Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers helmet against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

With the #26 pick in the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Datone Jones out of UCLA.

A surprise pick for the Green Bay Packers who could have used either an offensive tackle or guard, or even a running back which they lack right now. A defensive end who dominated in the combine, is Jon Gruden’s sleeper of the 1st round. A dominant inside defender, will improve this defenses rushing and passing defense, expect Clay Matthews to blitz into the offense right behind this guy.

The Houston Texans are on the clock.

July 26, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The NFC North Division champion for the last 2 seasons in a row, the Green Bay Packers finished the season at 11-5, where in 2011 they finished at 15-1.

Aaron Rodgers and company, continued to do what they did best and dominated teams who were next on their schedule. After a controversy loss in Seattle, the Packers went on to win 10 of 13 games to lock the #3 seed in the NFC.

They released veteran Charles Woodson and lost Donald Driver to retirement and Greg Jennings to the Minnesota Vikings. Still having weapons like Jermichael Finley, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb, they will still have a passing offense that will remain one of the bests in the league, they just need a running back who can stay healthy and contribute.

A few days ago they announced that they have agree’d to a long term contract extension with Clay Matthews that will keep him in the NFC North in a Green Bay Packers uniform for at least 5-6 more seasons. With the younger defensive guys on this team, they should be set as long as they are able to get a running back who can balance the offense. Now looking at this years schedule for the Green Bay Packers, of course the first games you look at are obviously the rivalry games with the Chicago Bears, but the opening game at Candle Stick against the San Francisco 49ers. They have a few challenging games on their schedule and the last 6 games of the season could determine their status in the playoff hunt.

• Sep. 8 at San Francisco 49ers 3:25p
• Sep. 15 Washington Redskins 12:00p
• Sep. 22 at Cincinnati Bengals 12:00p
• Sep. 29 BYE 
• Oct. 6 Detroit Lions 12:00p
• Oct. 13 at Baltimore Ravens 12:00p
• Oct. 20 Cleveland Browns 3:25p
• Oct. 27 at Minnesota Vikings 7:30p
• Nov. 4 Chicago Bears (Mon) 7:40p
• Nov. 10 Philadelphia Eagles 12:00p
• Nov. 17 at New York Giants 7:30p
• Nov. 24 Minnesota Vikings 12:00p
• Nov. 28 at Detroit Lions (Thurs) 11:30a
• Dec. 8 Atlanta Falcons 7:30p
• Dec. 15 at Dallas Cowboys 3:25p
• Dec. 22 Pittsburgh Steelers 3:25p
• Dec. 29 at Chicago Bears 12:00p

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Thus, 31.1% of Matthews’s contract is tied up in his signing bonus and guaranteed. His base salaries start to get high in the “non-guaranteed” column once you get to 2015, when that figure jumps from $1 million to $7.6 million in non-guaranteed money. Thus, the Packers are leaving themselves with a bit of an out-clause that becomes better-defined once Matthews heads into 2016- the fourth year of his deal. While the Packers won’t anticipate releasing Matthews, stranger things have happened than a talented player not living up to a lucrative contract.

The Packers still have a big deal to send to franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his figures will be astronomical. Clay Matthews received quite the payday himself, and the Packers preferred to give Matthews that guaranteed money all up-front in signing bonus. Ted Thompson is one of the best GMs in the business, and he does a great job with structuring cap finances. It’s pretty commonplace to stack up the guaranteed cash at the beginning of the deal and escalate the non-guaranteed base salaries.

But here’s the thing, the Packers didn’t give Matthews much guaranteed money when you look at the deal fellow star pass rusher Mario Williams inked with the Buffalo Bills. Matthews is the third-highest paid defensive player in the league (pass rushers are more valuable than defensive backs these days), and yet his guaranteed money is more than palatable for the Packers diet. More than $13 million per year is a lot to shell out over five seasons, but the Packers could be off the hook for quite a bit of it if things fall apart. The Packers are willing to pay Matthews what he deserves if it all pays off, and this was an excellent deal from the Packers perspective. Clay Matthews received a huge sum of money, but the Packers are managing it well by only giving what’s in the signing bonus as guaranteed money.

Matthews was set to make $4.91 million in the final year of his rookie contract, but the 13-sack OLB in 2012 will net $1.8 million more in base salary with a cool $6.71 million slated to be made in 2013.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport first revealed the news that the Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement with their star OLB Clay Matthews to a 5-year extension worth a total of $66 million. That deal has officially made Clay Mathews the highest paid Linebacker in the NFL, and the 3rd highest paid defender behind DEs Julius Peppers (Chicago Bears) and Mario Williams (Houston Texans). He’s certainly deserved it, as he is one of the best in the league in putting pressure on the QB. In his career, he’s registered 42.5 sacks in 4 seasons with the Pack. This isn’t the only major re-signing that management has planned at the moment.

Following the press release of this major extension, an even bigger one is in the works with their elite QB in Aaron Rodgers, as Ian Rapoport tweeted:

Waiting on terms of #Packers/Clay Matthews’ extension. Expect in the $13M range. Meanwhile, QB Aaron Rodgers is up next.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2013

 

This should come at no surprise to any football fan with knowledge of the game. Aaron Rodgers has simply performed at the highest level since he earned his starting position back in 2008, where he replaced Brett Favre in the line-up following his first “retirement”. He’s won NFL MVP honors (2011) and a Super Bowl ring, in which he was the Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl 45. What may surprise a few people, though, is the sheer amount of money expected to be paid for his services long-term.

Numerous sources have been reporting both sides are close to signing a deal which will make him the highest paid player in NFL history. This comes after current Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco recently set the record with his own contract extension signed months ago with the Baltimore Ravens. Make no mistake, the Packers are making a wise investment with their own players, instead of going out to sign every star left and right. Securing 2 of their best players to long-term contracts will allow them to achieve maximum flexibility in the draft, which starts in a little over a week from now.

Oct 1, 2011; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles former quarterback Brett Favre during a television interview for Comcast Sports Southeast before the start of the game against the Rice Owls at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Favre went on The Ticket in Dallas, and talked about his career. As the debate rages on about concussions and the whirlwind surrounding Brett Favre as a target of the New Orleans Saints “Bounty Gate” program Favre’s comments about the last play of his career are certainly interesting. He says that the only time he was ever knocked completely out came in the last play of his career.

From Sports Radio Interviews:

“It was the only time in my career where I was actually completely out. It was 10-15 seconds. … Miserable night, the dome had collapsed, our season had gone from bad to worse. I didn’t have to play in the game, wanted to. I remember telling myself in pregame, ‘You’re an idiot. What do you stand to gain in this?’ But I thought, ‘I’ll survive this game, I’ll be fine.’ … The guy didn’t even hit me, he pushed me. I threw the ball and the field was, of course, solid ice. It was like concrete, and he just pushed me and I slip, fall, and nothing hurt. Hit the left side of my head, and the next thing I remember I was snoring as our trainer’s kind of shaking, saying, ‘You OK?’ And when I look at the footage … there was a 10- to 15-second period where I was asleep. And as I got up and shook the cobwebs off, I remember looking at our trainer Suge (Eric Sugarman) and saying, ‘Suge, what are the Bears doing here?’ He’s like, ‘Ah, come over here with me, buddy.’ When I kind of started figuring it out as I was getting to the sidelines, I thought, ‘Now, if there was ever a time where the writing is on the wall, this is it.’ It may be a little too late for the cumulative damage that you’ve done. Now it’s probably a little too late to say, ‘OK, now is when I’m going to save my body.’ Went in, took a shower, got some hot cocoa, got a hot dog and said, ‘That’s it. I’m going to watch the next two or three.’”

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb.  But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver.  Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft. 

27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point.  In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2.  When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat.  This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.

28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short.  In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line.  This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.

29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards.  Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora.  Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.  If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU - The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class.  Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense.  A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro.  Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position.  Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions.  He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Finley has a lot to prove in 2013, because he severely underperformed last season. The 26-year-old did finish with 61 receptions and got things right down the stretch, but Finley also had a quarter of the touchdown receptions he hauled in during the 2012 season and averaged significantly less yards per catch.

Motivation and work ethic are two things that Jermichael Finley was heavily criticized for not having, but he sounds motivated to turn things around in 2013. He told ESPN Milwaukee, “Fat and happy, I would never. You could give me $100 mil. I would never get fat and happy.”

We can take some solace in that. Finley is listed at 6’5″, 247 pounds, but some believe he looked heavier than that last season. He also told Milwaukee that he is “slimming down” this offseason, and that’s a good show of work ethic. Being “fat” in the NFL (as in, not in your best shape) is certainly not a route to being “happy”, and I think there’s more urgency now for Finley because he realizes this could be a make-or-break year for him in 2013. He also seemed to realize the need to perform better down the stretch in 2012.

Finley also said, “I’m just working a little bit harder. Slimming down,” Finley said. “I didn’t try to do it; it’s just how it worked.”

That’s great for Packers fans, and they need the extremely talented TE to play to his potential next season. It sounds like Finley is actively working to make good on his whopping salary next year, and 667 yards with two receiving touchdowns isn’t going to cut it with $8.25 million on the line. Finley was not expected to leave Green Bay, but there was always the chance of it happening after more than a season in which the Packers felt a sour taste in their mouths from Finley’s act.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Sanchez has the Packers adding some offensive line help to boost the protection for Aaron Rodgers. The Pack would be wise to improve Rodgers’s pocket, because they are investing heavily in him both financially and might not have the best insurance policy behind him at quarterback. The Packers offensive line could also use some upgrading to help out the next Packers starting running back.

In the comments section, Sanchez talks about Alabama Crimson Tide RB Eddie Lacy, who is a popular pick in mock drafts to the Green Bay Packers. However, Sanchez writes that Lacy doesn’t have elite speed and isn’t worth taking in the first round. Although the Packers might need a running back more, there are no backs worth taking in the first. Lacy is worth a second-round pick for sure, but I am also leery about his speed, and I don’t like taking running backs in the first round anyway.

Terron Armstead is a player who has been rising on draft boards recently, and Sanchez notes that and lauds Armstead’s athleticism. He is a freak athletically and showed it with an incredible 2013 NFL Combine performance. However, the Arkansas Pine-Bluff product played against inferior competition and doesn’t seem worth a first-round choice to me. He looked good in college, but he didn’t play like a first rounder when I watch him. Armstead has a lot of upside, but he also has a lot of downside. I don’t like “upside” picks, and I think Armstead is worth a mid second-round pick at most. Lacy is actually the better draft prospect, in my opinion.

So who should have the Packers drafted in the first round? I could see them taking a wide receiver like DeAndre Hopkins, and that’s something Jason Hirschhorn  of Lombardi Ave detailed in an excellent piece recapping the Packers pick in the FanSided.com mock draft. Wide receiver isn’t a position of need for the Packers, but it could become one down the road since Greg Jennings left for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason and James Jones is in his last year. Hopkins would be a solid pick at the end of the first round, and he has the potential to be a number one wide receiver.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Matt Slauson (68) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

In a busy off-season for the Chicago Bears, extensive changes have been made all over the organization. From a change in their coaching staff, to the constant changes made on their roster, this is a team that is going through a complete transformation under the guidance of GM Phil Emery. Recently, the Bears have made another move to improve their OL, where they’ve agreed to terms with former Jets starting OG Matt Slauson. In a brief conversation between him and the media, Matt Slauson made a rather bold proclamation:

Matt Slauson: “I think the #Bears have a great chance to win the division. I like the moves they have made with the offensive staff.”

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 29, 2013

 

Considering how the arch-rival Packers have won the NFC North in back-to-back seasons, and the Bears have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, some fans will laugh at this statement. However, the Chicago Bears are in fact a team capable of challenging for the division crown, following the sheer amount of improvements made to their roster. Yet, this is also a division where all 4 teams have made the playoffs in the past 3 seasons. Let’s see how the Bears stack up to the rest of their division foes.

Green Bay Packers: This team–as much as I dislike them–are your division champs, and for good reason. Despite the fact they cut their best play-maker in their secondary with Charles Woodson, and lost Greg Jennings to the Vikings in free agency, they are in great position to continue their dominance in this division. Tom Thompson has done an incredible job of selecting players in the draft, as most if not all of their starters are players he himself picked each April in his career with the Packers. As for their current plans in free agency this off-season, they’re focusing on securing their best players to long-term deals. Right now, Green Bay is engaged in talks with Aaron Rodgers that will make him the highest paid player (where have we seen this before?) in the NFL.

Meanwhile, they’ve decided to keep TE Jermichael Finley in an effort to keep most of their corps players on offense intact. It’s also been rumored that OLB Clay Mathews could be receiving attention for a new long-term deal of his own, so most new additions will come from the draft. Their biggest need is shoring up their pass protection, as Aaron Rodgers has simply taken way too many hits. If he’s going to be the highest paid player in the NFL, then you better protect said player, otherwise you’ll risk yourself on losing your biggest asset. Besides focusing on their OL, one must pay attention to the lack of a dependable running game on offense. With a better running game, you’ll be able to protect your QB better. At one point, they had interest in now Falcons RB Steve Jackson. Now, their overall interest in free agent RBs has seemed to have died down temporarily. Look for them to be scouting plenty of RBs in preparation to the up-coming draft.

Minnesota Vikings: Coming off their first post-season appearance since 2009, the Vikings are looking to continue their ascension and become one of the better teams in the NFL. Their defense is stingy, and their offense is built around a good mix of young and experienced players. Their biggest need this off-season, was the addition of a serious threat in the passing game to their offense. Zygi Wilf has done just that by luring yet another former Packer in WR Greg Jennings to join their cause. Now with that need all but taken care of, they can look into adding on to their formidable defense.

Many would suggest the Vikings are searching for a new MLB to man their 4-3 defense. While there was past interest in former Bears LB Brian Urlacher, a statement was made recently where the Vikings are instead looking into the draft first to fill the void. Considering they have 2 first-round picks thanks to the Percy Harvin trade, they could either trade up to snag a player earlier in the draft, trade down to pick up more picks, or just stay put and choose a LB with 1 of their 2 first rounders. Plain and simple, the Vikings have options, and plenty of them.

Detroit Lions: In 2011, they were seen as a team on the verge of greatness given their explosive offense and the “Silver Crush” on defense. In 2012, they were seen as a team that choked badly, suffering an embarrassing fall from 10-6 to 4-12. Needless to say, they had holes to fill, and those holes have been filled admirably by management. They’ve added RB Reggie Bush, Safety Glover Quinn, and DE Jason Jones in a flurry of signings that created significant improvements to both sides of the ball. Reggie Bush will add another dimension to their offense, giving them a feature back to pair with young Mikel Leshoure in their running game. Jason Jones is a veteran who’s had success with current Head Coach Jim Schwartz, and Glover Quinn becomes a needed presence in their secondary. The draft will still be critical to them, though.

They are searching for a LB to replace Justin Durant, as well as new additions to their OL following the departures of Jeff Backus, Stephen Peterman, and Gosder Cherilus. In a pass-happy offense that’s been featured in the Motor City, effective pass-protection is paramount in order for Mathew Stafford to complete passes to his targets. Being in a division where 3 of the NFL’s top pass-rushing threats are present (Julius Peppers; Bears, Clay Mathews; Packers, Jared Allen; Vikings), this only further complicates things when thinking about how to protect your QB while 3 of your starting 5 OL are now gone. Unless they feel Reggie Bush could also block in the passing game, it’s dangerous to leave your QB in this vulnerable of a state. The Lions have definitely improved after their big signings, but they still have a number of moves that need to be made before they can return to contention within this division.

Granted, all 3 of those teams feature pressing needs in various positions, but this is a division that is stacked from top to bottom. How will the Chicago Bears compete with these 3 rivals? All biased opinion aside, I strongly feel the Chicago Bears are set to compete within their division.

First of all, they’ve been hard at work in shoring up pass protection for Jay Cutler. At the beginning of free agency, the Chicago Bears added one of the best LT’s in the NFL in Jermon Bushrod, where he will be a major upgrade over J’Marcus Webb. Speaking of Webb, he will be given a chance to compete at RT, with recently re-signed vet Jonathan Scott and former 1st round pick Gabe Carimi also in the mix. As far as Gabe Carimi is concerned, he will be given a chance to compete at both RG and at RT, pending any further additions. And regarding the topic of further additions, the Chicago Bears have signed OG Matt Slauson, who also provides a definite upgrade to the interior of the OL.

He’s young (27), he’s versatile seeing how he’s played both Center and LG, and he’s solid. In 3 seasons with the Jets, he has been a key player in the production of their running game, where they’ve managed to rush for at least 1,600 yards per season. Although he will be given a look at both Guard positions, his best fit is at LG, where the Bears featured 3 different starters last season. Having a big and young Guard line up next to a great LT and mentor in Jermon Bushrod, and the Bears’ left side of their OL is significantly stronger than last season. With all of these additions, comes the known fact they all will be coached by one of the best in the business in Aaron Kromer, who resides as both the Offensive Coordinator and the OL coach. And all of that, was just the tip of the ice-burg.

In addition to their OL, they also lacked a meaningful as well as a respectable TE corps. Kellen Davis didn’t perform, and Matt Spaeth nor anyone else in that position were ever seen as a legitimate threat. Well say no more, as the Bears’ first signing was TE Martellus Bennett aka the “Black Unicorn” (note: that’s what he calls himself). He brings to the Bears, a versatile and all-round threat from the TE position that does everything a TE is expected to do in today’s NFL. From being an elite blocker, to emerging as a receiving threat, he is also young enough at 26 to develop into an exceptional TE for the Bears. With all the moves made to their offense, they also made notable moves on defense.

Gone are the days of Brian Urlacher wearing #54 and manning the middle of the defense. In a move that saddened Bears fans, both sides have moved on, with the Bears quick to act on improving the position. Out with Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach, and in with D.J. Williams and James Anderson. While neither LB will ever be confused with the former great, both players are solid if not great additions, given they are both younger and fairly productive. This allows the Bears to add a young prospect from the draft to groom behind their veteran group led by Lance Briggs, D.J. Williams, and James Anderson. That, in its own right, is a LB corps that a ton of teams would like to have. Where D.J. Williams presents character/legal concerns, he is a dominant player who has the speed to play the “Mike” in the Tampa 2. James Anderson, is an improvement over Nick Roach at the “Sam” position, where Nick Roach left to join the Raiders. Combined with the existing talent on their defense, and it’s safe to say they are in prime condition to wreck havoc on opposing teams.

The single biggest question for the Chicago Bears is: will Jay Cutler perform? If past history indicates his success in an offense that featured both options in the passing game and dependable pass protection in Denver, then the answer could be “yes”. But that “yes” is rather a big “maybe” as he’s been coached in 4 different schemes on offense now. Will Marc Trestman be able to work his magic on Jay Cutler, and succeed where others have failed in Chicago? Only time will tell. If all the pieces added to this puzzle are put together correctly, then this is a dangerous team others must take note of. After all, they hosted the NFC Championship Game in 2010, and they’ve posted an 18-14 record these past 2 seasons.

The ceiling is incredibly high for this team. To others residing in the NFC North: Watch out. Here come the Monsters of the Midway.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, it sounds like D.J. Smith might not be ready for Week 1 of the 2013 season. According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Smith will be “pressed” to return in time for training camp and “possibly” won’t be ready for the Packers season opener. The injury he suffered in October was a devastating knee injury that was significantly worse than just an ACL tear, and the fact that he might not even be ready for the start of next season underscores how severe of an injury it is.

Hopefully Smith hasn’t lost much effectiveness due to the injury, because he showed up big last season through the six games he played in. Both adept in pass coverage and strong against the run, the Green Bay Packers need this guy to continue to do a nice job manning the inside linebacker slot and being solid all-around. An underrated player, Smith recorded 39 tackles and two sacks with four passes defended in just six games- those are terrific numbers for a linebacker. As a rookie in 2011, he had 43 tackles and one pick whilst playing in all 16 games.

A sign of Smith’s doubt for  the start of next season were the quick re-signings of linebackers Rob Francois and Brad Jones, with Jones staying on board after visiting the Tennessee Titans.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.