Packers Claim Former Ravens WR Gerrard Sheppard

The Packers have claimed former Ravens Wide Receiver Gerrard Sheppard off waivers, the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson reports.

Sheppard, who was cut by the Ravens on July 29 when CB Marrio Norman was signed, spent last season on the team's practice squad, never getting put on the main roster.

Still, since he did play pretty well when attending Towson University the 23-year-old does seem to have potential, possibly making this no-risk acquisition likable.

Remember, Green Bay's first preseason game is now just 10 days away, when the defending NFC North champs will finally take the field against the Tennessee Titans. 

McCarthy Extension Could Come Soon

After team GM Ted Thompson was signed to a multi-year extention earlier today, another one for Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy could be right around the corner, ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reports. 

Apparently, Thompson considers getting McCarthy to a new deal before his current one ends after 2015 a "top priority," something not surprising since McCarthy just got a street named after him. 

In other words, it's probably just a matter of time until the man who has been with the team since 2006 gets locked up, although whether or not things will happen this offseason is obviously still unknown.

Packers Extend GM Ted Thompson For Multiple Years

It's been a big week for extensions, first WR Jordy Nelson, and now GM Ted Thompson. The terms weren't initially disclosed, but I doubt it's unreasonable.

#Packers sign General Manager Ted Thompson to new contract. Read more: http://t.co/6gU5YKFmGO pic.twitter.com/lvreAP48nz
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 30, 2014

I'm just surprised that he's agreed to an extension. The last time he signed an extension after their Super Bowl win, it sounded like he wasn't sure how much longer he'd work. He could probably retire if he wanted to. At some point, traveling all over the country and watching hours of film to scout players is going to lose its appeal. Former GM Ron Wolf retired in 2001 at age 63, Thompson is currently 61, and Wolf did not miss working those long hours. Though it would be hard to leave such a promising team right now.

Packers Sign CFL LB Korey Jones

The Packers have signed LB Korey Jones and cut Shaun Lewis, Bleacher Report reports. 

Jones, a 2013 grad of the University of Wyoming, signed and spent last year's training camp with the Cardinals, getting cut shortly before the regular season.

Still, the youngster did spend the fall playing with the CFL's British Columbia Lions, where he apparently impressed enough to draw some NFL interest.

As of now, unsurprisingly, the details of this deal have not been released, although one somewhat interesting thing has: Jones will wear #47.

No, that isn't ground-breaking information, but since it has been made public it might as well be known.

Packers Would Like to Bring Back Franklin in a Non-Playing Role

The Packers are interested in bringing back former RB Johnathan Franklin in a non-playing role, ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reports. 

According to Demovsky, Green Bay Coach Mike McCarthy's currently looking to get Franklin a job somewhere in the organization, although what that job could turn out to be is obviously yet to be known.

Franklin, as you probably already know, was cut from the team earlier this offseason after him continuing to compete was deemed unsafe, probably ending his career.

Still, that doesn't mean he can't keep being involved in the sport, something both he and his ex-teammates would likely enjoy.

Cobb Doesn't Think He's Done Enough to Earn New Deal

Packers Wide Receiver Randall Cobb doesn't think he's done enough to deserve a new deal.

In a recent interview with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Tyler Dunne, Cobb said that exact line, probably surprising many who consider him an elite player.

Still, it's not like this new opinion will change anything in the near future, as #18's clearly too valuable to the team for them to let him walk. 

Remember, Cobb's set to be a free agent for the first time in his career after the upcoming season, something Green Bay likely can't afford screwing up even if Jordy Nelson's under contract. 

Packers Sign Nelson to 4 Year, $39 Million Extention

Packers Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson has signed a four year, $39 million extention with the team, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports. 

Included in the deal, which prevents the veteran from becoming a free agent after 2014 and pays $9.75 million annually, is $14.2 million in guaranteed money and an $11.5 million signing bonus, a pretty big raise from the $4.2 million he's made in recent seasons.

In other words, all of that cash was enough to convince Nelson to stay, something Green Bay has stressed as one of their main priorities over the last few weeks.

Packers Open to Playing Road Game in London

The Packers are open to playing a road game in London sometime in the future, team President Mark Murphy recently told FoxSports.com.

According to Murphy, the Pack "will never give up a home game" due to their meaning to the community, but they'll still consider one day competing overseas. 

Currently, the Pack are scheduled to visit the Jaguars in 2016, a team who has an aggreement to play in the UK sometime between now and then, making this scenario completely possible.

In 2012, Green Bay came close to taking on the Rams at Wembley Stadium, with the latter eventually facing off with the Patriots instead. 

Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 1 - Julius Peppers and the Defense

Julius Peppers comes to Green Bay as one of the biggest free agent signings in GM Ted Thompson's tenure, and he is the face of the new look defense Dom Capers is bringing to the Packers in 2014. While everyone will be watching to see how many sacks he records, he's only going to succeed if Capers's new defense is a hit.

What has #Packers DT Mike Daniels learned from new teammate Julius Peppers? Watch: http://t.co/ZuyBqfzYQv pic.twitter.com/bZROVqQDyv
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 8, 2014

If you look at the defensive front seven, which is where the new defensive look should be obvious, the roster is mostly the same as it was in 2013. Peppers is on board, along with rookies DE Khyri Thornton and LB Carl Bradford, but the rookies might barely play in the early goings. The only mountain on the line remaining is NT B.J. Raji (gone are Pickett and Jolly) and the Packers could frequently line up with only two 300 lb. lineman and an army of linebackers and defensive backs behind them. That formation will be easier to run against, but it'll be hard for a receiver to find any room in coverage.

Capers described the defense as "less volume, more packages" which actually brings some simplicity to the defense. The personnel on the field will "dictate the defense" instead of going with the same personnel group and asking them to do different things. I expect that means he'll be coaching more to his players' strengths.

So Peppers might be playing primarily at linebacker, but he's still listed as a LB/DE, so there should be packages that line him up at defensive end. It's probably the same role they had in mind for Mike Neal last season, but injuries forced Neal to play at linebacker most of the time. Asking Nick Perry to play the same role wouldn't be a bad idea either because he's never looked great dropping back into coverage.

We should be seeing more players rotating on and off the field in 2014, and maybe they'll keep an extra defensive end and linebacker on the roster. However, the disappointing thing is that we might not see what this new defense looks like until the regular season. The Packers have already coached the players on how these new packages work during OTAs, but there's no incentive to give the rest of the NFL an early look during the preseason. Maybe a few of them will be shown, but the Packers will probably play nothing other than their base defense as they evaluate some of the fringe roster candidates during the bulk of the preseason games.

While everyone will be watching Peppers and the new look defense this season, unfortunately neither of them should be seen much during the preseason games.

Nelson Wants New Deal to Pay $10 million a Year

Packers WR Jordy Nelson is looking for a raise.

According to ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky, Nelson, who will be a free agent after 2014, wants his next contract to pay at least $10 million a year, a pretty big jump from the 4.2 he's currently making.

To some, obviously, #87's sudden announcement is a little surprising, although considering it's coming shortly after the Falcons gave Roddy White a big extention it's really not that strange, as Nelson is simply taking advantage of a situation that seems to be working in his favor. 

Remember, the NFL's a business, and with that guys like Nelson are bound to eventually cash in, even if it is in this kind of extreme fashion.

Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 2 - Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Every year, the rookie first round selection is a player to watch in training camp, and this year is no exception. Not only was FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix generally viewed as the best free safety available in the 2014 draft, but he replaces their worst starter from 2013 (M.D. Jennings).

Hunch is they just want to get Hyde as much S work as possible, and it's still HHCD's to lose. RT @JVince11 How is Hyde vs Clinton-Dix?
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) June 18, 2014

When camp opens, it'll probably be Micah Hyde working with the first team defense, though the reality is that both players will line up a lot next season. The Packers spend a lot of time with five or six defensive backs on the field, and the opportunity will be there for both players. If there was a knock on Clinton-Dix out of college, it was that he isn't a physical tackler, which makes his ball skills and speed better suited in a deep zone. On the other hand, Hyde is great against the run, which would make him a better choice in the slot and playing closer to the line of scrimmage. They need both players at safety for depth, no other safety except those two and Morgan Burnett should feel secure about their roster spots, but they both have different strengths that might be best suited for a particular role.

Because of the high expectations that come from being a first round draft choice, and their need for improvement at the position, everyone will be watching Clinton-Dix.

McCarthy Officially Honored With Street Name

Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy has been officially honored with a street name, the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Rachel Minske reports.

Potts Avenue, located near the Pack's home of Lambeau Field, was renamed Mike McCarthy Way earlier today, bringing the 50-year-old to tears. 

"This is such a unique, special and gracious gift and I'm humbled," McCarthy said before wiping a tear from his eye.

Since joining the Packers in 2006, M.M. has gone 82-45-1 with four division titles, two wild card berths and a victory in Super Bowl XLV, achievements obviously considered by many to be worthy of this kind of commemoration. 

Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 3 - Starting Center

When one of the keys to watch in training camp is the center position, you know the Packers enter the season in pretty good shape. It's a position that's usually ignored during the draft, and the highest cap number for any center in 2013 was only $6.5 million, so it's not typically a priority during free agency either. That helps explain why the Packers didn't re-sign Evan Dietrich-Smith and instead are trusting that a former 4th round pick can learn the position after having played tackle in college.

J.C. Tretter trying to become long-term answer at center for Packers http://t.co/BFnuelIBLE
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 1, 2014

There's a lot to like about J.C. Tretter, who moves well laterally and is quick off the ball. He could become a very effective run blocker who can take out the linebacker downfield. He'll also be helped by two veteran tackles who are among the best in the NFL. Though he missed almost the entire 2013 season to a broken ankle, he did return in early December and was able to practice for several weeks with the team. He won't be learning to adapt to the NFL schedule because he's already done it.

While there's not a lot to be worried about with Tretter, we still haven't actually seen him in a game as a Packer, which is why he'll be someone to watch this preseason.

Rival Executive Believes Packers' Backfield is "The Best It's Ever Looked"

After Johnathan Franklin's career ended a few weeks ago, some Packers fans became convinced his loss would seriously hurt their backfield.

Franklin, a 2013 draft pick who rarely played last year, provided them depth if Eddie Lacy was to get hurt, an underrated advantage.

Still, according to an executive in personnel on another team, the Pack's running game is "the best it's ever looked" going into 2014, something recently told to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Earlier this offseason, the Packers re-signed FB John Kuhn, essentially creating a potentially-great quad, with Lacy, James Starks, and Dajuan Harris also carrying a lot of positives.

Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 4 - Starting TE

The countdown to training camp continues and I'm returning to a subject I've written a lot about this offseason: who will start at tight end for the Packers?

The current players on the roster are a bit underwhelming, which is a problem because whoever starts will see a lot of passes thrown his way based on the number of times QB Aaron Rodgers has targeted the tight end position over the past few seasons.

Feel for @JermichaelF88 in wanting to play, but know firsthand how (admirably) conservative GB medical staff is concerning head/neck.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) July 17, 2014

A lot has been written about TE Jermichael Finley, who may be medically cleared to play by at least some NFL teams, but he still has to decide whether to accept one of the modest offers he's received or retire and collect his insurance money. While Finley was in Green Bay last week, it doesn't appear that he met with any member of the Packers other than the team's doctor.

The starting job still appears to be a battle between rookie TE Richard Rodgers and the recently re-signed TE Andrew Quarless, though the position is wide open, which opens the door for someone like Brandon Bostick, if he has a strong preseason.

Because of the importance of the tight end in the passing game, the battle to determine who starts will have a big impact on how effective the offense might be next season.

Favre Not Worried About Possible Booing

Former Packers QB Brett Favre isn't worried about possibly being booed when he returns to Lambeau Field. 

In a recent interview with Chicago's ESPN 1000, Favre was quoted saying that he's "aware that you can't please everyone," before also claiming that true Green Bay fans don't care that he played for other teams.

Earlier this offseason, Pack President Mark Murphy announced that the club won't retire his number in 2014 due to fear of fan negativity, something that, while understandable, doesn't seem to justify delaying the event.

Yes, some people still hold grudges against Favre for the time he spent with the Vikings, although the fact that he did play 16 years for the Packers prior to that has got to be considered, as a bad ending doesn't always ruin a good story.

Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 5 - WR Depth

Training camp is starting next weekend and the players will start reporting for camp later this week, so I'm counting down in reverse order the five key things to watch this year in training camp. The good news is that the Packers start the season in pretty good shape having made some key changes during the offseason, but there's always some question marks that will need to be addressed.

Re-setting the #Packers' depth chart on offense: http://t.co/z48h8c0HF2
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 30, 2014

The top three wide receivers are set (Nelson, Cobb, and Boykin) and there are six other receivers competing for three to four roster spots (probably two of them on the practice squad). The numbers four and five receivers shouldn't expect to play a major role, but injuries have knocked out the starters for significant time in each of the last two seasons (Nelson and Jennings in 2012, Cobb in 2013) so it's possible one of them will be asked play an expanded role in the offense for a few weeks. Having depth at the receiver position is so important in Mike McCarthy's offense that it elevates this competition to a key one.

Also, one of the backups could be the next kick and/or punt returner. The top two return men are DB Micah Hyde and WR Randall Cobb, but it's possible that both of them are excluded from return duties if they are both starters.

Davante Adams should have the edge on everyone else because of his recent selection in the 2nd round, but as Rob Demovsky mentioned in the above link, Adams had some trouble holding onto the ball in OTAs. Though he has been known as a sure handed receiver in the past. The odds of him not actually making the roster are practically zero, but he's not going to be the number four receiver if he's dropping passes during preseason games. We'll have to watch how he performs in those early games.

Myles White. After the big three, White is next in seniority, having played on 125 snaps and targeted for passes 12 times. It's not much of a resume, but having that experience can be a big advantage. He looked pretty good in training camp last year (with a couple of drops, unfortunately) but it didn't prevent his release.

Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis. Having both been recent draft picks helps their case for a roster spot, but its even that they're both healthy and looked good in OTAs. I'm sure the team wouldn't mind if Janis had a strong camp, but if he's too impressive they might have trouble sneaking him onto the practice squad.

Kevin Dorsey, Alex Gillett, and Chris Harper. They all have some experience with the Packers, but they've all been released at least once in their NFL careers. Harper might be struggling with a hamstring injury which is a huge set-back for him. Since they're in camp, they have a chance, but they're currently long-shots.

Which receiver or two emerges as the key backups this season will be something to watch this preseason.

Clements Believes Center Position is Key For Offensive Line's 2014 Success

Packers Offensive Coordinator Tom Clements believes the center position is the key for the line's 2014 success.

In an article published yesterday by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Bob McGinn, Clements claimed that if "the center position comes along we'll have a very good line," seemingly announcing his trust for sophomore J.C. Tretter.

Currently, Tretter, the team's 4th Round Draft Pick last year, appears to be Green Bay's replacement for Evan Dietrich-Smith, who left earlier this offseason for the Buccaneers. 

Now since Dietrich-Smith's new contract was only worth $7.25 million, the Pack probably could've kept him if they wanted to, but since Tretter apparently impressed them they decided to go with him instead, something that could soon be regretted if the latter turns out to be a bust.

Rodgers Thinks Packers Are Better With Finley

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers thinks the team is better with Jermichael Finley, he recently told Green Bay's WBAY-TV. 

In the quote, published today by Cheesehead TV, Rodgers opines that the Pack "are better with Jermichael on it," immediately after also saying that #88 improves the NFL.

Rodgers and Finley, two Super Bowl XLV champions who have spent their entire careers with the Packers, have been teammates since 2008, when Finley first joined the club as a rookie out of Texas.

Since then, the duo has helped the organization put together a 61-34-1 record, something that'll probably make them want to stay together, as consistently winning is a feat most guys only dream of achieving.

Finley Claims He Doesn't Care About the Money in Recent Q&A

To some people following his situation, why Free Agent TE Jermichael Finley may want to keep playing instead of just collecting a $10 million insurance policy is confusing.

Finley, a 27-year-old who's currently recovering from the neck injury he suffered last season, could retire now and get paid a lot, yet for some reason is still considering continuing to work.

Well, in a Q&A with USA Today earlier this week, that reason was finally revealed, with #88 claiming that it "ain't about the money."

In recent years, Finley has made $8.25 million annually with the Packers, so yes, I'd imagine he's telling the truth here, as the policy he's been offered probably isn't all that amazing for someone of his income level.

Packers Want Lacy to Get "More Touches" in 2014

The Packers want sophomore RB Eddie Lacy to get "more touches" during the upcoming season, team Offensive Coordinator Tom Clements recently told ESPN.com.

Apparently, the Pack want Lacy, their number one rusher in a group that also includes James Starks and Dajuan Harris, to be involved in all aspects of the contest, something that'd likely necessitate him being on the field more often for third down plays.

If that was to become the case, it's tough to know what would happen to Starks and Harris, although if the change did end up working out you probably couldn't dislike it, as a ground game can obviously never get too good.

Sitton: "We're a Very Hungry Team Right Now"

In an article recently published by the Pensacola News Journal, Packers Offensive Guard Josh Sitton talked about how "hungry" the team is right now after failing to reach the Divisional Playoffs last season. 

"We're a very hungry team right now," Sitton said. "I think we'll do a few different things with our defense. We have a few new pieces on defense, so I think there's going to be a big jump and big improvement on our defense."

Among those new pieces are Free Agent Signing Julius Peppers and first round draft pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, two guys who may just change Green Bay's future in the sense Sitton seems to be referring.

Finley to Undergo More Medical Tests; Will Send Results to All 32 Teams

Free Agent TE Jermichael Finley will undergo more medical tests tomorrow and send the results to all 32 teams, USA Today's Tom Pelissaro reports. 

According to Pelissaro, Finley is looking to lock up a roster spot before training camp, something that'll probably make additional clubs interested. 

Currently, the longtime Packer is recovering from a severe neck injury he suffered last season, the reason why he might just end up taking a $10 million insurance policy this fall instead. 

Either way, this news is definitely worth our attention, as positive exams here could really help out Finley's financial state in the near future. 

McCarthy Sees Harris as a Potential Returner

Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy sees Running Back Dajuan Harris as a potential returner, Packers.com Writer Mike Spofford reports.

According to McCarthy, Harris, who was hurt for all of last season, possesses convenient size and strength, something that could help him a lot if he were to get the role.

Due to the recent emergence of Eddie Lacy, Harris likely won't be able to play his usual position much in 2014, possibly making this news the big break he needs in order to remain relevant, an attribute all players require when they begin to get outshined on the roster.

2014 Starting TE Job Still "Wide Open"

The Packers 2014 starting TE job is still "wide open," team assistant Jerry Fontenot recently told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

According to Fontenot, Green Bay will have a better idea of who should get the position come Training Camp, although for now nobody is favored. 

Currently, the Pack's main two candidates for the role seem to be veteran Andrew Quarless and rookie Richard Rodgers, although FA Jermichael Finley could always find a way back in, as he's recovering pretty fast from the neck injury he suffered last season.

Ex-Oregon Duck Colt Lyerla's name has also occasionally come up as a possibility.

Free Agent Safety Jim Leonhard Has "Had Conversations" With The Packers

Free Agent Safety Jim Leonhard has "had conversations" with the Packers as well as other teams, NFL.com's Marc Sessler reports. 

Leonhard, a 10 year NFL veteran, played for the Bills in 2013, recording a career-high four interceptions as Buffalo went 4-12.

Earlier this offseason, interestingly, the 31 year-old actually said that he has plans to retire after the upcoming fall, something that could end up luring him to Green Bay, as they obviously give him the best chance of winning a Super Bowl.

Leonhard, 31, has been in the league since 2005, recording 385 tackles from then until now.

Packers Likely Won't Retire Favre's Number in 2014 Due to Fear of Booing

The Packers likely won't retire Brett Favre's number in 2014 due to a fear he'll be booed, Fox Sports Wisconsin's Paul Imig reports.

According to Imig, Favre going to a game this fall and being introduced to the crowd is still a possibility, although anything more serious is an almost definite no, as Green Bay's front office simply doesn't believe their fanbase is ready yet.

Favre, currently a high school coach in his home state of Mississippi, played 16 seasons for the Pack from 1992-2007, something that has been unfairly forgotten in the last few year's due to his multiple unretirements.

Locking Up Thompson "a top priority" for Packers

In an article recently published by ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky, Packers President Mark Murphy interestingly told reporters that re-signing General Manager Ted Thompson is "a top priority."

"It's a top priority," Murphy said earlier today. "I think Ted's been instrumental obviously in the run we've had. So that is a real priority."

Currently, Thompson's contract is set to expire after the 2016 draft, meaning that getting him on an extension soon is a must if the Pack are serious about keeping him, as the 61 year-old has stressed multiple times this offseason that he doesn't want to retire anytime soon. 

The New Look 2014 Packers Secondary

It's hard to be bullish on the Packers' secondary after a poor 2013 season, but they could be the best group on defense in 2014.

Which position on the #Packers defense will be the strongest in 2014? Read more: http://t.co/rsSiKgJKAc pic.twitter.com/vaEr2ouWc5
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 8, 2014

Mike Spofford is expecting that when the Packers go with six defensive backs (which happens quite often) it will be CBs Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, with Safeties Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. It would be a surprise to see anything else. It's a new look because while five of the six are returning players, Hayward barely played at all in 2013 while Hyde is expected to take on a different role at safety. Even Burnett might have some different responsibilities depending on how they utilize Hyde.

By itself, the addition of Clinton-Dix is a big improvement, but the addition by subtraction of the two worst offenders last season in pass coverage according to Pro Football Focus (M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian) is just as important. The only two players returning who had a negative pass coverage grade in 2013 were Burnett, who's now healthy and should improve playing alongside someone other than Jennings, and Davon House, who's got to prove he belongs after a bad finish in 2013. Even if it doesn't work out with House, finding a better fourth CB during the preseason shouldn't be a tall order.

Coming into the 2013 season, Williams was still struggling with a 2011 shoulder injury, but his old aggressive self re-emerged last November and he ended the season with four INTs over his final eight games. Except for a disappointing 2011 season, Shields has been one of their best in coverage over his first four seasons, and his big contract extension looks reasonable now after a crazy year in free agency. Hayward's absence last season (he only played parts of three games) was a big loss and he appears to be completely healthy again. Those three should be the best group of corners since 2010 when Williams, Shields and Charles Woodson were playing together.

I can see the silver lining on this unit, but they're going to have to prove it on the field.

Finley Working Hard to Return to Packer Nation

So far this offseason, Jermichael Finley hasn't done much.

The longtime Packers Tight End, currently a free agent after undergoing spinal surgery, was medically cleared by his personal doctor and talked to by the Patriots last month, the last action he really saw.

Still, Finley's apparently pretty confident about his future right now, telling ESPN Wisconsin's Jason Wilde earlier today that he's "working hard to return to Packer Nation."

Now obviously, that quote doesn't prove anything, although it's definitely interesting to notice that it implies a wanting to come back to Green Bay, an idea previously considered dead by some.

Rodgers Has Third Best Odds of Winning 2014 MVP Award

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has the third best odds (15-2) of winning the 2014 NFL MVP Award, Cheesehead TV's Brian Carriveau reports.

Rodgers, easily one of the best arms there is, trails only the Saints' Drew Brees (11-2) and the Broncos' Peyton Manning (3-1) in the recently-released list, something pretty impressive considering NFL Network (see last Wednesday's post) doesn't even consider him a top 10 player.

Interestingly, #12's also not the only Packer in the collection's top 30, as sophomore Running Back Eddie Lacy, coming off his Rookie of the Year campaign last season, is tied for 29th at 100-1.

Who Will Start At Tight End for the Packers?

This recent mailbag on ESPN discussed a few interesting topics, and the one regarding the starting tight end position got my attention because I was just discussing that topic with a colleague.

Mailbag: Talking starting jobs at TE, S http://t.co/YapH2LDRCX
— Brandon Benson (@AcmeBrandon) July 8, 2014

Rob Demovsky's opinion is that if rookie TE Richard Rodgers "continues to show the ability to catch the ball down the field like he did this offseason, then he will be the starter." I'm not expecting much from the TE position in 2014, and I don't disagree with his assessment that Rodgers could be the starter, but I find it depressing.

In pre-draft evaluations, Rodgers came across as a finesse athlete who could be a sneaky weapon as a No. 2 TE, and compared him to TE Garrett Graham, who isn't much of a receiver. It was also noted that Rodgers would on occasion drop an easy reception.

His main competition is TE Andrew Quarless, who hasn't impressed so far in his NFL career. He could be an identical player; someone who isn't much of a blocker with the occasional drop. I'm still expecting Quarless to win the starting job because of his experience alone though I'm not expecting much from either one of them this preseason.

It's been reported that TE Jermichael Finley is healthy, but several weeks have passed since that report and you'd expect he'd have been signed somewhere if every team was convinced it was true. It's possible the Packers could re-sign him, but it feels like they've moved on.

As much as TE Colt Lyerla fascinates me, he's an unlikely candidate to earn a starting job and he's got to secure a roster spot first. I don't know how TE Ryan Taylor has kept a roster spot for three years (is it because he's the back-up long-snapper?) and TE Jake Stoneburner looks like Taylor v.2.0. Maybe TE Brandon Bostick will show more in his second season and I haven't yet seen undrafted rookie TE Justin Perillo play.

The Packers have so much offensive firepower at wide receiver and running back that they can afford to go with a second (or third, fourth) tier TE. Maybe it's good to keep my expectations so low that one of them will surprise me this preseason. But it remains a weakened position that shouldn't be expected to carry much of a load in 2014.

Packers Hoping to Sign Nelson to an Extension Soon

The Packers are hoping to sign Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson to an extension soon, ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reports.

Currently, the 29 year old Nelson is set to become a free agent after 2014, something the Pack obviously don't want due to their unknown future.

Also, it's likely the team's looking to lock up the good-when-healthy Randall Cobb, an endeavor that could be difficult if the ex-Kansas State star's still unsigned. 

Nelson, who has been with Green Bay since he was drafted in 2008, had a career year during last season's 8-7-1 campaign, catching 85 passes for 1,314 yards.

Murphy Would Like to Have the Draft in Green Bay

Since 2006, the NFL Draft has always been held in New York.

However, for 2015 that might not be the case, something that could end up bringing the event to Green Bay.

In response to that possibility, Packers President Mark Murphy seemed to like the idea, telling the team's official site it'd be great for the local community.

"I would like to see the draft held in Green Bay," Murphy said. "It would be great for the local community if the draft were held in Green Bay, and we’ve contacted the League regarding the specifications required for hosting the draft."

Currently, the Pack aren't the only team trying to land it, although they do seem to have a pretty good shot, seeing as they are the ones pursuing the most aggressively.

Jones Won't Be Satisfied Until He's the Best

Last season, Packers LB Datone Jones didn't play much due to a recurring ankle injury. 

Jones, the Pack's 2013 first round draft pick, was only on the field for 24.2 percent of the team's total defensive snaps, obviously affecting his amount of production.

Because of that, the sophomore recently told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, he "won't be satisfied until he's the best," a statement that can't hurt anybody's confidence. 

Still, the fact that Jones hasn't proven anything yet does make us take this with a grain of salt, especially since everybody in the league would be the best if possible. 

Chiefs Could Become Interested in Free Agent DE Jolly

The Chiefs could soon become interested in Free Agent Defensive End Johnny Jolly, Arrowhead Pride's Matt Conner recently wrote.

Jolly, who said a few days ago that he's been medically cleared and is just waiting for somebody to contact him, played for the Packers last season, the first time he had done so since 2009 due to suspension. 

Overall, #97 has been with the Pack for five years, possibly helping him build up a relationship with former team Director of College Scouting John Dorsey, Kansas City's current General Manager who was with Green Bay when Jolly was drafted in 2006.

Pickett Not Convinced His Career is Over

Since the beginning of the offseason, it's been assumed by many that veteran Defensive Tackle Ryan Pickett won't return to Green Bay.

The 34-year-old, who's been with the Packers since 2006, has collected a solid 557 tackles so far in his NFL career, a stat that doesn't really indicate future success. 

Still, Pickett is making it clear that he doesn't think he's done yet, recently telling the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he "can play ball."

Since joining the Pack eight years ago, #79 has been solid, something that could end up getting him a one-year deal, as Green Bay did that exact thing with B.J. Raji back in March.

Rodgers Ranked #11 on NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2014

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, in a move being criticized by many, has been ranked football's eleventh best player on NFL Network's recent Top 100 countdown, NFL.com's Marc Sessler reports.

In recent years, Rodgers has been one of the league's best arms, a fact that was apparently ignored here, as #12's main rivals of Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady each made the top ten. 

In 2013, Rodgers did miss about half of Green Bay's games with a broken collarbone, although you have to think that that was still irrelevant when this list was made, as the veteran did play pretty well when he was actually healthy.

Packers HC McCarthy Could Get a Street Named After Him

Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy could soon get a Green Bay street named after him, Pro Football Talk reports.

According to a recent rumor, the street would be Potts Avenue, which intersects with Holmgren Way (named for Mike Holmgren) about a 1/2 mile southeast of Lambeau Field.

As of now, nothing is guaranteed in this situation, although it definitely appears that McCarthy eventually being immortalized in the team's hometown is likely, as the veteran is impressively entering his ninth season (tied with the great Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr for second most all-time) as the head of the club. 

Washington Post: Rodgers-Nelson Best QB-WR Duo in NFL

In an article published earlier today, the Washington Post's Neil Greenberg made an interesting argument for why the Packers QB-WR duo of Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson is the best in the NFL.

"Since 2011, Aaron Rodgers has thrown to Jordy Nelson 224 times and has completed 158 of those passes (70.5 percent)," Greenberg wrote. "They have produced 2,683 yards, 26 touchdowns, three interceptions for a passer rating of 143.9. Plus, they have needed eight yards on average for the first down and have moved the chains 51.3 percent of the time."

To us Green Bay fans, this isn't exactly news, but the fact that other people are finally waking up to their teams' inferiority is still kind of cool, isn't it?