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2003 Packers Draft Picks

Thu, 27 Mar 2003 17:07:20 CST

The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and thanks to trades and compensatory draft choices, the Green Bay Packers have 11 selections to make in 2003.

That's the most in the last three years for the Packers and third-most over the last decade (13 selections in 2000, 12 in 1999).

Four of the Packers' 11 selections are compensatory draft choices, in return for losses in free agency, and cannot be traded.

Listed below are the Packers' draft choices in the upcoming NFL Draft, April 26-27.

Round (Overall)
1 (29)
2 (62) To Philadelphia in CB Al Harris trade
3 (94)
4 (127) From Philadelphia with CB Al Harris
4 (128) To New England for WR Terry Glenn
5 (165)
6 (185) From Washington for S Matt Bowen (RFA)
6 (203)
6 (212) Compensatory Selection
7 (244)
7 (253) Compensatory Selection
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Overtime Rules To Remain

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2003 17:38:03 CST

A record 25 NFL games went into overtime last season, but that wasn't reason enough to alter the sudden death system that has been intact since 1974.

Wednesday, in the final day of the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., a proposal that would have guaranteed one offensive possession to each team in overtime came up seven votes short of passing. Thus, the current sudden death system -- with a coin toss determining first possession -- will remain in place for at least the 2003 season.

"There was a lot of discussion on both sides of the issue, but in the end there was a strong sentiment among clubs that the current system has a lot of interest for fans," said John Jones, Packers executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"Stats showed that the coin toss does have some effect on the outcome of a game, but a number of clubs made the point that the defense can score if it forces the offense to make a mistake."

More importantly, Jones said, ..

Lambeau Construction On Schedule

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2003 17:34:38 CST

With just over five months until the rededication of Lambeau Field, the $295 million renovation continues to operate on schedule and according to budget, project director Stuart Zadra of Hammes Co., said Wednesday.

The exterior of the stadium's north end, which was open for the 2002 season, has been entirely enclosed, and the interior is 80 percent complete.

Standing tall above the north end zone is a new scoreboard and replay screen, and an identical scoreboard system is starting to be installed in the south end zone.

Two times larger than the old video boards, Zadra said the picture quality is also much improved -- like switching from a standard picture tube television to a plasma screen, he said.

Beneath the north scoreboard, the outdoor and indoor club seat areas are quickly developing, while within the bowels of the stadium, the new Packers Hall of Fame is taking shape.

At approximately 25,000 square feet, the new hall of fame space i..

Officiating Focus Shifts To Crews

Vic Carucci, NFL Insider — Wed, 26 Mar 2003 10:35:01 CST

The NFL's system for evaluating the performance of its game officials will make a dramatic shift this season from focusing on officiating rather than on individual officials.

Instead of judging how well each official does his job, the league now will grade each crew. The top-rated crews at the end of the year will be assigned to postseason games rather than the previous method of having "all-star" crews of the highest-rated officials during the regular season work the playoffs, conference championship games and Super Bowl.

The concept, announced Tuesday at the league's annual meeting, is designed to promote better teamwork among the 17 crews that work together all season. It is seen as a way to help improve the quality of officiating during the season, while also preventing the officiating errors that occurred during the postseason.

"We're excited about it, because we have always hammered the importance of being a crew and working together as a crew and co..

Youth Football Among Topics As NFL Annual Meeting Continues

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 25 Mar 2003 17:48:57 CST

With several hot topics remaining unresolved, one of the significant items to come out of the NFL annual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., Tuesday was the announced appointment of Jack Kemp as the chairman of the board of directors of USA Football.

Established by the NFL and NFL Players Association last December, USA Football essentially provides a centralized governing body for youth football, to ensure a promising future for the sport.

"In this country there are more than 3 million football players below the college level, so that's a key development," said John Jones, Packers executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"Over the next six years, the NFL and NFLPA will provide $200 million to fund the operation of youth football, impacting everything from Pop Warner to local Boys & Girls Clubs.

"Milwaukee will have some developmental programs, and we hope that over time that Lambeau Field can be a focal point for youth football within the state..

Nall Optimistic About NFLE

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 25 Mar 2003 16:47:56 CST

While rumors circulated that the upcoming NFL Europe season might be delayed, relocated, or even cancelled due to the war in Iraq, Craig Nall had no doubt about where he wanted to be.

After a rookie season on the sideline as the Green Bay Packers' third quarterback, Nall couldn't wait to get on the football field again. Even if it meant going to Europe to do it.

Thus, Monday's announcement that the NFLE season would continue as scheduled was good news to Nall. And he was nothing but enthusiastic Tuesday as he packed up his belongings at the Scottish Claymores' training camp in Florida in preparation for his trip abroad.

"I'm really excited," he said. "This is a great deal for me. I'm going to get a good bit of playing time in NFL Europe, and game experience isn't anything you can coach."

Amidst fan and media speculation that the Packers might hunt for a quarterback in the NFL Draft next month, Nall will look to establish himself as a dependable..

Packers Receive 4 Compensatory Draft Picks

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 25 Mar 2003 10:09:28 CST

The Green Bay Packers were among 15 teams to receive compensatory draft choices from the NFL Tuesday, being awarded one sixth-round pick and three seventh-round picks for a total of four.

The picks are compensation for the Packers' losses in free agency last year. Under the terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.

Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors.

Last year the Packers lost to free agency wide receivers Corey Bradford and Bill Schroeder, safety Billy Jenkins, return man Allen Rossum and offensive lineman Barry Stokes. Joe Johnson was the only free agent signee who qualified as a compensatory free agent in return.

A total of 32 compensatory draft picks were awarded by the league this year. Only the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and ..

Tagliabue Gives Praise, Issues Warning

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2003 17:41:39 CST

In his 30-minute address, which opened the annual league meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., Monday, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue expressed great pride for the league's successes of the past year.

"Collectively, your talent and great football produced a truly remarkable 2002 season," he told the club presidents, head coaches, front-office employees and league officials in attendance. "It was not a season of 'parity' -- a word that smacks of mediocrity -- it was a season of excellence."

For Tagliabue and the NFL, there is certainly reason to celebrate.

In 2002, touchdowns and scoring went up, along with television viewership. Records were established for overtime games and come-from-behind victories, and 19 of the league's 32 teams were still in contention for the Super Bowl going into the final weekend of the regular season.

But on what was generally a day of optimism, Tagliabue forecast at least one significant challenge ahead.

"Commissioner ..

Lions Submit Offer Sheet For Diggs

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:55:48 CST

Packers Vice President of Player Finance Andrew Brandt confirmed Monday that the Detroit Lions have submitted an offer sheet for restricted free agent linebacker Na'il Diggs.

The Packers have until Sunday, March 30, to match the offer, or lose Diggs to the Lions and accept a fourth-round draft choice as compensation.

Last season, his third in the NFL, Diggs tallied a career-best 111 tackles, including 83 solo efforts. He also had two interceptions and recovered two fumbles.

The Packers have no other comment on the matter at this time.

NFL Europe Season To Proceed As Scheduled

Associate Press — Mon, 24 Mar 2003 16:45:04 CST

NFL Europe will proceed as scheduled this season despite war in Iraq.

"There was a strong consensus to play the season," Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said after NFL owners decided overwhelmingly to send players overseas.

Players on the six teams have been practicing in Florida and will begin leaving March 25 and 26 for Europe to begin play April 4-5. Three of the teams are based in Germany, with the others in Spain, Scotland and the Netherlands.

The players had said they wanted to go despite fears about travel. They made that clear during a conference call among Doug Quinn, the senior vice president of NFL international, and the general managers of the six teams.

"We're an American business in Europe," Tagliabue said. "Like other American businesses, we have to continue on."

NFL Europe is primarily a training league that has turned out such stars as two-time MVP quarterback Kurt Warner of St. Louis and left tackle Barry Sims of AFC cham..

Ferrario Waiting On NFLE

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2003 19:15:47 CST

Only days away from a scheduled trip to Berlin for the start the NFL Europe season, the hardest thing for Packers offensive lineman Bill Ferrario is not knowing whether the trip will actually take place.

Wednesday, before war broke out in Iraq, the NFL announced that the NFLE schedule would proceed as planned. But Ferrario said that's only one of the many things he's heard at the Berlin Thunder's training camp in Florida.

"The biggest buzz is that nobody knows anything right now," Ferrario said Friday. "There are a couple thousand different rumors floating around about where we'll play or when we'll play.

"The last time we were told anything definitely was Tuesday, when they said everything was gung-ho to go to Europe. But since then, no one has said anything to us either way.

"I'm trying to just go with the flow, but I feel like I just don't know how it's going to come out yet."

A fourth-round draft choice out of the University of Wisc..

Williams Keeps Focused On Football

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Mar 2003 19:14:45 CST

Like many of his NFL Europe counterparts, Travis Williams has spent recent nights unwinding from training camp practices in Florida by watching news of the war in Iraq.

Signed to the Packers' offseason roster in January, Williams is one of 14 Green Bay players allocated to the NFL's developmental league, but he's the only one who served two years of active duty for the U.S. Navy, including time in the Persian Gulf.

"I've been keeping up with everything that I can from the Navy perspective," Williams said Friday. "The war in Iraq affects me personally because I know a lot of guys over there."

Previously the electronic warfare officer on the USS Boxer, Williams currently belongs to a selected reserves unit based out of San Diego, a "lower priority unit" that Williams says has little chance of being called into active duty.

Not that he can forget about the possibility entirely.

"It's in the back of my mind," he said. "It's not something I w..

Packers Announce Mini-Camp Dates

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2003 15:11:49 CST

As in recent years, the Green Bay Packers will conduct two mini-camps for players leading up to the 2003 NFL season.

Thursday, the Packers released the dates for both camps.

The first mini-camp begins just days after the conclusion of the NFL Draft, running from April 29 through May 4. The second will be conducted from June 2 through June 11.

In the case of the first mini-camp, veterans will use the opening day to undergo physical examinations and will begin on-field practices Wednesday, April 30. Recent draftees and other undrafted rookies will join the camp Friday, May 2.

Practices will be held once a day, with the exception of May 2 and May 3, when there will be two practices.

If weather and field conditions permit, practices will be held outside on Clarke Hinkle Field (east of Lambeau Field), and will be free and open to the public, as during training camp. However, should bad weather or poor field conditions force practices indoors..

Navies Ready To Fill The Middle

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Mar 2003 17:15:22 CST

In four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Hannibal Navies saw action at all three linebacker positions, but was never given a shot to be a starter in the middle.

Wednesday things started to change for the 25-year-old when the Green Bay Packers announced that Navies had been signed to a multi-year contract and would be given the opportunity to compete for the starting middle linebacker spot that was Hardy Nickerson's last season.

"I'm excited to come in there and make an impact in the middle," Navies said on a conference call. "I've always been one of those types of players to be able to play every position, so I've been moved around a lot. I've done well at all of (the linebacker positions), so I don't think (middle) will be a problem."

With the bulk of his snaps having come at outside linebacker, Navies will begin his education at middle linebacker immediately.

He's scheduled to fly from Charlotte to Green Bay this weekend to start getting acq..

NFL Europe To Proceed As Scheduled

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Mar 2003 14:08:52 CST

War is looming in Iraq, but for now the upcoming NFL Europe season will proceed as planned.

"We are monitoring developments, but at this point there has been no change in our plans to go forward with the NFL Europe season as scheduled," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello in a Wednesday release.

The league's six teams have been at NFLE training camps in Florida for the past three weeks, but the NFL has declined to comment on reports that Florida would serve as an alternate location for the NFLE season, if necessary.

The status of the 2003 NFLE season will be a subject of further review and debate at the NFL's annual meeting, which begins March 23 in Phoenix.

The Green Bay Packers have allocated 14 players to NFLE this season, including quarterback Craig Nall and guard/center Bill Ferrario.

NFLE players are schedule to leave for Europe March 25 and 26, with the season beginning April 5 and running until World Bowl IX in Glasgow, Scotland, June 1..

Bengals Match Offer Sheet On Spearman

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2003 18:03:08 CST

The Cincinnati Bengals have matched the Green Bay Packers' offer sheet on restricted free agent linebacker Armegis Spearman, the Bengals' official website reported Monday.

The Packers executed an offer sheet for Spearman last Thursday, at which point Cincinnati had seven days to match the offer or lose Spearman to the Packers.

According to the article, Spearman said he would have preferred to play for the Packers, where he believed he'd have a chance at a starting job.

"I've got nothing against the Bengals," he said. "Green Bay is a better situation for me because I've got a chance to start."

March Sales Continue At The Packers Pro Shop

Mon, 17 Mar 2003 09:11:40 CST

As March rolls on, the sales move into another week at the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com.

For seven days only (March 17-23), fans can choose from three new sale items, starting with the Reebok Serpentine Flat Crew Sweatshirt, which has been reduced from an original price of $42.95 to only $29.95.

The Reebok Long-Sleeved Sideline Stack Tee has been marked down from $21.95 to $14.95 this week, while the Reebok Top Load Back Pack is on sale for $17.95, down from $24.95.

These special one-week sale prices are in addition to more than 50 clearance items, available while supplies last, so make your order today.

Remember, the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com are the only shopping locations where your purchases help the Packers win!

You Asked. Packers.com Answers.

Fri, 14 Mar 2003 18:11:11 CST

The offseason is a great time to catch up on questions submitted to Ask Packers.com.

In this edition we cover topics ranging from NFL scheduling, to actor Matthew McConaughey (or his father, to be exact), to why Packers.com doesn't include photos of cheerleaders.

With the addition of the Houston Texans last year, schedule irregularities were to be a thing of the past. Every team would visit every other team's home stadium once every eight years. According to next year's schedule that is not the case with our visit to Tampa Bay again. Why is the NFL not holding true to their word? -- Nick (Mauston, WI)

Several people asked questions regarding this topic, and the truth is that the Packers could potentially play at Tampa for a third straight time in 2004. But the NFL is holding to its word, it's just somewhat confusing to understand.

Here's how it works: Every year 14 of the 16 games are predetermined. Six games are reserved for divisional..

Packers Execute Offer Sheet For Spearman

Thu, 13 Mar 2003 16:09:26 CST

The Green Bay Packers have executed an offer sheet to the Cincinnati Bengals for linebacker Armegis Spearman, a restricted free agent, Packers Vice President of Player Finance Andrew Brandt confirmed Thursday.

The Bengals have seven days in which to match the offer. If they do not, no compensation would be due from the Packers because Spearman, a three-year professional, came into the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2000.

The Packers have no other comments on the matter at this time.

Spearman, a four-year letterman as a collegian at Ole Mis, has played in 22 games over his three pro seasons, with 11 starts. His first name is pronounced 'ar-MEE-gis.'

Luchey Eager To Bring Versatility

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2003 17:28:12 CST

Signed Wednesday to a multi-year deal that makes him the Packers' fullback of the future, Nick Luchey isn't sure when his day will come to be the team's starter, but he does know what he brings to the table immediately.

In a word: versatility.

At 6-foot-1, 270 pounds, Luchey is imposing as a lead blocker, but he also has the athletic ability to carry the football and work out of the backfield as a receiver. Last season with Cincinnati he even lined up as a tight end on occasion.

So when asked in a teleconference Wednesday whether he considered himself a "pure fullback," Luchey had trouble coming up with an answer.

"That's kind of a trick question," he said. "Because sometimes when people say 'pure fullback,' they say: 'Well, he's a guy that can block.' And then if he's not a pure fullback: 'Well, he's an athletic guy who can't block.'"

Luchey says he fits into neither of those categories.

"I can block with the best of them," he..

Another Seven Days Of Sales At The Packers Pro Shop

Mon, 10 Mar 2003 09:23:22 CST

The sales continue this week at the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com.

For seven days only (March 10-16), fans can select from three fantastic sale items, starting with the Reebok Property Of Tee for only $12.95, down from $17.95.

The Reebok Playdry White Cap also is marked down to $12.95, from an original price of $19.95.

Finally, Genuine Stuff Nylon Hooded Wind Suits are available in newborn, toddler and pre-school sizes, starting as low as $19.95.

These special one-week sale prices are in addition to more than 50 clearance items, available while supplies last, so make your order today.

Remember, the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com are the only shopping locations where your purchases help the Packers win!

Clifton Begins Comeback

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Mar 2003 17:36:54 CST

When doctors told Chad Clifton that his injuries more closely resembled those of an auto accident than a football hit, Clifton wasn't surprised.

"It felt like one," he said Friday, remembering the pain he experienced when lying on the field at Raymond James Stadium last November.

Tampa Bay's Brian Kelly had been returning an interception when Clifton's 6-foot-5, 327-pound frame was leveled by 6-foot-2, 303-pound Warren Sapp.

It was like two SUVs jackknifing on the highway. And Clifton hadn't seen the accident coming until it was too late.

In the weeks that followed, as he watched replays of the event from a hospital bed, he deemed the debilitating hit "legal," if "unnecessary." The kind of hit that happens in football "every week."

But most hits don't leave one player bedridden for over a month, or requiring the use of a walker at the age of 26. Most hits don't cause fractures and tears in a player's pelvis. Most hits don't cause inter..

Clifton Doesn't Begrudge Sapp

Arnie Stapleton, AP — Thu, 06 Mar 2003 14:51:39 CST

Chad Clifton vows to return to the Green Bay Packers and insists he doesn't hold a grudge against Warren Sapp.

Still, he wishes Sapp had called on him in the hospital after delivering the blind-side hit that left Clifton with a career-threatening hip injury.

"I'm not bitter toward him. You assume the risks when you play this game," Clifton said in his first extensive interview since he was hurt in November. "It was a perfectly legal hit. I honestly don't think he went out trying to hurt me purposely."

Sapp's hit came after Tampa Bay's Brian Kelly intercepted a pass and headed for the goal line. After the game, Packers coach Mike Sherman confronted Sapp on the field after the game, saying it was unnecessarily rough.

The league later ruled the hit legal and Sapp was not disciplined.

Clifton spent four days in a Tampa hospital before returning home with a sprained pelvis, a sprained back, swelling and internal bleeding but never heard from Sa..

Hunt Happy About New Contract

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 05 Mar 2003 16:28:00 CST

Wednesday the much-reported deal became official as the Green Bay Packers announced the signing of defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt to a multi-year contract extension.

For the Packers, who potentially could lose both Gilbert Brown and Vonnie Holliday to the free agent market this offseason, it means security along the defensive line. For Hunt, it means relief.

"I wanted a deal done, the sooner the better," Hunt said Wednesday from his offseason residence in Memphis, Tenn.

"I'm fortunate that a deal could be worked out. My time with the team has been nothing but a good experience. I'm pleased with the organization and being a part of the Packers. Plus, the Packers are the team that drafted me and if I can I want to finish my career there."

In Hunt, the Packers secure a player on the rise.

His first three seasons in the league, Hunt was asked to flip-flop between tackle and defensive end. But the departure of Santana Dotson last offseason..

Redskins Submit Offer Sheet For Bowen

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 04 Mar 2003 18:51:34 CST

Packers Vice President of Player Finance Andrew Brandt confirmed Tuesday that the Washington Redskins have submitted an offer sheet for restricted free agent safety Matt Bowen.

The Packers have seven days to match the offer, or lose Bowen to the Redskins and accept draft-choice compensation in return.

The Packers would receive the Redskins' sixth-round pick in the 2003 draft.

The Packers have no other comments on the matter at this time.

Tauscher Finds Lesson Reading To Students

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 04 Mar 2003 17:10:23 CST

The audience was a group of first-graders, but the message spoke to the 25-year-old man at the head of the class.

Tuesday, Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher read stories to student groups at Pioneer Elementary School in Ashwaubenon, Wis., in support of the Read Across America campaign.

One of the books told the tale of a soccer-playing frog that overcomes several mistakes and eventually scores a game-winning goal for his team.

With great enthusiasm, Tauscher read the book to the students and then asked what they learned from the story.

One first-grader identified the moral perfectly: that perseverance pays off.

An appropriate message for people of all ages, it was especially fitting for Tauscher, who is in the midst of rehabbing a devastating knee injury that ended his 2002 season only two games into the schedule.

But Tauscher isn't a stranger to effort and determination. As he explained to the kids at Pioneer Elementary, i..

Sales Continue At The Packers Pro Shop

Mon, 03 Mar 2003 15:00:33 CST

Special seven-day sales are continuing into March at the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com

For this week only (March 3-9), fans can go online and choose from three sale items, or pick up a fourth thanks to an exclusive in-store offer.

Available both in-store and online are Reebok Short Sleeve Sideline Stack Tees, marked down from $17.95 to $12.95. First Down Crew Sweatshirts -- available in three different colors -- have been reduced from $31.95 to only $19.95, with Pullover Youth Trainer Jackets going for $27.95, down from $39.95.

In-store only, Reebok Gridiron Classic Jackets have been reduced from $79.95 to $54.95.

These special one-week sale prices are in addition to more than 50 clearance items, available while supplies last, so make your order today.

Remember, the Packers Pro Shop and PackersProShop.com are the only shopping locations where your purchases help the Packers win!