with either of its first two picks. The draft’s top signal callers, Geno Smith and Matt Barkely, could be off the board and in any case do not represent great value to a team drafting at number 26. Similarly, the second round won’t yield a quarterback worthy of the Packers’ draft pick.

After that point, all bets are off.

Underrated prospects such as Tyler Wilson, Landry Jones, and Matt Scott will all likely be around between the Packers’ third and fifth round selections. Not only does this second to third tier of passers possess the skill set necessary to become starters, but they all come with a much higher floor than most prospects taken in that range.

Should Green Bay snatch up one of these passers (and there’s more than the three I listed), they’d acquire a player capable of beating out Harrell and Coleman for the backup spot.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

If you don’t think that’s enough return to warrant the pick, just look to the 2012 Washington Redskins. When starter Robert Griffin III sprained his knee late against Baltimore, rookie Kirk Cousins stepped in and threw the game-tying touchdown pass and two-point conversion. Cousins started the following week with even more impressive results. Not only did these wins represent the difference between winning the NFC East and missing the playoffs, but the Redskins now have a valuable trade chip they can cash in some time in the future. Green Bay would be wise to follow this model. Rodgers, a mobile quarterback in his own right, is just one hit away from missing his next start. Having a backup with starting ability could be a season saver for Green Bay.

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.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker Xavier Adibiin during a preseason game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

Greg Rosenthal of NFL.com reported earlier this evening that though the Browns have signed Jason Campbell there isn’t any plan by the Browns to cut or trade quarterback Colt McCoy. 

Twitter came alive earlier tonight with speculation that the Packers would be interested in the services of McCoy – that will be on hold … for now.

Here’s what I wrote about the situation earlier today …

Remember way back when – well, it wasn’t really that long ago, it was last season – when the Green Bay Packers seemed hot on the trail of Cleveland Browns backup quarterback Colt McCoy?

Well, don’t look again, but the talk about McCoy joining the Packers has risen again. When the Browns added Jason Campbell to their roster, McCoy again looks to be the odd man out.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

But going back to the summer of 2012 – it was when the Packers had lost backup quarterback Matt Flynn to the Seahawks and their recently promoted second string QB Graham Harrell was playing like crap. It was an August night – Aug. 16, to be exact - at Lambeau Field when the Cleveland Browns came to town and embarrassed the Packers 35-10. Many expected McCoy to walk across the field to the Packers’ sideline and don a Green Bay uniform.

Though it was Brandon Weeden who did most of the damage for the Browns that night, going 12-for-20, for 118 yards to lead the Browns to a win, McCoy played, completing 4-of-6 passes for 58 yards – certainly not something to write home about, but better than Harrell, who played most of the game. Harrell went 12-of-24 for just 100 yards and threw two interceptions on the night. The fans were wary, to say the least. How could they keep Harrell on the roster when they could possibly trade for someone like McCoy, who had some starts under his belt and would certainly be a better backup to Packers QB Aaron Rodgers than the unknown Harrell.

Flash forward to today when the news out of Cleveland was that McCoy was soon to be released. Already this afternoon, there has been Twitter chatter about Green Bay as a landing zone for McCoy.

Graham Harrell.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Unless the Packers can bring him in on the cheap to utilize for competition purposes and to push Harrell and third-stringer B.J. Coleman, they should probably do like they’ve done with every other free agent they’ve been linked to … walk away.

In his fourth season, McCoy has completed 409 passes in 702 attempts for 4,488 yards. That’s a 58.3 percent completion rate and 74.8 quarterback rating. Certainly not starting material, but OK for a backup.

At least he has some statistics in which to evaluate him in a superficial way – unlike Harrell. Thankfully Harrell hasn’t had to play, except for that disastrous one play last year when he came on the field for one play against the Saints when Rodgers was poked in the eye and had to leave the game.

We all know what happened – Harrell tripped over a lineman’s foot attempting to hand off on a running play from the one yard line. The exchange was botched, the Saints recovered and the Packers nearly lost the game. Had Rodgers not been able to come back in, that game could have turned ugly in a hurry.

So, the question about whether the Packers should go after McCoy, especially in light of Harrell’s downside, won’t be answered by anyone other than Ted Thompson.

My guess he will pass – but I’ve been wrong before.

Stay tuned.

Aaron Rodgers will be locked up with a new contract for the next 10 years, but he won’t be quarterback forever. When do the Packers start looking for a successor?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You might think that the furthest thing from Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson is drafting or trading for a quarterback.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) hands the ball off to running back James Starks (44) during the second half of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

But consider the options the Packers have at the position behind all-world Aaron Rodgers: Graham (I-can’t-hand-off-without-fumbling-from-the-1 yard-line) Harrell and B.J. (I trained with Brett Favre, but am destined for the practice squad) Coleman.

If Rodgers goes down with an injury in 2013, just like last year, the Packers are going to be in a tough spot. In fact, you may as well dial up a step backward and start looking forward to the offseason’s draft.

The Packers have been incredibly fortunate for the past two decades. Since 1992, the franchise has had three quarterbacks who have started games (if you include Matt Flynn), and it looks like Aaron Rodgers is going to sign up for at least another 8-10 years with the team. That would make it nearly 30 straight years with two quarterbacks under center for the same franchise.

Unprecedented to say the least.

Since 1992, the Chicago Bears have fielded 46 different quarterbacks, including now-San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

But all it takes is one backside hit from Jared Allen, one stomp by Ndamukong Suh, and Rodgers could be lost for a game, a month, a season, or his entire career. We all know how fleeting an NFL career can be.

So, does that mean that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy should be worried? They should if they don’t do something about their offensive line. Being sacked 52 times in 2012 was unnerving for every Packers fan and coach.

But does it mean that the Packers go out and draft or trade for a quarterback who could step in and take the reins from Rodgers? Last year, the Packers drafted Coleman knowing full well that he would be a project. Because we feel Thompson won’t be drafting a quarterback again this year, the competition for backup will be played out in preseason between Coleman and Harrell. With the initial advantage going to Harrell, maybe Coleman can push him. We’ll see on that count.

Aaron Rodgers hopes to be throwing passes around Lambeau Field for at least the next 8-10 years.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So the question is that after the Packers lock up Rodgers with a lifetime contract in the next month, the Packers will have to start looking at bringing in another quarterback, much like they brought in Rodgers when it was clear that Favre had at least another three or four seasons left.

It’s never a bad thing to pick up a quarterback … at any time … even when your franchise quarterback signs a long-term, multi-million dollar deal.

Unless it’s through a trade (very unlikely) or the draft (highly unlikely), the only way Thompson might bring in another QB this offseason is via an undrafted free agent. We all know how many of those stick with a team. Sans Kurt Warner, the likelihood of someone making the Packers that way are next to nil.

However, looking down the road, the Packers scouts should continue scouring the land for the next Favre or Rodgers.

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Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) , B.J. Coleman (9) and Graham Harrell (6) wait to run through a drill during organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

With Super Bowl XLVII now in the books, all 32 NFL teams are back to 0-0, including the Green Bay Packers. The focus now shifts to how teams will change their makeup for the 2013 season.

For the Green Bay Packers, that means not only addressing their obvious faults (offensive line, running back, inside linebacker) but their less apparent deficiencies as well.

One such deficiency is the backup quarterback position.

When you have a spectacular and sturdy quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, it’s easy to forget just how important a solid backup can be. After taking 51 sacks in 2012 – Rodgers’ second 50-plus sack season in his five years as starter – the possibility of Rodgers being knocked out for a game or more is uncomfortably high.

The Packers have been one of the more responsible teams when it comes to acquiring reliable backup QBs over the last two decades. Aaron Rodgers was once such a backup, as was Matt Flynn. Both demonstrated dynamic ability during their spot duty as backups for the Packers. While expecting another backup of that caliber is probably asking too much, an improvement over the current situation may be warranted.

Currently, the only quarterbacks on the extended roster are Graham Harrell and B.J. Coleman. While Harrell gets undue criticism for the fumbled snap on his first NFL play, he certainly doesn’t intimidate with his physical abilities nor has he shown the ability to minimize bad plays and keep the Packers in a game. That said, he’s a very smart player who with more seasoning could become a Doug Pederson-type backup. B.J. Coleman is essentially the polar opposite. He’s raw, wild, and frankly pretty cocky, but he’s got a plus arm and is very coachable.

Let’s review some possibilities:

Graham Harrell

Stick With Harrell

The status quo is often the least popular choice, yet that doesn’t make it a poor one. Graham Harrell is a heady player who has made strides each year in the Packers system. With a few more improvements, he’ll be a perfectly adequate backup quarterback.

The concern is whether Harrell can take that next step. His arm is not going to get any stronger, nor is he going to become a more mobile passer. There’s a chance this is the peak of Harrell’s ability. The coaches have supported Harrell publically, and while this staff knows how to develop and evaluate quarterbacks, this could just be puffery. We’ll know the truth once we see how many snaps Harrell gets in comparison to B.J. Coleman.

BJ Coleman (9)
Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Develop B.J. Coleman

B.J. Coleman has the physical talent and Mike McCarthy has a track record of developing quarterbacks though his QB School.

Coleman will have gone through that program twice when the 2013 regular season kicks off. It’s not inconceivable that he’d be ready for the number two job at that point. After all, Matt Flynn served as the top backup in his rookie year.

While Coleman is still an unknown to us, the coaches have seen him all season on the practice squad. He served as the scout team quarterback, and for the most part the Packers were prepared. Coleman’s development will be an interesting storyline during training camp.

Reacquire Matt Flynn

Matt Flynn
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I only bring this up to address how costly and difficult such a move would be. Flynn signed a three-year $19.5 million deal last offseason to start for Seattle. The Seahawks don’t actually need to part with Flynn, as it is estimated they have $18.6 million in cap space.

With an incoming quarterback draft class that is weak at the top, Flynn could once again be a very marketable trade piece. Seattle isn’t going to cut him, nor are they going to give him away. It’s hard to imagine Thompson giving up the required draft pick or picks for a player he let walk a year ago.

Alex Smith
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sign or Trade for Alex Smith

This is another popular suggestion among Packer fans. Alex Smith was the number one overall pick for a team which employed Mike McCarthy as offensive coordinator. Undoubtedly, McCarthy was part of that selection. Furthermore, Smith just completed his most efficient season to date while being shunned in favor the more physically capable Colin Kaepernick. While Smith could be traded, the team might do him a favor and cut him so he can choose his own destination. This is why I don’t see Smith coming to Green Bay. If the 49ers trade him, it’s unlikely they will do so for what the Packers would be willing to part with. If Smith is cut, he’s not going to go to a team with an established starter, much less a superstar like Aaron Rodgers.

Sign Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow
Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Count me as completely uninterested, or however you describe the lowest possible level of interest. In three years, Tebow has completed less than 50 percent of his passes, quit on his team, and failed to unseat Mark Sanchez as starting quarterback.

That’s a dreadful resume.

While he says all the right things in the press and can be used in some interesting ways (though none of them seem to work as a part-time player), he’s not a capable passer. Green Bay doesn’t have the setup to replicate what Tebow did in 2011 as Denver’s starter.

Look to the Draft

Senior Bowl south squad quarterbacks Tyler Wilson of Arkansas (8) with E.J. Manuel of Florida State (3) and Landry Jones of Oklahoma (14)
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been said that it’s a bad year to be drafting a quarterback. This is both true and false depending on your needs. The top of the quarterback class isn’t close to last year (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III) or the year before (Cam Newton). However, it’s a much deeper class than normal, and a starting level prospect can be found as late as the middle rounds.

That’s where the Packers could find their backup if they take this approach. A player like Oklahoma’s Landry Jones or  Florida State’s E.J. Manuel need only fall a little for the Packers to swoop in during the fourth round. If that doesn’t happen, quality options like Miami of Ohio’s Zac Dysert could be had in the fifth or later.

One player that Packers fans will be invested in is Vanderbilt’s Jordan Rodgers, Aaron’s little brother. While the stories would write themselves –  writers always put the ME in Media – this probably wouldn’t be a smart direction for the Packers. Jordan doesn’t have NFL ability let alone the athleticism or arm talent of his MVP brother. He’s a seventh round pick at best, but more likely an undrafted free agent. The Packers would be wise to just steer clear of this potential minefield.

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.

Packers quarterback Graham Harrell throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The 2012 NFL Cut Day has come and gone as the Green Bay Packers have gone with Graham Harrell. But Harrell is not the most proven backup – there are three former backup quarterbacks who have proven track records that Green Bay needs to consider.

New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (8) unloads pass during preseason.

QB Brian Hoyer

Brian Hoyer was the backup for the Patriots and he has shown he has the potential to be a starter in the NFL but now is a free agent after being surprisingly cut by the Patriots as they chose to keep Ryan Mallett as the backup over Hoyer. Hoyer has been developed in the same system that helped Tom Brady become an elite and helped Matt Cassel go from a backup USC quarterback to the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. Hoyer would be worth signing by the Packers as he could also be used as a trade chip next offseason to bring in a draft pick, unlike what they were able to do with Matt Flynn.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during preseason. Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

QB Seneca Wallace

Seneca Wallace is a proven veteran quarterback who has been solid when given the chance to start in the past. Wallace has some mobility to get out of the pocket and can sramble and pick up yardage. Wallace is a also a fairly acurate quarterback who might not make the big play but will get lots of solid completions. Seneca Wallace does not throw too many interceptions either. Wallace would provide a solid veteran presence as a backup and on the field if Aaron Rodgers were to be hurt as Wallace would be a smart signing just like Hoyer.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Stephen McGee (7) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins. Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

QB Stephen McGee

Former Cowboys and Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee has come in when Tony Romo was injured in the past in Dallas and been a reliable quarterback in games. Now McGee may not be as well known around the league as Hoyer and Wallace but he is a proven backup that the Packers could potentially keep for multiple seasons. McGee has the ability to get out of the pocket when he needs to and is fairly accurate. He he will not make big plays as he has never averaged more than 5.41 yards per completion. McGee is not as known as Hoyer or Wallace but might just be the best possible backup the Packers could get.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green (20) scores a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tysyn Hartman (46) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

As a team, the Packers played well in their 24-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs tonight.

More importantly, there were several players fighting for jobs who stepped up tonight and not just with a play here and there – but with big plays.

Starting with Tori Gurley’s catch to the two yard line early in the game and right on through the 12-yard touchdown Jarrett Boykin caught from Graham Harrell, there were big plays all night. Even add the sack by Terrell Manning late in the game and it only adds to the personnel drama that’s about the be played out. Manning has been the invisible man – silent all camp until tonight’s sack.

It’s great these players have made their case, but it surely makes cuts by GM Ted Thompson all that more difficult.

Will TT surprise us once again and pull a trade?

How he responds over the next 24 hours will surely be a story – a big story.

Stay tuned.

But in the meantime, here are game stats, courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

Passing

Harrell

#6 QB

CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
13/15	223	2	0

Rushing

Eachus

#45 RB

ATT	YDS	TD	LG
21	99	0	18

Receiving

Boykin

#11 WR

REC	YDS	TD	LG
5	82	1	21

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Ryan Succop 26 yard field goal, 2:11 Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards in 6:04
Kansas City 3-0

2nd Quarter

Alex Green 2 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 7:33 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards in 3:22
Green Bay 7-3

Alex Green 17 yard TD pass from Graham Harrell (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 0:50 Drive: 10 plays, 93 yards in 4:37
Green Bay 14-3

3rd Quarter

Jarrett Boykin 12 yard TD pass from Graham Harrell (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 10:12 Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards in 4:48
Green Bay 21-3

4th Quarter

Mason Crosby 37 yard field goal, 14:52 Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards in 4:01
Green Bay 24-3

Chiefs

Kickoff Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
Baker	1	42	0	42
Wylie	1	38	0	38
Arenas	1	37	0	37
Draughn	1	34	0	34

Punt Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
Wylie	1	10	0	10
Arenas	1	0	0	0

Kicking	FG	LG	XP	PTS
Succop	1/2	26	0/0	0

Punting	NO	AVG	IN 20	LG
Colquitt	4	42.5	4	56

Packers

Kickoff Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
Borel	1	23	0	23

Punt Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
Borel	2	-0.5	0	0

Kicking	FG	LG	XP	PTS
Crosby	1/1	37	3/3	3

Punting	NO	AVG	IN 20	LG
Masthay	5	41.2	3	49

Aug. 26, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Tori Gurley (86) catches a pass as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cornelius Brown (39) defends at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Showing some moxie and a lot of confidence, Graham Harrell connected 54 yards to Tori Gurley to get the Packers rolling early in the second quarter, a harbinger of what was to come.

That first touchdown drive came off an end zone interception by cornerback Sam Shields – yes, that same Sam Shields who has been struggling in camp. Tonight he’s bringing it.

And those weren’t the only names that have been called so far tonight. Add the surname Boykin to the list.

But before we do that we have to remember the Packers possession when Harrell drove the offense 93 yards and capped it off with a short pass over the middle the Alex Green, which he then took it 25 yards into the end zone – Green’s second touchdown of the game.

But Harrell was not done. He opened the third quarter with a drive that was highlighted by the connections between Harrell and Jarrett Boykin. In all, Boykins has three receptions for 49 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 21-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

The fun continues.

The Packers passing game got a boost when Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley made it back onto the practice field Sunday. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The past two weeks reveals this about the Green Bay Packers – first, the team is in disarray, what with the injuries and all; and second, that this team has not shown the kind of depth expected.

Granted, it’s difficult to think the team won’t suffer because of the injuries and that this team’s first two preseason games were horrific. But what these games show us is the importance of depth – or in the Packers case, lack thereof. Spotty performances highlighted the play of the second and third lines. They were pretty much taken to the cleaners, especially against the Browns. It was a step forward they were seeking.

Could the Packers go 0-4 in preseason? They might. But that doesn’t concern me right now. The injuries concern me. The turnovers concern me. The lack of a decent second string quarterback – at least what we’ve seen. Aaron Rodgers can come to Graham Harrell’s defense – that’s noble of him – but in the end, it’s going to come down to whether Harrell can lead this team to touchdowns.

July 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) throws a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

I have a proposal: Play Rodgers for a quarter and one-half and let Harrell play with the starters into the third quarter. That way coaches can evaluate him while playing with the first team. It’s been kinda unfair to evaluate him by his play with the second-,third, and fourth-stringers.

But two things are for sure. The Packers injured have got to get healed up. They got good news Sunday when Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley returned to practice. That’s a start. Secondly, they have to see what Graham Harrell can do playing with the first team. He is just one piece in the grand puzzle that is the Packers depth.

Much will be determined in the next week or so.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Adonis Thomas (35) loses his helmet after getting tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandian Ross (39) in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason … 

That’s what we have to keep repeating.

It doesn’t count in the record books and thank God that’s the reality. But we still have to look at the 35-10 shellacking the Packers took from the Cleveland Browns Thursday night as disconcerting.

It is only the second time the Packers have started 0-2 in preseason during the Mike McCarthy regime … it’s very uncharacteristic for a McCarthy-coached team to look this bad.

Yeah, you can point to the injuries; you can point to the fact that most of the game was played by second-, third- and fourth-stringers; you can point to the fact that everyone made a mistake in this one – even McCarthy who was flagged 15 yards for throwing the challenge flag at the wrong time.

Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates. Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Aside from the Aaron Rodgers-to-Jordy-Nelson connection for a touchdown in the first quarter, there wasn’t a whole lot to shout about. Though it’s a loss, again, it doesn’t count.

What we should be worried about is that it was a loss to the Cleveland Browns – yes, that same Browns team that has stunk up the league for the past decade. The question we must ask this morning is this: Are the Browns that good or are the Packers sinking to Cleveland’s level of badness?

What’s going to happen when the Packers play a really good team, like next week against the Bengals? Or when they open the season against the 49ers and then have to host the Bears?

Well, here are a few initial thoughts I’ve had this morning as I feel bad:

• Graham Harrell isn’t an NFL quarterback and Ted Thompson should have Mike Holmgren and Colt McCoy on speed dial;

• The running game, especially Alex Green, didn’t look all that bad last night;

• D.J. Smith is going to be an unsung hero for the Packers this year;

• Jordy Nelson is going to again lead the Packers in receiving this year;

• The second string offensive line is just that – offensive;

• The young players the Packers have in the secondary are energetic, talented and getting ready for prime time. However, they are very green;

• I can’t wait to see what Cedric Benson can do in this offense;

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb had a rough night.Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

• Randall Cobb isn’t standing out like everyone said he would be and his fumble in the first quarter was inexcusable;

• Charles Woodson is again going to be a huge factor for the defense;

• Where was Nick Perry?; and

Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason … Remember, it’s only preseason …

Yes, we are all wound a bit too tightly, folks. It is just preseason. Whether the Packers fix their pitiful running attack, whether Graham Harrell can find his rhythm, whether the defense can find its mojo and just how long Desmond Bishop will be out – yes, those are important questions to consider.

But not today.

Today I thought i might be fun just to relax and take a look at something fun, something not related to football, something that will put a smile on my face and give me time to think about something less stressful … kinda like when Packers coach Mike McCarthy took his team skeet shooting.

Yes, there will be those of you out there who will scream and whine like Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz. You will say, “this is football season. We work hard here and we make every minute count. When I come to this website, I want to read about football, I want to have every ounce of football information crammed down my throat because that’s what we do!”

Relax.

We’ll get back to football. There’s plenty of football season ahead and yes, we’ll give you what you want.

But for today, here’s something a bit different.

Being a journalist, a man of words and fonts, I provide you this brief, humorous look at what fonts might sound like if they had a voice. You know you’ve done it with your pets. Well, today we do it with fonts.

Check it out. Then stop back later today and the rest of the football season for some Packers news …

August 9, 2012, San Diego, CA: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers (12) calls an audible in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE

Turnovers, Injuries, dropped passes, a poor running game and just general inconsistency plagued the Packers in their preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night on national television.

It’s not an uncommon scene and certainly not something that should concern Packers fans too much. There is never much one can take away from that first game of the year – other than the fact that, thankfully, it doesn’t count.

But there are some things for certain – the Packers have to get healthy and they have to show vast improvement in consistency next time out.

When Nick Perry opened the game with a sack on Philip Rivers, Packers fans cheered. But when the flag came out for unsportsmanlike conduct because of his post-sack enthusiasm, Packers Nation could only grow. I guess it was the harbinger of the the night.

The Packers gave up a 23-yard touchdown to Antonio Gates after fumbling the ball away on their first drive of the night. Another fumble on the ensuing kickoff only spelled out what type of night it would be. Though the defense held its own throughout the game and Graham Harrell finally led the Packers to a score just before halftime and another touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) is tended to by members of the Packers

But Donald Driver said patience is required, especially at this time of year. “That was the whole thing,” Driver said. “You have to get the rust off, and then you start playing ball. You see exactly what he can do. Right before half, he drives the ball right down there and scores. That was big for us. He has the confidence that he can play on this level, and he’s proven it.”

To his credit, Harrell didn’t get down. He kept working and the coaching staff showed their confidence and stuck with him.

“That’s kind of the attitude and mentality I try to bring in every day,” Harrell said. He who finished 15 of 27 passing for 135 yards and a TD. His passer rating was 81.6. “Whatever just happened, whether it was great or whether it was really bad, let’s play the next one and see what happens.”

The game ended after the Chargers had scored a late touchdown to give them a 21-13 lead. Rookie B.J. Coleman was then thrust into the lineup to lead the Packers on a last ditch attempt to try to score. On the last play of the game, Coleman completed a pass to rookie RB Marc Tyler who was stripped of the ball by former Packer Ricky Elmore.

It was a fitting end to a game where inconsistence ruled the day.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) yells out defensive calls before the snap against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Positives that came out of the game? Randall Cobb, Tim Masthay, D.J. Smith, Davon House, Tramon Williams, and even Harrell once he got his legs under him. One could also include the play of Tyler, but his fumble to end the game put a damper on that.

Negatives: Injuries to House and Desmond Bishop. Bishop’s could be serious and would be an extreme blow to the Packers middle defense. House is to have X-rays to see the extent of the damage.

The Packers have a week of practice ahead of them where one hopes the coaching staff stresses ball security. They are in action again Thursday, Aug. 16, when they host the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field.

Aug 11, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Graham Harrell (6) and Aaron Rodgers (12) during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

For the past couple of seasons, the Packers have had the luxury of having a backup quarterback who, if needed, could come into a game and play like the team has not lost a beat.

Now, with Matt Flynn in Seattle competing for a starting position, the Packers have to figure out who will back up Aaron Rodgers in case of injury.

The most likely candidate is unproven quarterback Graham Harrell. In college, he was on a pass-happy offense that revolved around him. Though he had insane passing yard and touchdown numbers, the argument has always been made that it was because of the type of offense being run at the school. There have been other quarterbacks who have come from pass happy offenses like Texas Tech or Houston that have never made a mark in the NFL and many believe Graham Harrell is just another product of an air attack offense in which any quarterback could succeed.

As a result of all these critics, Harrell was undrafted when first pursuing an NFL career and nobody even bothered to sign his as an undrafted free agent. With no takers in the NFL, he went to the Canadian Football League and signed a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2009. With little success there, he was released in 2010. Shortly afterward, The Packers signed him to the practice squad as an emergency quarterback in case Rodgers and Flynn both went down with injuries.

He has seen zero playing time in a regular season NFL game so far but 2012 could be his season to finally earn redemption. With the Packers making no major moves involving bringing in a proven backup quarterback, Harrell is poised to take over that role which was left vacant by Matt Flynn’s departure earlier this year. In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Harrell talked about the real possibility of taking control of an NFL offense this season if Rodgers was injured.

“As a quarterback, you better be confident in yourself and believe in yourself.” Harrell said. “I believe in myself. We have a great support staff and a great group of people in Green Bay. They get quarterbacks ready to play and train quarterbacks. I’ve learned from some of the best in the business.”

It was rumored that the Packers, during the 2012 NFL Draft, were considering making a move for Browns’ quarterback, Colt McCoy. The move was never completed but it is still believed that the Packers may eventually try and bring in a veteran to back up Rodgers.

Harrell will have all of training camp to prove himself, however, and maybe he can finally prove people wrong and play at an efficient level in the NFL.

Trade talks swirling about James Jones should come to an end. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The rumors that Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver James Jones is going to be traded just keep on swirling. The latest non-story came Sunday via profootballtalk.com when they reiterated the Cleveland Browns were not interested in trading for Jones, who is in the second year of a three-year pact he signed last just prior to the start of last season’s training camp after nobody showed interest in him during free agency.

So, why would the Browns be any different? Though the bait for Jones would be quarterback Colt McCoy, one must consider the other side of the table in this potential deal. The Packers have no interest in McCoy and a trade of Jones for McCoy would be a lopsided toward Cleveland. They would be getting a receiver who is listed as fourth on the team’s depth chart – a player who caught 38 balls for nearly 635 yards. As a member of the Browns, he would become a star, but the Packers are not in need of another quarterback.

They think they have a pretty good backup quarterback in Graham Harrell and spent a seventh round pick in the most recent draft for B.J. Coleman. If they didn’t have confidence in Harrell’s abilities, they would have made a trade with the Browns during the draft.

So, let the rumors continue to swirl. Jones will continue to contribute as a member of one of the deepest receiving corps in the entire National Football League. There will be no trade anytime soon … and it certainly won’t be to Cleveland for Colt McCoy.

Hopefully, Mike McCarthy will be smiling after the draft.

It’s finally here. NFL. Draft. Day.

After all gnashing of teeth, indigestion and heated arguments, it’s time to throw all the mocks away and get ready for the reality check that is the actual naming of names.

When Commissioner Roger Goodell heads to the podium tonight to announce the first pick of the much ballyhooed first round, we can all start with a tabula rasa – a blank slate.

Frankly, I’m looking forward to it. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of the bazillion mocks, the upsides, downsides, 40-yard dash times, the vertical leaps and the best player available. I feel all those things should kept to those in the war rooms and to let them do their jobs.

Now, as journalists, our job is to take a look at what transpires and then use our worldly knowledge to pick apart team drafts and start assigning grades and opinions about the winners and losers.

As for the Green Bay Packers, it’s time to Trust in Ted. Though we know the general manager is probably in control in the Packers’ draft room, we also know that he is getting information and birds tweeting in his ear right up until the time the phone call is made and the trigger pulled … but you also know that head coach Mike McCarthy is getting his two cents worth in as well. We wonder just how influential he is in the final decision. He’s got to have some say. After all, he is the guy who has to work with these players.

Anyway, get excited. I, for one, am looking forward to this draft. While I feel the team has got to draft defensive players up front, I am really excited to see if the team goes away from what all the experts are saying and pulls players that might not be at the top of everyone’s list. Thompson has been known to do that before. Let’s just forget about Justin Harrell and Mike Neal and move on.

So, without further adieu, here is a look at the Packers potentials for tonight. Take a look.

However, a bit of advice – you might want to ignore it once the teams are on the clock. Just like all the mocks that have been developed over the past few months, this piece will probably be null and void once the action starts tonight. But we’ll see.

You can also see this posting at NFL Mocks.

Q. What are the team needs for the Green Bay Packers heading into the draft?

The loss of Nick Collins could play a major role in how the Packers draft this weekend. Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

A. Defense. Defense. Defense. The Packers ranked dead last among the 32 teams in 2011 and it was no accident. The Dom Capers-led unit was clearly hurt by the losses of defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins and the injury to Nick Collins. They were a unit without leadership and purpose.

Ted Thompson’s first goal will be to restock the defensive line and linebacker positions. If he can also throw in a solid defensive back, he will be even further ahead. With 12 total picks, Thompson might just do some wheeling and dealing, especially in the first couple of rounds, but he could also surprise everyone and deal down to accumulate even more picks. But given the fact that 12 drafted rookies would have a very difficult time cracking the lineup of a team that went 15-2 last season, I highly doubt Thompson would look to add quantity over quality.

Look for the Packers to draft either a defensive lineman or outside linebacker with the first couple of picks; and then follow those picks up with an offensive lineman, a defensive back, a running back and a quarterback in the later rounds. The rest will be simply players to pad the roster and add competitive depth.

Q. Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Green Bay Packers?

USC's Nick Perry could be a great pick if he's still on the board. Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

A. I would love to see the Packers add a defensive lineman such as a Melvin Ingram, Quinton Coples or a Courtney Upshaw, but we all know they most likely will be quickly nabbed in the early picks of the first round. However, if a Nick Perry or Whitney Mercilus is still on the board when the Packers pick at 28, Thompson should pull the Trigger. However, we wouldn’t kick a Vin Curry, Andre Branch or a Chandler Jones out of bed either. Peter King says the Packers will pick Michigan State’s defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, which could be a coup for the longterm and a solid pick for the Packers. Another intriguing prospect who might be an interesting defensive pick and who would be a great pick for the Green Bay Packers is Boise State’s Shea McClellin – I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Thompson go after him.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Packers’ need for depth and longterm effect on the line is evident. Left tackle and center are the two most glaring needs, but quality is always most important when considering drafting for the line. Of course, Peter Konz’s name always comes to the forefront, but Thompson’s effort to grab center Jeff Saturday has softened the need for the team to go after a top-rated center right away. Thompson’s ability to pick solid linemen in the later rounds is well-known and he may even be able to land an undrafted free agent who could help the team.

Picking a running back and even a quarterback, in my estimation, is just as important. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Packers put a premium on a running back who could add to its already somewhat solid stable. Ryan Grant is probably gone, and with injuries to James Starks and last year’s rookie Alex Green, the Packers are left with second year man Brandon Saine. You might see the team try to draft Chris Polk out of Washington, or a Doug Martin out of Boise State.

Would Kirk Cousins be a good pickup for the Packers? Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

At quarterback, the Packers have more of a need than Thompson has admitted. The loss of Matt Flynn moves untested Graham Harrell to number two. The need is evident, but Thompson most likely will draft to develop at the position. A Kirk Cousins from Michigan State is an intriguing prospect, and might be available to the team around the fourth round. But don’t count out a Ryan Lindley of San Diego State or even Russell Wilson from right here in Wisconsin.

Q. What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?

A. If the Packers can nab a solid defensive lineman (defensive end or tackle), an outside linebacker that can be a bookend for Clay Matthews to draw some attention away from him, an offensive lineman, a running back and a quarterback, the Packers will have had a successful draft. I don’t see Ted Thompson moving too far away from the team’s obvious needs, though he says he doesn’t draft that way. According to him, it’s always the best player on the board. Well, in my estimation, that’s fine, but at some point the team has to address the team needs as well. Last year, Thompson decided to go with who he had at defensive lineman and outside linebacker and it came back to bite the team in the long run. Hopefully, Thompson learned a lesson with that tactic and will look at the overall picture more intently this time around.

Q. Give us a bold prediction for your team.

A. My bold prediction is that Thompson will trade up at least five picks to select USC’s Nick Perry in the first round, giving up a couple of later round picks to do so. Much like he did when the team selected Clay Matthews, I feel that if the Packers can hang on to their 28th pick and nab another in the early to mid-20s, they will have two solid first round selections that will have an immediate impact. The team can afford to give up a couple of later round picks to make that happen.

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) gestures during an AFC Divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

According to published reports, the Green Bay Packers‘ interest in Denver Broncos former starting quarterback Tim Tebow is legitimate.

However, given Ted Thompson’s methodical nature, it’s not a deal that is expected to be completed any time soon. That means that if another team comes along and offers a deal the Broncos can’t refuse, most likely the Packers will be left out. Thompson, if interested, will most likely move slowly on this one and given that there has been other work to do on the free agency front (center Jeff Saturday was in Green Bay for a visit and the Packers have reportedly expressed interest in Cincinnati linebacker Manny Lawson), it doesn’t figure that the Tebow issue is at the top of the list.

However, the Packers seemingly need to make some type of move to solidify its quarterback position. While the team has arguably the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers, the confidence level in automatically moving former third-stringer Graham Harrell to number two is low. With former backup Matt Flynn signing with Seattle last weekend, the position is thin, to say the least.

Many argue that bringing Tebow to Green Bay would only bring his circus along with him.

In my opinion, if there’s a place in the league where the circus could become a minor sideshow, it would be in Green Bay. While Tebow certainly carries with him a media entourage, his place as a second- or even third-stringer would dampen the need to focus on him.

So, would Tebow be a good fit in Green Bay? Well, let’s say he would be a huge project for new quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo and head coach Mike McCarthy. Tebow’s mechanics and lack of accuracy would be significant obstacles to overcome if he were to play in McCarthy’s system. But that’s why professional coaches get the big bucks.

How it all plays out will be interesting to watch and should Tebow land in Green Bay, look for the circus tents to be erected early … but don’t look for them to stick around for long.

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One of the major needs the Packers need to address this offseason is finding a complement to Clay Matthews on the defensive side of the football. Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Super Bowl on Sunday was a tremendous game that will definitely take its place as one of the more memorable games – ever. Watching the game as a Packers fan, however, got me to thinking about what we should expect for the Packers future and how we will get back to the big game next year.

Unlike last year, where we really did not need to make any immediate changes to the starting line-up, we will need to make changes on all sides of the ball. Of course, the main focus will be on the defensive side, but there will be some changes on the offensive side as well.

Let’s start on the easier side – the offense.

The Packers offensively last year was one of the most efficient offenses in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers won MVP and the Packers receiving corps was on top of its game. The running game was subpar but it could have been worse. Then finally, the o-line, despite the many injuries, was fairly consistent throughout the season giving Rodgers enough time to find the open receivers.

So what changes do we need?

The running game could be improved so adding another running back in the draft would never be a bad thing. Ryan Grant’s contract is expired and will most likely be gone, so adding depth could be a benefit to the Pack when considering James Starks’ injury history.

More after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The receiving group is deeper than ever but this could result in a departure of Packer’s all-time leading receiver in Donald Driver. Randall Cobb showed his potential this year in many different games and now it seems more likely than ever that Driver could be heading out.

Matt Flynn showed tremendous potential in his one game vs. the Detroit Lions where he broke single-game records in yards and touchdowns. With his contract up this year, it guarantees his departure to a team like Miami or Washington – teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. This could mean the Packers going after another late round quarterback or even an undrafted one like they did with Graham Harrell. If the Packers do add another quarterback, it will probably just be a practice squad addition until the Packers groom him to where they feel comfortable to add him to the active roster.

The tight end situation is a little iffy as to what the Packers may do with Jermichael Finley. Finley was expected to be thrown the franchise tag during this offseason because of how big of an asset he is to the Packers organization. The thing is though, this year was quite disappointing. This was supposed to be the year Finley broke out and had a season over a thousand yards and became one of the NFL’s elite player at the position. Finley could have done this but he had a major case of the drops this season and put the Packers into a much tougher situation than they were in before. Should they pay a player that has the potential to be great the money of a great? Or should they just do the unthinkable and let him walk?

Then finally, the o-line for the Pack. Scott Wells is a free agent and needs to be a primary target for the Packer organization to get this guy back on the roster as he probably outperformed everyone else on the Packer o-line this season. Chad Clifton seems to be nearing the end of his career and could be another axe by the Packers this off-season. This would put T.J.Lang and Derek Sherrod in a position to battle for the left tackle position this training camp. Adding o-linemen in the draft is never a bad pick-up but I would not expect the Pack to use an early pick on one as they have much bigger issues to worry about…

Like the defense.

When the NFL Draft comes around in April, the Packers will surely be looking at prospects to help fill needs on the defense. I expect the Pack to use their first round pick on a linebacker to play opposite of Clay Matthews. With the end of Erik Walden’s time in Green Bay nearing, this issue becomes an even more of a priority. This will solve some problems but surely not all of them.

When we look at AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop commanding the middle, we think we are pretty set at that position. Some would think so, but others would argue that one of the big reasons why the Packer’s defense took a turn for the worse this year was because of the lack of a true leader like we once had in Nick Barnett. Desmond Bishop had a great year but AJ Hawk seemed, almost at times, non-existent. What I mean by that is how it seemed he just did not make enough plays this year. I give him credit for being a sure tackler but it just seemed he was not around the ball-carrier to make the tackles. I don’t expect the Packers to make any significant changes at this position but I think something has to be at least considered involving this position. Maybe give the next guy up some more playing time in DJ Smith who actually played very well when he filled in at times this year.

Besides the Packers #1 priority in the linebacker unit, the Packers will surely be focused on the defensive line as well. It became well known early in the season, that the Packers were greatly missing Cullen Jenkins and his ability to not only stop the run but get some needed pressure on the quarterback. Many players tried to fill this role but none were truly successful in doing so and, therefore, should be a position the Packers will look to upgrade on in the coming off-season.

When the draft and free agency rolls around this year, if there was one position the Packers should try and stock up on it would be the defensive back unit. There is no immediate need for an upgrade in this unit except for the issue with Nick Collins and the possibility of his career actually being over. Hopefully the Packers will be able to know the status of Collins before the beginning of the off-season so they can plan accordingly.

Regardless, we still have Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah that can help preserve the depth at safety. Woodson is getting up in age so adding depth at cornerback is always a smart pick for the Packers. The future seems to be Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but there really is no third guy that can be counted on. Although it may not be the first round or two, the Packers will surely be looking to adding depth at the defensive back position to prepare for the future.

Many changes are expected this off-season but Ted Thompson can surely be counted on to help bring the Packers back to where they should have been on Sunday.

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Nick Hill in action with the Orlando Predators

If you’ve been a fan of the Green Bay Packers for the past 20 years, you know there has not been a shortage of quarterbacks who have come through Titletown – quarterbacks who haven’t been named Brett or Aaron.

You can go back to the days when Favre was in his first season with the Packers and trace a line right up until today’s Packer unit. There have always been quality quarterbacks in the Packers organization. They haven’t always play. No, in fact, most of them have sat. You can start with Favre himself who initially sat behind Don Majkowski. You can add to the list Kurt Warner, Ty Detmer, Mark Brunell, TJ Rubley, Jim McMahon, Doug Pederson, Steve Bono, Matt Hasselbeck, Aaron Brooks, Aaron Rodgers and Craig Nall.

All of them weren’t all-pros, but they were decent players in their own rights.

Now that it looks like the Packers organization is going to lose another quality backup in Matt Flynn, the team is left with just two on the roster – Rodgers and Graham Harrell.

Enter a guy by the name of Nick Hill.

See more after the jump … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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The moves came this morning after it became known that Quarless was ruled out for the season after his gruesome leg injury suffered against the New York Giants last Sunday.

The complete official press released distributed this morning by the Packers’ PR department can be found after the jump …

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