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Mini-Camp Report - April 30, 2003

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:36:19 CST

Rain pushed the Green Bay Packers indoors for their first mini-camp practice of 2003, but it didn't dampen sprits.

Wednesday's workout was for veterans only, with rookies not scheduled to participate until Friday, but there were plenty of new faces around.

Al Harris, Nick Luchey, Hannibal Navies, Chukie Nwokorie and Grey Ruegamer were among the players at their first Packers practice, as were coaches John Bonamego, Mark Duffner and Joe Philbin.

Sherman said his No. 1 goal of mini-camp was "not to get anybody hurt," but he also hopes to see his team build some chemistry.

"The major point of emphasis was just getting everybody back together, get used to playing with each other," Sherman said. "We have about 15 new faces on the team today that weren't with us (last season) and 15 faces that were with us that are no longer there. We're trying to get everybody together, get the veteran players to help the new players along and get the new players to l..

Packers Notebook - Crouch Gets His Shot

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:32:39 CST

After a year away from football, Eric Crouch finally got his chance Wednesday to play quarterback in the NFL.

Granted, it was only in the Green Bay Packers' mini-camp practice. But it meant for more reps than the former Heisman Trophy winner got last offseason in St. Louis, where he was asked to play wide receiver.

"I couldn't be more excited to be here," Crouch said afterward. "I'm happy about the situation I'm in."

The situation, it seems, still needs to be defined.

Wednesday, Crouch worked only as a quarterback, but earlier in the week GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman indicated his interest to try Crouch as a punt returner.

Last year Crouch retired from the NFL rather than play a position that wasn't quarterback, but for the moment the former University of Nebraska star seems more agreeable to playing elsewhere.

"Any way that I can help this team win football games, I'd be willing to do that," Crouch said Wednesday.

Provid..

Walker Got Bigger To Be Better

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2003 19:31:37 CST

A year ago at this time, wide receiver Javon Walker was a rookie. And he looked like one.

Dropped balls and wrong routes, Walker wasn't immune to the mistakes that plague seemingly every player in his NFL infancy.

Wednesday, as the Green Bay Packers opened up their first mini-camp of 2003, Walker stepped onto the practice field a veteran. And he looked like one.

It wasn't just the way Walker scampered underneath a 35-yard Brett Favre pass to catch it in stride that showed how much he's evolved in the last year. It was that this time when Walker tucked the ball into his chest the pigskin almost disappeared behind noticeably larger biceps.

Quite simply: Walker has been hitting the weights this offseason, and it shows.

"I am a little bigger," Walker admitted with a smile after practice. "That was my goal (for the offseason) ... The thing about me is, I have a real problem holding weight. I'll come into (training) camp and lose 10 pounds ..

Lofton Added To Ring Of Fame

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2003 18:32:11 CST

In January, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Lofton was selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tuesday, he found a permanent place inside Lambeau Field.

In recognition of his Hall of Fame selection, Lofton became the 20th individual to have his name displayed as part of Lambeau Field's ring of fame.

Added Tuesday morning, the Lofton lettering is in the northwest corner of the stadium interior, neighboring that of Robert "Cal" Hubbard.

The first NFL player to catch a touchdown pass in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Lofton is the Packers' all-time leader in receiving yards.

His enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, will take place August 3.

To be inducted alongside Lofton are running back Marcus Allen, defensive end Elvin Bethea, offensive lineman Joe DeLamielleure and coach Hank Stram.

The Packers' total of 20 Hall of Famers trails only the Chicago..

Veterans Report For Mini-Camp

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Apr 2003 17:08:45 CST

If the NFL Draft doesn't mark the dawn of a new season, April mini-camp certainly does.

Tuesday the Green Bay Packers opened their first mini-camp of 2003 with veteran players reporting to Lambeau Field to attend meetings and undergo physical testing.

Players also were fitted for equipment, ranging from helmets to mouthguards.

Practices for the veterans begin Wednesday, with rookies entering the mix Friday.

Mini-Camp Practice Schedule

Wed., April 30 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*

Thurs., May 1 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*

Fri., May 2 - 10:30 a.m. (veterans & rookies), 2:45 p.m. (rookies & selected veterans)*

Sat., May 3 - 10:30 a.m. (veterans & rookies), 2:45 p.m. (rookies & selected veterans)*

Sun. May 4 - 9:30 a.m. (rookies & selected veterans)*

* All practices are scheduled to be held at Clarke Hinkle Field (open to public), unless inclement weather or poor field conditions require practices to be ..

NFL Europe: Nall Shines In Week 4

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 28 Apr 2003 16:14:57 CST
As if reassuring the Green Bay Packers that quarterback wasn't a position needing to be addressed in the 2003 NFL Draft, 2002 draftee Craig Nall put together perhaps his finest performance of the NFL Europe season Sunday.

Leading his Scottish Claymores (2-2) to a 34-17 win over the Berlin Thunder (0-4), Nall completed 17-of-30 passes (56 percent) for 238 yards and three touchdowns, against only one interception.

Nall was at his best in the second half, hitting on nine of 13 attempts and leading the Claymores on scoring drives of 49 and 94 yards.

Nall's first touchdown pass, a 10-yarder to wide receiver Anthony Bright (Houston Texans), capped off a 70-yard drive and put the Claymores ahead 14-7 going into the second quarter.

The Claymores were only up by 3 in the third when Nall dished to running back Ken Simonton (Buffalo Bills) for a 23-yard score.

Nall's final touchdown pass was an 11-yarder to wide receiver Edell Shepherd (Chicago Bears..

Packers Take 7 On Draft's Final Day

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2003 23:43:00 CST
One thing the Green Bay Packers didn't do Sunday was stand still.

On the second day of the 2003 NFL Draft the Packers made three trades on their way to picking seven players, four on defense and three on offense, including a return specialist.

To their first-day picks of linebacker Nick Barnett and defensive lineman Kenny Peterson, the Packers added Oregon State defensive tackle James Lee, Vanderbilt linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, Notre Dame tackle Brennan Curtin, Louisville cornerback Chris Johnson, South Florida wide receiver/return specialist DeAndrew Rubin, Toledo wide receiver Carl Ford and Carson-Newman linebacker Steve Josue.

The Packers' nine selections were the most since 2000, when they drafted 13 players.

The Packers actually had 11 selections going into this year's draft, but traded two of those picks away over the course of the weekend, plus a sixth-round pick in 2004.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said before the draft that it w..

Packers Trade Up To Acquire Peterson

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2003 23:49:18 CST
As the Green Bay Packers' first-round pick approached Saturday, one of the players receiving consideration for the 29th overall pick was Ohio State defensive lineman Kenny Peterson.

So when Peterson lasted into the third round, the Packers did what was necessary to put him in a green and gold uniform.

Swapping third-round picks with the Buffalo Bills, and trading away their fourth-round pick (127 overall), the Packers moved up from 94th to 79th and landed the All-Big Ten player.

"We made a move to go up to make sure we got him," said Packers vice president of football operations Mark Hatley. "I think when there is a quality player like Kenny Peterson you have to go get that."

The Packers' thinking was that their fourth-round pick was so late in the round, it might as well have been a fifth-round selection. Thus it became expendable.

"That's the way we looked at it," Hatley said. "We felt good about Kenny and we felt like for us to get a..

Barnett Pleasantly Surprised By Pick

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2003 22:52:39 CST
Less than an hour after the Green Bay Packers selected him with the 29th overall pick of the 2003 NFL Draft, Oregon State's Nick Barnett didn't hesitate when asked if he went into the weekend knowing that he would be a first-round pick.

"Of course not," he said, speaking to Wisconsin media on a conference call from Barstow, Calif. "I hoped I would be. I had aspirations to be, (but) I had no clue where I was going in the draft.

"To tell you the truth I thought there was a possibility I might not be picked up today."

From those humble beginnings, Barnett not only became the first linebacker to be drafted in the first round by the Packers since Wayne Simmons in 1993, he also became the first linebacker selected in the 2003 draft.

He went ahead of names like Boss Bailey of Georgia and E.J. Henderson of Maryland.

After a senior season in which he led the Pac-10 Conference with 121 tackles, Barnett said he knew his draft stock had been rising ..

For Packers, Barnett Was Best Of The Bunch

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2003 21:40:23 CST
By the time they were on the clock with the 29th pick of the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers not only found a linebacker available, they had the pick of the litter.

In selecting Oregon State's Nick Barnett, the Packers became the first team to take a linebacker off the board in the 2003 draft, erasing any doubt that they landed the man they coveted at that position.

"We had him as the top linebacker in the draft," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said after the selection. "I feel fortunate that he was able to be there when we were picking. I really didn't think he would make it this far."

In Barnett the Packers get a quick but strong linebacker who is still a month away from his 22nd birthday.

According to the Packers' coaching staff, Barnett led all linebackers at the scouting combine in both the bench press and short shuttle run.

Last season he led the Pac-10 Conference with 121 tackles.

Originally recruited to OSU as a defensive b..

Packers' 2002 Class Shares Draft Memories

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2003 10:09:35 CST
Essentially on the clock since the end of the 2002 season, the Cincinnati Bengals erased any speculation surrounding the identity of their No. 1 pick when they signed USC quarterback Carson Palmer Thursday, two days before the official start of the 2003 NFL Draft.

But if the draft's No. 1 pick will pass by Saturday morning with little drama, how the following 261 selections will go down over the next 48 hours is anybody's guess.

For the fan, the draft is a time of excitement. Having your team on the clock is like having a birthday gift in your lap...and as you unwrap you hope that what's inside is something you'll cherish forever.

For the team, the draft is a time of possibility. After months of preparation, the effect of these two days can be felt for years to come.

For the draft-eligible player, the draft is time of mixed emotions -- excitement and anxiety.

Palmer knows where he's headed next season, and maybe there are a handful of ot..

Packers' War Room Awaits Inaugural Draft

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 20:43:19 CST
Friday evening, John Dorsey, the Green Bay Packers' director of college scouting, sits back in his chair and takes one last call.

For the moment, the room around him is quiet. Empty. By Saturday morning it will be abuzz with activity.

It's the Packers 'War Room.'

From this very room, the Packers will make 11 draft choices this weekend, picks that will affect the organization for years to come.

This room is less than a year old, part of the Packers' new facilities at a renovated Lambeau Field. It's never seen a draft. But it soon will.

The room is oriented to the east wall. Right now all one can see is a curtain. But behind that veil is the Packers' draft board.

At the table facing the board will be Dorsey, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, Vice President of Football Operations Mark Hatley and John Schneider, personnel analyst to the GM.

Also among those in the room will be Director of Pro Per..

NFL Europe Week 4 Preview

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:39:54 CST
Entering the fourth week of the NFL Europe season, only one team remains undefeated. That's good news for Green Bay Packers defensive back Jeremy Unertl and punter Tim Morgan, who are with the 3-0 Frankfurt Galaxy.

Frankfurt will look to keep its winning streak alive Saturday against the 1-2 Amsterdam Admirals in a game televised to United States audiences on FOX Sports Net at noon CT.

Unertl and Morgan each have played significant roles in their team's success to this point. Although switched from safety to cornerback due to injuries, Unertl made two interceptions last weekend and ranks fifth on the club with 10 tackles. Morgan was the NFLE's special teams player of the week in Week 2.

Looking to snap the Galaxy's winning ways are the Admirals, whose roster includes Packers wide receiver Travis Williams.

Although held without a catch the first week of the season, Williams has five receptions over the last two games.

Also Saturday, the ..

NFL Europe Going Well For Nall

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:38:37 CST
Three games into the season, Green Bay Packers second-year quarterback Craig Nall is pleased with his performance leading the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe.

At least, for the most part.

"I think I'm doing a pretty good job," Nall said Thursday from his hotel room in Scotland. "But there have been a couple times where, I don't know, maybe I've lost focus or something.

"I mean, I know that sometimes you're just not going to make the play. But there have been stretches where I know I'm better than what I've shown."

Despite any self-perceived lapses, Nall is proving himself capable of leading an offense.

His 565 yards passing on 38-of-69 completions leads the league, and his three touchdown passes tie for the NFLE best.

But the number that frustrates Nall is in the win-loss column, where the Claymores are only 1-2 and losers of two straight.

"We seem to be moving the ball well enough to win, but we're just not doing well..

Jeremy Unertl: NFL Europe Diary

Thu, 24 Apr 2003 18:36:12 CST
As NFL Europe approaches its fourth weekend, only the Frankfurt Galaxy remain undefeated.

In part, the Galaxy have defensive back Jeremy Unertl to thank. Allocated to NFLE by the Green Bay Packers, the former Wisconsin-La Crosse standout expected to play safety. Instead, injuries have forced him to cornerback, where he made two interceptions in Frankfurt's Week 3 win.

Closing in on a trip to Amsterdam to face the 1-2 Admirals, Unertl checked in with Packers.com in the form of an NFL Europe Diary:

Jeremy Unertl: We're three weeks into the NFL Europe season and things are starting to fall into a routine. We get started around 7:45 every morning and go until about 4:30 in the afternoon. Sometimes we watch film as a team at night, but otherwise we have the rest of the night to ourselves. For us, the focus here is football, and the more we get into a routine, the more it feels like being home.

The team has a good nucleus and is a cool..

Henderson Takes Crack At Broadcasting

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 18:34:16 CST
A graduate of North Carolina with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Green Bay Packers fullback William Henderson planned to use this offseason like he had others in the past, working toward a pair of master's degrees in physical therapy and orthotics and prosthetics.

Instead, Henderson finds himself in an unlikely place for a guy approaching his ninth season of professional football: NFL Europe.

He's not there as a player, of course, but rather as an analyst for FOX Sports.

Henderson made his debut last weekend opposite play-by-play man Spero Dedes, and this Sunday will join Nick Halling to handle the call of the Scottish Claymores-Berlin Thunder game, which will be available to United States audiences via DirecTV.

"Broadcasting is something I just wanted to try," Henderson said Thursday via telephone in Berlin. "It's just one of the many interests that I have."

Henderson first considered broadcasting two offseasons ago, but his ..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Quarterbacks

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2003 16:10:06 CST
A quarterback won the Heisman Trophy this year and he'll likely end up the No. 1 pick of the 2003 NFL Draft. That's enough to say it's a good year for the quarterback position in this draft. Of course, I'm referring to Carson Palmer, the top player in this weekend's selection process.

Palmer isn't alone as a first-round QB selection. With three other signal-callers probably going in the first round, it has to be considered an excellent draft for the most important position in football. Byron Leftwich (Marshall), Kyle Boller (California) and Rex Grossman (Florida) should know which team is their new home early enough on Saturday afternoon to go celebrate.

But what about the curse of the first-round quarterbacks?

It's a popular opinion that teams shy away from taking quarterbacks in the first round because it's 50-50 they will turn out to be busts. Smart teams perpetuate that kind of thinking in hopes good quarterbacks fall to them in the draft. Green Bay ..

Packers Claim QB Eric Crouch

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2003 16:52:18 CST
The Green Bay Packers were awarded quarterback Eric Crouch on waivers Wednesday.

A Hesiman Trophy winner while at the University of Nebraska, Crouch was out of football last season after being drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2002 draft.

The Rams planned to use Crouch as a wide receiver, but after making it through training camp, Crouch forfeited his signing bonus and retired, saying he didn't want to play in NFL if he couldn't be a quarterback.

Crouch is one of three players in NCAA Division-I history to rush for more than 3,000 yards and throw for more than 4,000 yards in a career.

He remains on the reserve/retired list.

Crouch (2001) would be the sixth Heisman Trophy winner to play for the Packers, joining Bruce Smith (1941), Paul Hornung (1956), Ty Detmer (1990), Desmond Howard (1991) and Danny Wuerffel (1996).

A complete press release will follow.

Rivera To Host Pair Of Charity Events In May

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2003 16:06:25 CST
Pro Bowl offensive guard Marco Rivera is teaming up with the Bay Area Humane Society & Animal Shelter to host a pair of charity events in May.

Tail Gate, a dinner and auction at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay, will be held May 9 from 6-10 p.m.

Rivera and his wife Michelle will be in attendance, in addition to fullback William Henderson, linebacker Na'il Diggs, wide receiver Donald Driver, defensive end Aaron Kampman and linebacker Torrance Marshall, among other Packers celebrities.

General admission seating goes for $50 per person, while sponsorship club seating is valued at $600 for a table of eight. Those who purchase the sponsorship package will be seated at a premier table with the chance to dine with one or more Packers celebrities.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Humane Society, as well as the Marco Rivera Outreach Foundation.

The same can be said of PETCO's Pet Walk, which follows May 10.

Including appearan..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Running Backs

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2003 14:33:08 CST
The good news: Kansas City's Priest Holmes wasn't even drafted, and he was the most complete back in the league last season. The bad news: NFL teams looking for the next Holmes probably don't have a great back staring them in the face as a first-round pick. The 2003 draft class doesn't appear to have a Ricky Williams-type player who's ready to be plugged into a lineup.

Before I get into the top backs of this year's draft, there are some common threads among this year's class that require mentioning. First, there is way too much medical history among many of the top candidates. Second, there also are an unusual number of transfers from one school to another. Finally, if it weren't for underclassmen leaving early, there wouldn't be much of a draft class at the RB position.

When it comes to being a running back in the NFL, teams would really prefer a guy who hasn't had much of a medical history. Between the preseason, a 16-game schedule and the postseason, there is a..

Packers Release Mini-Camp Schedule

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 14:10:28 CST
Tuesday the Green Bay Packers formalized the practice times for their upcoming mini-camp, which runs from Wednesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 4, in Green Bay.

At this point all practices are scheduled to be held outside on Clarke Hinkle Field, across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field, and remain open to the public.

However, inclement weather or poor field conditions could force the Packers to practice indoors at the Don Hutson Center.

Practices inside the Hutson Center are closed to the public.

Although hopeful that all or some of the mini-camp practices can be held on Clarke Hinkle Field, the Packers' grounds crew reports that the current field conditions would require the Packers to practice indoors.

Mini-Camp Practice Schedule
Wed., April 30 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*
Thurs., May 1 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*
Fri., May 2 - 10:30 a.m. (veterans & rookies), 2:45 p.m. (rookies & selected veterans)*
Sat., May 3 - 10:30 a.m...

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Wide Receivers

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 12:35:14 CST
The NFL has a thirst for wide receivers that is never satisfied. Last year, 34 receivers were selected, and by the time this year's draft comes to an end, another 34 (or more) will be taken. Teams carry upwards of six active receivers on a roster and most teams have personnel packages that require three or four wide receivers on the field at the same time. Speed is a critical component to the position and young players with speed make teams as third and fourth receivers.

Last year, three wide receivers were drafted in the first round: Donte Stallworth (New Orleans), Ashley Lelie (Denver) and Javon Walker (Green Bay). A year later, Stallworth is going to be a starter opposite Joe Horn, and the other two just can't be considered locks to start yet.

This year, there are four first-round candidates who make the 2003 class superior to 2002. In fact, most offensive coaches and scouts I talk with consider Charles Rogers (Michigan State) and Andre Johnson (Miami) the "eli..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Tight Ends

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 12:32:47 CST
When you stop and think what NFL teams ask a tight end to do, you have to wonder why there aren't three to four drafted in the first round every year. They have to block like linemen, run routes like wide receivers and play on just about every special team. The truth is, very few of the young men coming out of college can do it all, and very few are drafted in the first round.

We all saw the immediate impact 2003 first-round tight end Jeremy Shockey had on the Giants. Is there another Shockey this year? After studying the tight end population in this class, I really don't think we'll see a guy have that kind of impact. The Saints were the most likely to draft a tight end in the first round but they instead elected to sign former Rams tight end Ernie Conwell. Thus, we may not see a tight end go in the first round.

Last year, three tight ends were selected in Round 1. That won't happen this year, but I would give strong consideration to two tight ends in the second ..

Sherman Not Pressed To Find Favre's Replacement

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 19:04:46 CST
Meeting with members of the state media Monday afternoon in a press conference to discuss the upcoming NFL Draft, Green Bay GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman understandably couldn't and wouldn't say who the Packers will select with their first-round pick this Saturday.

But what he did suggest is that the Packers are in no greater hurry to find Brett Favre's heir apparent at quarterback than they were a season ago.

That might come as a surprise to some, considering the overwhelming media attention bestowed upon the topic of Favre and his eventual, inevitable retirement in recent months.

But having met with Favre this spring at his offseason residence in Hattiesburg, Miss., Sherman isn't declaring the quarterback situation code red.

"We visited at good length and he's excited about coming back, excited about this year," Sherman said of his meeting with Favre.

"If he feels this way (after the season) next year, he'll keep playing and keep playing an..

Butler Releases Autobiography

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 11:23:07 CST
During his 12-year NFL career, spent entirely with the Green Bay Packers, safety LeRoy Butler made headlines as he established himself among the game's elite. Yet Butler's real success wasn't found in how he played the game, but that he did so at all.

Now only 34 years old and less than a year removed from his injury-forced retirement, Butler's life to this point has the makings of a good story, which is why it's no surprise that the always-outspoken Butler has decided to tell it himself.

Monday, Butler released a 208-page autobiography co-written by James J. Keller titled: 'The LeRoy Butler Story: From Wheelchair to the Lambeau Leap.'

The book, currently on sale at his website LeRoyButler36.com, details Butler's rise from the projects of Jacksonville, Fla., to the NFL. It also describes how Butler spent part of his childhood confined to a wheelchair, because the bones in his fee..

NFL Europe: Week 3 Recap

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2003 11:05:03 CST
Green Bay Packers safety Jeremy Unertl broke up three passes, including two fourth-quarter interceptions, to help the Frankfurt Galaxy move to 3-0 in NFL Europe action over the weekend.

The Galaxy defeated the Berlin Thunder (0-3) 41-21 to remain NFLE's only undefeated team.

Unertl's first interception occurred just into the fourth quarter when he brought in a Henry Burris (Chicago Bears) pass at the Frankfurt 25-yard-line and returned it 16 yards.

His second pick came on the game's final play, intercepting backup quarterback Phil Stambaugh in the end zone for a touchback.

In addition to those interceptions, Unertl also made five tackles.

Packers punter Tim Morgan was needed only twice by the Galaxy, first booting a 41-yarder out of bounds, and later pinning the Thunder at their own 18-yard-line with a 34-yard effort.

In other NFL Europe action, the Rhein Fire (2-1) defeated the Scottish Claymores (1-2) 34-17.

Starting fo..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Offensive Linemen

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 20:27:59 CST
More than any other position in football, offensive line coaches talk to each other and usually arrive at a consensus about the pecking order of talent in the draft. Also, the offensive line is the one area on a team where substitutions are few, be it during games or the season.

Players drafted in the first three rounds usually play a lot of football early in their careers. Offensive line coaches believe that their players need to work in harmony, and refuse to think there is a down-and-distance situation that is cause for a substitution.

Drafted offensive linemen are usually considered "safe" picks, and what everyone hopes for is that they select one that will be considered a "10-year guy." Last year's draft produced six of those guys for sure, and maybe another four are close to that status already. In fact, I haven't spoken with one offensive line coach who sees that kind of group in the 2003 draft. One respected coach told me, "Try half that number this year."..

NFL Europe Opens Third Week

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2003 20:07:53 CST
Two Green Bay Packers will look to remain undefeated as NFL Europe moves into its third weekend of competition Saturday.

Members of the Frankfurt Galaxy (2-0), punter Tim Morgan and safety Jeremy Unertl will look to help their team to a 3-0 start, hosting the winless Berlin Thunder (0-2) Saturday at noon CT.

Morgan proved vital in the Galaxy's victory last week, punting seven times for a 42.1 average and recovering an onsides kick en route to NFLE Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Unertl contributed three tackles and broke up a pass from Packers quarterback Craig Nall of the Scottish Claymores.

Nall leads the NFLE with 415 yards passing through two games. His Claymores (1-1), including Packers safety Bobby Jackson and linebackers Isaac Keys and Jermaine Petty, face off Saturday against the Rhein Fire (1-1), televised live to United States audiences on Fox Sports Net at noon CT.

Packers wide receiver Travis Williams will be in action with t..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Safeties

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2003 17:27:51 CST
Simply stated, to be a first-round candidate at safety a player must be versatile. He must be able to cover the deep middle of the field in the passing game, slide up to the linebacker level and play the run, line up man-to-man against backs like Tiki Barber or a receiver like Jerry Porter, have a knack for sacking the QB when his blitz is called, and be smart enough to make all the adjustments.

Suffice to say, not many guys can do it all.

Ironically, safeties are not usually high first-round draft picks, but the top one or two candidates settle for the latter half of the first round.

What can be said about top draft picks at the safety position is that they will play a lot of football very early in their careers. The top safeties picked in the past two years are Ed Reed (Baltimore), Roy Williams (Dallas), Adam Archuleta (St. Louis) and Derrick Gibson (Oakland) -- they averaged participating in 77 percent of the defensive plays for their teams this past ..

Brandt's NFL Draft Tidbits

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Thu, 17 Apr 2003 17:30:09 CST
Here are some interesting notes you may not have known about the NFL draft.

Over the past 10 years ...
* Only two teams have not had a pick in the first 10 overall selections. Those teams? The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins.
* Six players selected No. 1 overall are still with the team that picked them. They are David Carr (Houston, 2002), Michael Vick (Atlanta, 2001), Courtney Brown (Cleveland, 2000), Tim Couch (Cleveland, 1999), Peyton Manning (Indianapolis, 1998), and Orlando Pace (St. Louis, 1997).
* Three players picked No. 1 overall have played in the Super Bowl. Those players are Pace (twice, Super Bowl XXXIV and XXXVI), Drew Bledsoe (twice, Super Bowl XXXI and XXXVI) and Keyshawn Johnson (Super Bowl XXXVII).
* Eighty-four percent of the players who have been drafted were invited to the league's annual Scouting Combine.

Player tidbits ...
* Joe Iorio is the first (and only) walk-on at Penn State to start a game as a ..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Cornerbacks

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 15:37:42 CST
What always strikes me about drafting cornerbacks is that teams are going to take them early in the draft, no matter how good or bad they are. Teams need them more now than ever, especially with all the nickel and dime defenses teams see.

Most teams with winning records have played at least 50 percent of their defensive snaps in a package with more than two cornerbacks on the field, hence the thirst for these position players. The stress to find them has caused teams to reach for guys. In fact, almost half of this draft class has already been identified as probably not good enough to be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter but more likely a career No. 3 or No. 4 "package" player.

When it comes to true starter types who can become No. 1 corners that can line up on an elite wide receiver and take him out of the game, this draft may only have two players with those credentials - Terence Newman (Kansas State) and Marcus Trufant (Washington State).

It's clearly one of th..

Gbaja-Biamila Takes Part In Charity Basketball Game

Luke Sacks, NFLPlayers.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 13:25:06 CST
Already being honored for their community efforts, 12 NFL players participated in a special basketball game at Washington, DC's Gonzaga High School the morning of the 2003 NFL Fever/NFL Players Awards Gala on Thursday, April 10, 2003.

The players, consisting of 11 "Unsung Hero Award" winners and Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent, the Byron "Whizzer" White Award winner, were honored at a banquet later that night at the Washington Hilton."

The players were split up among two teams of gold-medal winning Special Olympics DC athletes for a four-quarter game.

"It was absolutely exceptional," said Cardinals wide receiver Frank Sanders. "You realize how much you take for granted. We take for granted our skills but when you come out here and you see these kids and how excited they are for the game, it makes you appreciate things a lot more."

Sanders, a former college baseball player at Auburn, is a great athlete bu..

Gbaja-Biamila Receives Unsung Hero Award

Luke Sacks, NFLPlayers.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2003 13:20:34 CST
The NFL Players Association and PLAYERS INC honored 32 players voted as "Unsung Heroes" by their teammates at the annual NFL Fever/NFL Players Awards Gala held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC on Thursday, April 10.

The event, which capped two days of activity for the players including a Washington Wizards home game and a Special Olympics basketball game, featured the presentation of 32 "Unsung Hero" awards. The awards recognize the one player from each of the NFL's teams who best exemplifies dedication and love of football, fans, and community. These players rarely get the spotlight and often do not receive recognition for their contributions to the community.

At the gala, which featured a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, and entertainment, 17 of the winners were on hand to accept their awards in person. "I'm grateful to my teammates for choosing me," said Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Frank Sanders,..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Linebackers

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2003 10:31:47 CST
As deep as the defensive line group is, the linebacker class is the opposite. There is very little to be excited about when it comes to linebackers this year. There are no Ray Lewis-type inside players, and on the outside, the best player may wind up at safety before his career is over.

But there's something that makes the shallow list of linebackers interesting. The group of teams that desperately need a linebacker is short, but not short enough to satisfy everyone. From what I have been able to gather in my discussions, no more than 10 linebackers will get their name called on the first day. The first round should be the home for one inside backer and one outside backer. A team like the Eagles could grab a third backer late in the first round, but that's not likely.

There is a consensus top outside linebacker and a top inside linebacker in this draft, and they have both stayed on top since the college season ended. Boss Bailey, brother of Redskins cornerback Cha..

Kirwan's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Defensive Linemen

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Tue, 15 Apr 2003 10:34:20 CST
In the first of a series of articles on the positions in the 2003 NFL Draft, I start with the defensive line. It's the appropriate place to begin the positional breakdowns because it is the deepest position in the draft pool, but it is not a bottomless well.

By my estimations, 26 of the 32 teams will want to draft a defensive lineman on the first day. During the first round of the draft, you are going to feel like you hear a defensive lineman selected every other pick. I will not be surprised if 10 to 12 defensive linemen are selected in the first round.

It won't stop there because the second and third rounds will see another 10 to 12 get chosen. Do the math -- that's 20 to 24 defensive linemen and still a club or two will miss out on satisfying one of their pressing needs!

It may be easier to quickly go over the teams that probably won't take a defensive lineman in the draft. Miami, Pittsburgh, Carolina and St. Louis could pass on one in order to fill ..

NFL Europe: Week 2 Recap

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2003 10:01:08 CST
Craig Nall led them early, and he led them late, but in between the Scottish Claymores (1-1) couldn't find the end zone and lost to the Frankfurt Galaxy (2-0) 17-13 in Week 2 of NFL Europe action over the weekend.

For the game, Nall completed 18-of-34 passes (52 percent) for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked twice and threw one interception.

Nall started things off leading the Claymores on a nine-play, 85-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 22-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Bright (Houston Texans) at 11:25 in the first quarter. But Scotland wouldn't score again until 1:03 remained in the fourth quarter, when Nall found tight end Rashod Kent (Houston Texans) for a three-yard touchdown.

Packers safety Bobby Jackson made a game-high eight tackles in the losing effort, while linebackers Isaac Keys and Jermaine Petty combined for three tackles for the Claymores.

With the Galaxy on the victorious side were Packers safety Jeremy Unertl and pu..

NFL Europe Moves Into Second Week

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 11 Apr 2003 15:04:51 CST
One week after he completed 71 percent of his passes in a record-setting 62-31 win over the Berlin Thunder, Green Bay Packers quarterback Craig Nall will lead the Scottish Claymores into action against the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe action Sunday.

The Frankfurt-Scotland game is one of three NFLE games this weekend, but is the only one that will feature six Packers players.

Headlined by Nall, the Claymores' roster also includes Packers safety Bobby Jackson and linebackers Isaac Keys and Jermaine Petty.

With the Galaxy are punter Tim Morgan and safety Jeremy Unertl.

Both teams are 1-0 heading into this weekend's contest. Scotland's 62 points last week against the Berlin Thunder established an NFLE record.

Running back Ken Simonton (Buffalo Bills) had four touchdowns to lead the Claymores.

Nall completed 10 of his 14 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown, with no sacks or interceptions. Backup quarterback Shane Stafford (New Eng..

Driver Honored With Remmel Award

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 11 Apr 2003 13:40:39 CST
After a breakout season that landed him in the Pro Bowl, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver was honored with the professional achievement award at the sixth-annual Lee Remmel Sports Awards Banquet at the Swan Club in De Pere, Wis., Thursday night.

Driver joined current and former Packers Ryan Longwell, Ahman Green, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Vonnie Holliday and Bill Schroeder as the sixth recipient of the professional achievement award.

"What an honor it is to get this award," a proud Driver told the audience. "The press was asking me earlier, 'Donald, how do you feel?' And I told them words can't even explain how you feel to get an award (like this)."

Presenting the award to Driver was Packers receivers coach Ray Sherman, who called Driver an "enjoyment" to coach.

"I think one of the things that really stands out about Donald is his worth ethic," Sherman said. "I had the opportunity to coach one of the best receivers in the league, and th..

Random Questions With Steve Warren

Thu, 10 Apr 2003 16:45:28 CST
After missing all of 2001 due to injury, Steve Warren proved to be a valuable backup at both defensive tackle positions in 2002.

Although inactive for four contests, Warren made a career-high 19 tackles including one sack.

In the third game of the season at Detroit he forced a fumble and also batted a Joey Harrington pass at the line of scrimmage, which Marques Anderson intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

He finished the season by seeing his first playoff action.

Now preparing for what he hopes will be a strong 2003, Warren sat down with Packers.com to answer some Random Questions.

Packers.com: What have you been doing with your offseason?
Warren: "Pretty much I've been back in Nebraska working out, enjoying a little time with my family."

What have you been doing for fun?
"Nothing much, hanging out with some friends and family. That's all I really need. I went to the Super Bowl, and that's the exte..

Draft Has Its Wild Cards

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2003 14:30:37 CST
Just about every NFL club's staff is about to sit down for 10 days of 12-hours-a-day meetings to set their draft board. Coaches and medical staff will now join the team's personnel in bringing together all the information gathered to arrive at the draft slot for each player on the big board.

There are always some "wild card" players who can affect the status of a number of positions and the potential to move up or down by trading picks on Draft Day. Two weeks from now, there will be some last-minute changes, which I will address at that time. But now is the time for setting the big board.

I spent a few days with an NFL team late last week and I've spoken with a number of coaches and administrators about the wild cards. Here are a few of the players that have people shifting their draft boards:

QB Byron Leftwich of Marshall worked out for the first time this week and all of the NFL had their eyes on his performance. Most people I spoke with don't feel he ..

Random Questions With Nick Luchey

Mon, 07 Apr 2003 17:49:58 CST
The Green Bay Packers don't open their first mini-camp of the year until the end of the month, but Lambeau Field is hardly desolate.

Several players have returned to Green Bay to continue their offseason conditioning programs, or to take part in opportunity sessions.

Among those in town is fullback Nick Luchey, who signed with the Packers in March after four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Recently, Packers.com sat down with the 6-foot-2, 270-pounder to see how well he took on our Random Questions.

Packers.com: What has this offseason been like for you?
Luchey: "It's been busy. I was a free agent this year, so I did a lot of traveling around to different teams and preparing for free agency. It gets to be a tiring process after a while, especially the flying, plus meeting all the different coaching staffs, that can get exhausting too."

So how did it feel when you came to terms on a deal with the Packers?
"Great!..

Green Competes In MET-Rx Superstars

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Apr 2003 14:54:07 CST
Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green was one of several elite athletes who competed in the MET-Rx Superstars challenge, a made-for-TV sports competition that will air on CBS this weekend.

Competed and filmed at the Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Superstars event included a handful of NFL athletes: New York Jets defensive end John Abraham, New York Giants cornerback Will Allen, Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Garner, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Chris Hovan, Arizona Cardinals safety Dexter Jackson and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward.

Each athlete competed in seven of 10 events: swimming, weightlifting, kayaking, Sea-Doo racing, bicycling, basketball shoot-out, half-mile run, 100-yard dash, climbing wall and obstacle course.

The 2003 MET-Rx Superstars will air as two one-hour specials, Saturday (1:30 p.m. CT) and Sunday (12:30 p.m. CT).

NFL Europe Opens 11th Season Saturday

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Apr 2003 14:49:49 CST
This weekend, when NFL Europe officially kicks off its 11th season, seven members of the Green Bay Packers will be amongst the fray.

The Packers' contingent is spread out over three of the league's six teams.

Approaching his second NFL campaign, Craig Nall will quarterback the Scottish Claymores alongside three Packers newcomers in linebackers Isaac Keys and Jermaine Petty and safety Bobby Jackson.

The Frankfurt Galaxy boasts former UW-La Crosse standout Jeremy Unertl at safety, as well as punter Tim Morgan.

Wide receiver Travis Williams is the Packers' lone representative with the Amsterdam Admirals.

All three games this weekend are available on television to United States audiences.

Fox Sports Net will open the season with its tape-delayed telecast of the Amsterdam Admirals at the Rhein Fire, Saturday at noon CT.

DirecTV will carry the other two games, starting with th..

Harlan: Packers A National Draw

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2003 19:33:16 CST
Announced by the National Football League Thursday, the Packers' 2003 schedule will be as visible as it will be challenging.

That's great news for the legions of Packers fans that will be able to find half of the team's regular-season games on national television, including the NFL maximum four in prime-time.

"To have eight games featured on national TV is a great honor," said Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan. "I think it shows that the networks have tremendous interest in us.

"That's something we ought to cherish because there were a lot of times in the 1970s and 80s when every game we played was at noon, and people always asked why we weren't on national television."

National TV can pose some difficulties however.

For example, Milwaukee-area season ticket holders ended up with a Monday night game in their Gold package, Nov. 10, vs. Philadelphia.

"We tried to look at other options, but to be honest, it's not the first time they'..

Sherman: 2003 Schedule Is 'Challenging'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2003 19:32:07 CST
After the National Football League announced the 2003 regular-season schedule Thursday, Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman looked at Green Bay's slate from two sides.

"I think for the fan, it's a great schedule," he said. "For a coach and a player, it's quite challenging."

Like any year, the Packers' 2003 schedule has its good points.

The Packers get back-to-back home games to start the year, get to host division-winners Philadelphia and San Francisco at Lambeau Field and get enjoy their bye weekend toward the middle of the season, where it's arguably most valuable.

But 2003 also is daunting.

There's September, when the Packers have to face three division rivals in four weeks, and when their only reprieve from the NFC North is a trip to Arizona for a toasty afternoon kickoff with the Cardinals.

There's November, when the Packers must play Minnesota and Tampa Bay on the road, and when the Eagles and 49ers are hardly gimmes at home..

Packers' 2003 Schedule To Be Announced

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2003 10:40:52 CST
Today the National Football League will release the 2003 regular-season schedule.

Full details will be available later, but known already is that the Packers' opponent for their home opener and the rededication of Lambeau Field will be NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.

The Packers will play the NFL maximum four prime-time games in 2003, three on ABC's Monday Night Football and one on ESPN's Sunday Night Football.

Former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren and the Seattle Seahawks will visit Green Bay October 5.

The Philadelphia Eagles will come to Lambeau Field for a Monday night meeting November 10.

The Packers will meet the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day for the second time in three years.

And December 28, the Packers will close out the season at home against the Denver Broncos.

To learn the full 2003 schedule, check back on Packers.com later today.

Subscribers to the Packers.com eNews newsletter will have the..

Gbaja-Biamila: 'I Need To Be Here'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2003 21:50:50 CST
What happened Wednesday in Green Bay would have been hard to picture three years ago, when Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, then on the Packers' practice squad, was getting kicked out of the team's walkthrough practice for not paying attention.

But there have been better days for Gbaja-Biamila in Green Bay since then, and now there should be many more to come.

Wednesday, the defensive end known as "KGB" signed a multi-year contract that will keep him in a Packers uniform through the 2009 season.

He did so with the Philadelphia Eagles also aggressively courting his services. And ultimately it may have been because of, not in spite of, that rocky beginning that made Gbaja-Biamila so determined to stay.

"I just felt that I need to be here," Gbaja-Biamila said in a press conference Wednesday. "When I came here to Green Bay there were some goals that I set, like breaking Reggie White's (career sacks) record.

"I remember when I got kicked off the footbal..