Packers.com

Mini-Camp Report - April 30

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 23:00:09 CST

Green Bay Packers mini-camp continued into its third day Friday, although this time the rookies got involved.

After waking up early to go through their physicals and get fitted for equipment, the 2004 rookie class was on the football field at the Don Hutson Center by 10:30 a.m.

Practice began with individual drills, allowing drafted cornerbacks Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas to work against the Packers' receivers.

Wide receiver Robert Ferguson got the best of Carroll on one double-move, but Carroll rebounded later in the day to break up a few passes in team drills.

Thomas, meanwhile, had several pass breakups in both individual and team drills.

Among the veterans, Al Harris and Donald Driver weren't afraid to get physical despite the lack of pads, as Harris broke up a 5-yard pass for the former Pro Bowler.

Later in team drills, recent addition Chris Watson also..

Carroll Gets First Taste Of NFL

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 22:38:12 CST

If there was any chance that first-round draft pick Ahmad Carroll didn't appreciate the challenge ahead of him, Robert Ferguson put it all in perspective Friday, less than 30 minutes into the rookie's first NFL mini-camp practice.

With the cornerbacks and receivers matched up in one-on-one drills, Ferguson ran straight toward a backpedaling Carroll, threw in a wicked stutter-step that froze the former University of Arkansas standout and blew by him for an easy pass-and-catch from Doug Pederson.

The receivers hooted and hollered. Carroll jogged back to the sideline. And defensive backs coach Kurt Schottenheimer summed it up: "Welcome to the NFL," he said.

Welcome, indeed. The 25th overall pick in last weekend's NFL Draft, Carroll is a player for whom the Packers have high hopes. But for the moment he's just a rookie, prone to rookie mistakes just like the rest of them.

"I tell you what, that was s..

Steve Josue: NFL Europe Diary, Part III

Fri, 30 Apr 2004 20:06:02 CST

Selected in the seventh-round of the 2003 NFL Draft, linebacker Steve Josue spent all of last season on the Green Bay Packers' practice squad.

A former standout at Carson-Newman, and the defensive MVP of the 2003 Cactus Bowl all-star game, Josue is now overseas with the Amsterdam Admirals getting game experience in NFL Europe.

Through four games this season, playing the weak-side linebacker position, Josue has five tackles (four solo), including a sack.

This week, Josue checked in with Packers.com to continue the NFL Europe Diary, taking over where Admirals teammate Derek Combs left off.

Josue: So far the experience in NFL Europe has been wonderful for me. I consider it an honor to be able to come out here and play, because for a guy like me there's no substitute for game experience.

I spent all of last season on the practice squad, so it feels really good to play in games again. As a player, you never lose the mentality of..

NFL Europe Week 5 Preview

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 20:46:55 CST

The league's only undefeated team, the Berlin Thunder, will put their 4-0 record on the line when they host the Amsterdam Admirals (2-2) Sunday as NFL Europe enters Week 5.

Led by quarterback Rohan Davey (New England) -- the leading passer in NFL-E -- the Thunder topped the Admirals 28-17 in their first meeting in Week 2, and now have sole possession of first place in the standings.

Packers tight end Tony Donald will look to be a factor in ending Berlin's perfect streak, coming off a team-high 5-reception, 55-yard performance last week.

The Scottish Claymores (0-4) will look to end their winless streak Sunday when they host the Rhein Fire (2-2), who have lost their last two games since opening the season with a 2-0 record. The game will be broadcast live on DirecTV at 8 a.m. CT, with a delayed broadcast airing on NFL Network at 7 p.m. CT.

Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis leads the Fire in kickoff returns with nine attempts for 241 yards (26...

Packers.com Draft Day Challenge Prize Winners Announced

Fri, 30 Apr 2004 18:47:17 CST

Over a two-week period, more than 8,000 Green Bay Packers fans took part in the first ever Packers.com Draft Day Challenge in an attempt to predict the identity of the Packers' first selection in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Of that pool, 67 individuals correctly predicted that Arkansas cornerback Ahmad Carroll would be the Packers' first pick. Surprisingly, only one of those fans was from Arkansas -- Jim Gumm of White Hall.

The rest of the correct picks came from 23 other states and Australia (Brett Powell of Gin Gin, Queensland).

From the pool of 67 finalists, Packers.com randomly selected three prize winners. They are: Mark Jersild of White Bear, MN, Pam Bold of Big Sandy, MT, and Davd Brezeski of New Berlin, WI.

The prize packages won by these three contestants are listed below, followed by the names of the 64 other finalists and a list of the top 10 most common predictions.

Packers.com would like to thank the fans for their outstanding suppo..

Longwell Begins Support Of Sander

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 23:15:02 CST

It isn't hard for Ryan Longwell to remember what happened the last time the Green Bay Packers selected a specialist in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Back in the summer of 1997, it was Brett Conway's struggles as a third-round pick out of Penn State that allowed Longwell to slip under the radar and take the kicking job he's held ever since.

That's why when Longwell learned that the Packers drafted Ohio State punter B.J. Sander with their third third-round pick of the 2004 draft last weekend, he decided not to wait until mini-camp to exchange pleasantries.

After watching Conway struggle under the immense pressure of being a draft pick seven years ago, Longwell wants to make sure Sander doesn't carry the same load heading into 2004.

"I think he has the benefit of having me around to warn him about (the media) and shield him from the fishbowl that this place can be," said Longwell, who phoned the rookie Sunday to introduce himself. "I saw Brett co..

Mini-Camp Report - April 29

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 18:25:21 CST

Green Bay Packers veterans took practice indoors Thursday for one final tune-up before rookies enter the mini-camp mix Friday.

For the second day in a row, tackle Kevin Barry took reps at guard to ensure that the Packers will have depth along the offensive line in 2004.

Quarterback Brett Favre again took part in the opening warm-ups but did not participate in team drills, allowing Craig Nall and Doug Pederson to split the snaps.

In team drills, Nall connected with wide receiver Javon Walker on two occasions, first along the right sideline, just out of reach of defensive back James Whitley for a big gain. Walker later slid behind safety Eric Crouch to haul in his second long pass of the day from Nall.

In 7-on-7 drills, wide receiver Donald Driver slipped past the defense to haul in a 20-yard pass from Pederson. Pederson later found Carl Ford open in the middle of the field for a 15-yard gain before defenders converged on the receiver.

On ..

Favre Focused On Packers' Future

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 22:15:30 CST

If you've followed the Green Bay Packers for longer than a minute, you've heard all the stories about the future of their starting quarterback.

You've heard how much he loves cutting the grass at his offseason home in Hattiesburg, Miss. You've heard how hard it is for him to pull away from that solace in the South at the start of each NFL season. And you've heard that retirement is a subject of consideration.

So now hear this: Brett Favre is back in Green Bay, excited to be here, and anxious to get the 2004 season started so he can redeem what he sees as a missed opportunity.

"It's been good to get away," Favre said Wednesday, following the Packers' first mini-camp of practice of the spring. "But it's nice to come back, believe it or not.

"I was just telling my wife a couple days ago, I said, 'I sort of look forward to going back.' I mean it's not like I do much (at mini-camp), but in the past it's like, 'Oh, God. I've got to go to mini-camp.'..

Mini-Camp Report - April 28, 2004

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 18:59:20 CST

Soggy field conditions forced the Green Bay Packers indoors Wednesday for their first mini-camp practice of 2004.

Quarterback Brett Favre took part in individual drills at the start of practice, but didn't do any passing after that, allowing Craig Nall and Doug Pederson to split the bulk of the practice reps.

Pederson took advantage of a sliding Donald Driver on two occasions, hitting the diving receiver on the right sideline for gains of 10 and 15 yards, respectively.

During team drills, Nall connected with Javon Walker, who got behind recently-signed cornerback Chris Watson for a touchdown. Watson later drew praise when he broke on a pass intended for wide receiver Frank Rice to break up the play.

New faces weren't just behind the facemasks Wednesday, as Johnny Roland (running backs), Kurt Schottenheimer (defensive backs) and
"These things happen to a lot of other teams a lot of times. They haven't happened to us many times ... but before I came here we had guys who didn't always come to the mini-camps. So this is not an abnormality. This is something that does happen and you work through it."

McKenzie's absence is presumably related to his recent trade demands, w..

Listen To Brett Favre LIVE Today At 1:15 PM CT

Wed, 28 Apr 2004 10:35:44 CST

Back in Green Bay for the Packers' annual post-draft mini-camp, quarterback Brett Favre will speak with the media today at approximately 1:15 p.m. CT.

As part of our mini-camp coverage, Packers.com will allow fans to listen live to Favre's press conference, which is his first in Green Bay since the end of the 2003 season.

In addition to that live broadcast, Packers.com will provide audio clips of GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman and other Packers players over the course of the five-day mini-camp.

To listen to the Favre interview session, come back to the homepage at 1:15 and click the link. Then just wait for the press conference to begin.

Be sure to come back to Packers.com regularly throughout the week for stories, practice reports and photos!

Veterans Report For Mini-Camp

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Apr 2004 07:37:28 CST

With the NFL draft behind them, the Green Bay Packers began preparation for the 2004 season Tuesday when veterans reported to Lambeau Field for the first mini-camp of the offseason.

Players attended meetings and underwent physical testing in addition to being 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 28 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*

Thurs., April 29 - 11 a.m. (veterans)*

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

Sat., May 1 - 10:30 a.m. (veterans & rookies), 2:45 p.m. (rookies & selected veterans)*

Sun., May 2 - 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 moved inside..

Time Is Now For Nall

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Apr 2004 17:09:04 CST
In so many ways, this has been the offseason in which Craig Nall's life has come together.

Since the 2003 season ended in January, Nall has purchased a house in his hometown of Alexandria, La., and two Jack Russell Terrier puppies to run around inside it.

Just last week, he became engaged to his girlfriend of three years, proposing on the couple's week-long trip to Hawaii.

But for all the ways Nall's private life is settling down, his professional career is still in a state of transition.

A fifth-round selection in the 2002 NFL Draft, Nall has spent the past two seasons as the Packers' No. 3 quarterback. But if there has ever been a time to take the next step and win the backup job behind Brett Favre, it's now. And Nall knows it.

"I think Coach (Darrell) Bevell probably put it best," Nall said recently, recalling a conversation with his position coach. "He said: 'The honeymoon period is over.'

"It's the last year of my contrac..

NFL Europe: Week 4 Recap

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Apr 2004 11:04:19 CST
Clawing their way back to .500, the Amsterdam Admirals (2-2) put an end to Frankfurt's unbeaten streak with a 21-17 overtime victory over the Galaxy (3-1), Sunday.

Down 7-0 in the first quarter, Packers tight end Tony Donald ended a 90-yard, five-minute drive for the Admirals, catching a 1-yard shovel pass for a touchdown from quarterback Clint Stoerner (Miami) to tie the game 7-7.

For the day, Donald had five catches for 44 yards, while Stoerner threw for 219 yards and one touchdown. Admirals running back Chris Downs (Oakland) ran for 86 yards on 20 carries, including a 6-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime.

In the extra period, the Admirals took four plays and 21 seconds to move from their own 23-yard line, giving kicker Todd Sievers a chance at redemption after missing two field goals earlier in the game. Sievers connected on the 51-yard field goal with three seconds remaining in overtime to give the Admirals their se..

Packers Go On Offense For Defense In 2004 Draft

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Apr 2004 10:32:29 CST
Having entered the 69th NFL Draft with eight potential picks, by the time the dust settled on 2004's selection weekend the Green Bay Packers had made four trades and added six players.

Four of the Packers' selections were on defense, while they also added a punter and an offensive lineman.

Approaching a season in which the Packers are likely to return starters at nearly every position, plus all-time leading scorer Ryan Longwell at kicker, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that aggressive was the way to go.

"We're returning quite a few players," Sherman said Sunday evening from the media auditorium at Lambeau Field. "I think if you're a younger team that you take all your draft picks, but when you're trying to fix needs on your team (you can be aggressive).

"With all those draft picks, if we kept them all, would they have made our roster? Probably not. So if there's a guy that's on the draft board when you're picking or you can move up to get the g..

Wells Gives Packers 'Special' 7th-Round Pick

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Apr 2004 21:09:11 CST
Wrapping up an NFL Draft that saw the Green Bay make four trades in two days, the Packers selected Tennessee center Scott Wells with the 50th pick of the seventh-round, the 251st draft choice overall.

Wells' pick was a compensatory selection for the Packers' losses in free agency over the 2003 season, and by rule was the one pick the Packers couldn't deal.

"I was holding my breath there in the seventh round," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "I'm glad we got him. He was a state champion wrestler in high school and a special type of kid. Obviously coming up here and trying to make our offensive line is a challenge, but I think that he can handle it."

Wells' chances of making the team will be improved if he can master guard in addition to center, providing backup help at both positions.

The Packers are loaded on the offensive line with all five members returning from a 2003 season in which they opened enough holes for Ahman Green to set the franch..

Williams Provides Versatility On D-Line

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Apr 2004 21:03:32 CST
Heading into the second day of the 2004 NFL Draft, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said his strategy for the later rounds would be to select players he thought could make the team.

And so with the 14th pick of the sixth round -- the 179th pick overall -- the Packers selected Corey Williams of Arkansas State, a player that they believe possesses valuable versatility.

"He has the unique ability to play power end, 3-alignment tackle and nose tackle well," college scouting director John Dorsey said. "So what you do there is you add depth ... He was our highest rated player on the board at the time and we felt that we had to go up and get this guy."

To do so, the Packers made their fourth trade of the draft, sending a seventh-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers while swapping sixth-round selections to move up nine spots.

Williams is coming off a senior season at ASU in which he was limited by injuries, including a lingering high ankle sprain.

He ..

Washington Possesses Power, Potential

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 19:37:19 CST
In Donnell Washington, the Green Bay Packers know they don't have a finished product.

But in the third round of the NFL Draft, there was too much raw athletic material in the 6-foot-5, 323-pound defensive tackle for the Packers to pass up.

Trading up 14 spots, the Packers selected Washington with the 72nd overall pick of the draft, just two picks after selecting cornerback Joey Thomas of Montana State.

"We felt like he was the best big man left on the board," vice president of football operations Mark Hatley said. "He also was the highest-rated player left on the board for us, so it was a pretty easy decision.

"There weren't a whole lot of questions. (In Thomas and Washington) we felt like we got two second-round guys in the third round, so we felt very fortunate."

To move up to acquire Washington, the Packers gave up a fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars while swapping third-round choices.

"We moved up because we thou..

Packers Nab Big Corner From Big Sky

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 16:20:35 CST
When the Green Bay Packers selected cornerback Joey Thomas of Montana State in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft Saturday, they were hooking the biggest fish in a smallish pond.

Regarded by the end of his college career as the best shut-down cornerback in Division I-AA, Thomas was originally recruited by the University of Washington. He left the school prior to his competitive freshman season after deciding he'd rather transfer universities than positions.

"They wanted me to play safety and I wanted the opportunity to play corner," Thomas remembered Saturday, after being selected by the Packers. "So I went to Montana State where I had the opportunity to play corner and things have worked out great for me since."

Great for the Packers, too.

Had Thomas been given the opportunity to play cornerback at Washington, his exposure at a Pac-10 powerhouse could have easily led to him being off the board when the Packers came on the clock with the 70th ..

Packers Think Punter Worth 'Risk'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 11:51:44 CST
At first glance, the Green Bay Packers' decision to spend a third-round draft pick on Ohio State punter B.J. Sander might seem like risky business.

Year to year, only a punter or two are selected in the entire NFL Draft, and the only other time the Packers have selected a punter as early as the third round was in 1981, when they acquired Ray Stachowicz of Michigan State with the 62nd overall pick.

But Josh Bidwell's departure via free agency to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason makes punter one of the team's few positions of need. If cornerback Mike McKenzie returns, the Packers could return starters at all 22 positions in 2004 -- 23 positions if you include kicker Ryan Longwell.

Thus, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman saw punter as an area worth addressing in the draft.

"I figure that we possibly drafted a starter at that position, a very valuable position to help our field position," Sherman said. "I don't look at it as overly risky. I look at ..

Packers Notebook - Sherman Mum On Carroll vs. Losman

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 10:37:09 CST
Going into the 2004 NFL Draft, many so-called draft experts predicted that the Green Bay Packers would seek to land Brett Favre's eventual successor by selecting Tulane quarterback J.P. Losman with the 25th overall pick.

Whether the Packers would have actually done that or not, we'll never know. Saturday, they never got the chance.

The Buffalo Bills orchestrated a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move ahead of the Packers and select Losman with the 22nd pick of the draft.

The Packers followed by taking Arkansas cornerback Ahmad Carroll at No. 25, adding depth to one of their primary areas of need.

The third cornerback selected in the 2004 draft, Carroll was the ranked by the Packers as one of the top two draft-eligible corners, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. What Sherman did not say is whether Carroll was higher on the Packers' draft board than Losman, or what he would have done had both players been available with the 25th pick.

"I di..

Sherman: Carroll Will Make 'Impact' In Secondary

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 09:42:24 CST
Needing to bolster a defensive secondary that may or may not include Mike McKenzie next season, the Green Bay Packers made University of Arkansas cornerback Ahmad Carroll their first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Carroll was the third cornerback selected overall, behind Virginia Tech's DeAngelo Hall (Atlanta, 8) and South Carolina's Dunta Robinson (Houston, 10), but GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman indicated that the Packers had the Razorback even higher on their draft board.

"He's a young man that we identified as a staff as one of the top two corners in the draft," Sherman said of Carroll, who decided to forgo his senior season and enter the draft early. "I felt like if he went back for his senior year he might be a top-10 player, so we had a very high grade for him."

Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 193 pounds, Carroll is shorter than the Packers' starting corners from 2003, McKenzie (6-0, 194) and Al Harris (6-1, 185), but he possesses blazing speed.

I..

Lambeau Field Gets New Playing Surface

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 10:44:48 CST
From the draft room at Lambeau Field this weekend, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman and the rest of Green Bay's personnel staff will look to upgrade the Packers' roster via the 69th NFL Draft, which gets under way Saturday at 10 a.m. CT.

But the Packers' player base isn't the only foundation getting an upgrade at Lambeau Field this weekend. The stadium's playing surface is, too.

For the first time since May 2002, all 87,000 square feet of Lambeau Field's playing surface is being treated with a brand new layer of sod.

The Packers' turf crew began removing the old service weeks ago. The installation of the new sod began early Friday morning and could carry into Sunday.

"Last spring we just replaced the sod down the middle of the field and in the south end zone; everything else we just re-seeded," fields manager Allen Johnson said. "Then we re-sodded the center of the field again twice during the season, which is pretty common.

"Considering all ..

Packers' 2003 Class Shares Draft Memories

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2004 17:49:40 CST
From year to year, the only predictable thing about the NFL Draft is its unpredictability.

Just ask the San Diego Chargers.

While in 2003 the Cincinnati Bengals had USC quarterback Carson Palmer under contract before the draft officially began, the Chargers' similar attempt this year to lock up Eli Manning with the No. 1 pick went into disarray just days before the draft when the Ole Miss quarterback expressed his desire to go elsewhere.

If the franchise with the first overall pick can have such a tough time, imagine what it's like for the 31 other NFL teams.

And then imagine what it's like for the players.

From a pool of more than 1,500 draft-eligible players, only 255 names will be called in this year's draft, which is the 69th in league history.

And while there are one or two players like Manning who might have some power to negotiate, the vast majority of prospects head into the draft not only wondering when they'll get drafte..

Who Will The Packers Pick? The 'Experts' Answer.

Sat, 24 Apr 2004 10:53:35 CST
As the 69th NFL Draft begins, the Green Bay Packers are at pick No. 25.

The Packers could trade up or down from that position, but assuming they stay at that spot, opinions are mixed in regard to whom the team will take.

Packers.com now provides a handful of draft predictions from NFL 'experts' -- both the employed and armchair variety:

Media Predictions:

Dennis Dodd, Sportsline.com: Derrick Strait, CB, Oklahoma

Vic Carucci, NFL.com: J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane

Jay Glazer, Sportsline.com: J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com: Matt Ware, DB, UCLA

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com: Michael Clatyon, WR, LSU

Pete Prisco, Sportsline.com: J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane

Dr. Z, Sports Illustrated: Ben Troupe, TE, Florida

CNNSI.com: Jason Babin, DE, Western Michigan

Scouts, Inc.: Ben Troupe, TE, Florida

Fan Predictions: Following are the top 10 guesses submitted by fans from Ap..

NFL Europe Week 4 Preview

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 23 Apr 2004 16:53:38 CST
The Rhein Fire (2-1), who fell to the Frankfurt Galaxy 28-10 last week for their first loss of the season, will look for redemption Saturday in their second consecutive game against an undefeated team when they host the Berlin Thunder (3-0) during Week 4 of NFL-E.

Led by quarterback Rohan Davey, who has completed 39-of-59 passes for 549 yards and six touchdowns, the Thunder boasts the league's leading offense with 727 passing yards and 330 rushing yards through 3 games.

In contrast, Rhein is one of only two teams (Amsterdam) in the league with five players to register at least one sack. As a team, the Fire have given up only 56 points, which ranks third in league play.

Not short on offensive weapons of their own, the Fire will counter with wide receiver Willie Quinnie, who is tied for sixth in the league for touchdowns, scoring one in each of the first two contests, while ranking second in the league in punt returns, averaging 13 yards per return.
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Inside The Draft Room: A Detailed Tour

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 15:24:52 CST
Although the actual NFL Draft is held in New York City, the Green Bay Packers determine their selections from an office at Lambeau Field.

The Packers' Draft Room, or 'War Room,' as it's sometimes called, is less than two years old -- a product of the Lambeau Field stadium redevelopment. Located on the third floor of the team's administrative building, it's 882 square feet in size (21 feet wide, 42 feet long).

This weekend the Packers will conduct their second draft out of that room. During draft hours, fans can take a peek at the action through the exclusive Packers.com Draft Cam. However, in addition, we now provide a detailed outline of the Packers' draft headquarters:

Click here to see photos!

The draft board, which is available only to select individuals within the organization, is located on the east wall. The primary board contains more than 250 label magnets -- pared down from 1,500 -- det..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Quarterbacks

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:39:42 CST
The quarterback position is the ultimate need for a team. That's why 24 quarterbacks have been selected first overall since the beginning of the draft.

Of the past nine quarterbacks taken with the top pick, seven have led their respective teams to the playoffs. Cincinnati's Carson Palmer and Houston's David Carr are the only ones who haven't so far (Carr has been in the NFL two years; Palmer has yet to take his first NFL snap). Don't bet against Carr and the Texans making it this year.

Since 1970, four quarterbacks taken with the first overall selection were a starter on teams that won the Super Bowl 11 times. Terry Bradshaw (four) and Troy Aikman (three) were with the same team that drafted them. Also, Jim Plunkett (two) and John Elway (two) were with clubs other than the ones that drafted them.

Remember Super Bowl XXXVIII? Jake Delhomme was an undrafted free agent in his fifth season, and Tom Brady was the 199th player selected in the 2000 NFL Draft. B..

Less Than 24 Hours Left To Take Packers.com Draft Day Challenge!

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:25:10 CST
Hey all you football fans and draft gurus, time is running out to take the Packers.com Draft Day Challenge for a chance to win cool prizes, including footballs autographed by Ahman Green, Nick Barnett or Tony Fisher!

All you have to do is predict who the Packers will select with their first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, but you must submit your prediction by noon CT, Friday (April 23).

Here's how it the contest works:

Through noon CT, Friday, fans can log on to Packers.com and try and predict the identity of the player the Packers will choose first in the 2004 NFL Draft, held in New York City, April 24-25.

Participants must be at least 13-years-old and must fill out the entire entry form to be eligible. Only one entry per person will be accepted and all entries must be submitted by noon CT, April 23.

Currently, the Packers are slated to pick 25th overall in this year's draft; however, it is possible that the Packers could trade up or..

Packers.com: Your Source For Team News On NFL Draft Weekend!

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:43:38 CST
Want the skinny on the Green Bay Packers' moves in the 2004 NFL Draft? Check back to Packers.com regularly throughout draft weekend (April 24-25) and you'll get all the latest news and information on the Packers' picks delivered to you on a special streamlined page.

Packers.com will provide photos and biographical information on each of the Packers' picks INSTANTLY after selections are announced. In addition, Packers.com will provide LIVE audio of press conferences with GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, drafted players and other Packers personnel.

But that's not all...Packers.com also will provide some outstanding EXCLUSIVE content as well that you just can't get anywhere else, including Draft Cam, which allows you to watch the Packers' personnel team make each selection over draft weekend!

There will be some surprises along the way, so you'll want to log on early Saturday and come back often throughout the weekend.

Remember, Packers.com is the only offi..

Packers Notebook -- McKenzie Situation Unresolved

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:06:28 CST
When the Green Bay Packers open their annual post-draft mini-camp next week, Mike McKenzie may or may not be there.

Meeting with members of the Wisconsin media Wednesday, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said there were no developments to report in regard to negotiations with the disgruntled cornerback, who requested a trade from the team two weeks ago.

"Where things stand hasn't changed significantly since the last time I talked about it," Sherman said, "and the statement I made then was that he and I talked and that's basically where it stands. Nothing's been resolved."

According to several reports, McKenzie is unhappy with his current contract, which he signed in 2002, but doesn't expire until 2006.

How the Packers will respond to McKenzie's demand is unclear, but Sherman stopped short of saying that the request will alter the team's moves this weekend in the NFL Draft.

"I'm not going to keep my head in the sand," Sherman said. "Obviously, ..

Packers May Look To Future In NFL Draft

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:00:46 CST
A year ago, the Green Bay Packers used the 29th overall selection of the NFL Draft to acquire their starting middle linebacker for the 2003 season.

Slated this year to make the 25th overall pick, the Packers would love nothing more than to be equally productive with their first-round choice in the 2004 NFL Draft, which begins Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.

But even though the Packers can make a selection at least four places earlier than they did in 2003, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman isn't so confident another Nick Barnett situation awaits the team this year, which is why the Packers could be using their first pick of the 2004 draft to build more for the future than for today.

"Last year I kind of had an idea that I wanted to address the linebacker position in the first round if I could and I was able to very happily draft Nick Barnett," Sherman said Wednesday, meeting with members of the Wisconsin media in his annual pre-draft press conference. "This year may be a..

First-Round Quarterbacks Aren't Sure Things

Associated Press — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 17:11:42 CST
This year's draft has three "can't miss" quarterbacks: Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers.

Buyer beware?

Think of Ryan Leaf.

And remember that Todd Marinovich and Dan (Mark's brother) McGwire were drafted ahead of a guy named Brett Favre in 1991.

Leaf, of course, is not the only quarterback bust: Rick Mirer, Jim Druckenmiller, Akili Smith, Cade McNown, Dave Brown, Marinovich and McGwire are all long gone or at the end of some bench.

Yes, drafting is a guessing game as much as an exact science, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. How else to explain that two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady went in the sixth round in 2000, while two other current starters, Marc Bulger and Tim Rattay, were chosen in the sixth and seventh rounds.

"There's so much focus on the top two or three quarterbacks that a lot of people forget there are more than that who can play very well," St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz says. "There are 10..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Running Backs

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2004 11:46:08 CST
Because of the proliferation of multiple receiver sets, many teams carry only three running backs on their rosters -- two tailbacks and one fullback. Others employ an H-back instead of a fullback.

Although teams once used backup running to return kickoffs, many teams now have one special player for the job, like Kansas City's Dante Hall (four kicks, two punts and two kickoffs returned for TDs in 2003). It must be working over the past two seasons -- a total of 31 kickoffs and 39 punts were returned for TDs.

Twenty-three backs have been selected with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. However, only one has been taken first overall in the past 16 years -- Kijana Carter by the Bengals in 1996. At least one running back has been selected in Round 1 since 1967. The streak will continue this year with possibly two being selected this year. Over the past 10 years 30 have been selected in Round 1 - the most selected in this round was five in 1995 and 2000.

Gil Brandt's Top 45

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 12:01:52 CST
In 2002 and 2003, we broke down the draft's top prospects into three groups with the notion that each man on the list had a chance of being a first-round pick (some more than others). At the very least, the goal was to populate our list with only first- and second-round picks.

The draft is a culmination of many months of work. Scouts make their living going across the country and evaluating players for this very day. And one of the most unique things is that every team has a different opinion of who the best players in the draft are. Like I've always said, some people like strawberry ice cream, some people like vanilla.

There are probably 15 to 20 more guys we can add to this list, but we decided to cut it off at 45 players. FYI: Mike Williams was taken off this list after the April 19 court ruling. And eligible or not, Maurice Clarett is not among the top 45.

Each list is in alphabetical order.

Group 1-a
Lee Evans, wide receiver, W..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Wide Receivers

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 11:57:42 CST
The most asked question since the day after Super Bowl XXXVIII has not been who will win Super Bowl XXXVIX, but have you ever seen so many good receivers in one draft. And the answer is no.

Over the past 10 years, 39 wide receivers have been selected in the first round. We could have seven taken in the first round in this draft. The previous high over the past 10 years has been six in 2001. Over this same period, 85 wide receivers were selected in Rounds 2 and 3 (8.5 per year).

Wide receiver is a position in which players selected after the first round have a chance to play and excel at a high level -- Anquan Boldin (ARI), second round; Laveranues Coles (WAS), third round; Hines Ward (PIT) third round; Terrell Owens (PHI); third round; Joe Horn (NO), fifth round -- just to name a few.

If you are a fantasy football player you would love to have this group as your wide receivers. Wideout was once a position which players started quickly or at least had an ..

Gil Brandt's Draft Analysis By Position: Special Teamers

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Tue, 20 Apr 2004 11:46:02 CST
Every team in the NFL has a special teams coach (some even have two). They are the coaches who teach players to prevent the game from changing on a punt or kickoff return. They find the guys who can block kicks, which is very important. They are the coaches you see on the sidelines during games urging their players to cover those kickoffs, stay in their lanes, and keep an eye out in case there's an onside kick.

Those onside kicks can be really dangerous. Did you know that nearly 20 percent of all onside kicks last year were successful? It's true -- nine of the 46 attempts worked! And in the playoffs, there were three attempts with one being recovered by the kicking team. So these situations aren't as grave as some people think -- just ask the Vikings, who lost out on an onside kick recovery and subsequently lost their playoff berth against the Cardinals in the season finale.

As you know, there's a lot more to special teams. Included in that group are the kickers a..

Remmel: Draft Wasn't Lombardi's Best Domain

Mon, 19 Apr 2004 17:38:12 CST
Over time, the late Vince Lombardi has come to be deified as a coach ... a nonpareil ... with more than a modicum of justice.

His accomplishments -- a record three consecutive National Football League championships and five in seven years, surmounted by back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs -- remain unchallenged nearly 40 years later.

And, admittedly, there has been ample opportunity to surpass them in the interim. Lombardi has been gone from the pro football scene since 1970, the year in which he died at the age of 57 (September 3).

But, as accomplished as he was in his profession, Lombardi was not without a flaw or two. One, somewhat surprisingly, would have been in the area of evaluating personnel coming into the annual NFL draft.

Or, more specifically, the preconceived notions he brought to the selection process, which is due to be conducted for the 69th time in NFL history this weekend (April 24-25..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Tight Ends

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 12:06:00 CST
Times are changing in the NFL. It used to be a rarity when a tight end was taken in the first round of a draft. While tight ends were important to an offense, they weren't considered as a vital part. You could get by without a tight end.

Well, there isn't a GM or head coach in the league that thinks that way now. A good tight end has become a priority for teams to acquire. The great ones are highly valued and are very much sought after. The reason for it is because now tight ends are hybrids -- they are asked to be good at blocking and good at receiving.

The tight end has sort of replaced the fullback, or at least the fullback's role, in the offense. Because there's no fullback, the tight end is called upon to block, be it from the fullback's spot in the formation or from the line of scrimmage. But also like a fullback, the tight end needs to be able to make those clutch third-down receptions to keep the chains moving. And don't even think twice about a team's red..

NFL Europe: Week 3 Recap

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 11:48:31 CST
A shootout in Berlin and a game that tied the league record for fewest points headlined Week 3 action in NFL Europe this weekend.

Still searching for their first win in franchise history, the Cologne Centurions (0-3), who in Weeks 1 and 2 were done in by special teams mishaps, again gave up kick returns of 49 and 45 yards, allowing New England Patriots quarterback Rohan Davey to operate with a shorter field.

In addition to his four touchdowns, Davey completed 19 of 27 attempts for 279 yards for a quarterback rating of 127.9 to lead the Berlin Thunder (3-0) to a 35-31 victory.

Packers defensive end Eric Powell had five tackles (two solo) and one pass defensed for the Centurions, while defensive end Cullen Jenkins made four stops (two solo). Cornerback Erwin Swiney had two tackles and one pass defensed.

Tying the league record for fewest total points scored in a game, the Amsterdam Admirals (1-2) earned their first win of the season, edging the Scot..

Live Chat To Welcome John Dorsey, Thursday

Mon, 19 Apr 2004 09:17:22 CST
The annual NFL Draft is less than a week away and for many football fans the anticipation is almost too much to bear.

Currently, the Green Bay Packers have eight selections to make in this year's draft, with their first pick slated for the 25th spot overall.

This week Packers draft personnel will look to finalize the team's draft board, prioritizing the list of draft-eligible players. A leading voice in that process will be John Dorsey, the team's director of college scouting, who this Thursday at 8 p.m. CT will sit down for a Live Chat on Packers.com.

Himself a former Packers draft choice (fourth round) as a linebacker out of the University of Connecticut in 1984, Dorsey played five seasons for the team from 1984-88, before spending a season on injured reserve in 1989.

Now in his 14th year in the player personnel side of the NFL, Dorsey is in his fourth year as the Packers' ..

Lambeau Field Bricks, Tiles Make Ideal Mother's Day Gifts

Fri, 16 Apr 2004 16:32:25 CST
Are you still searching for the perfect gift for Mother or Father's Day?

Celebrate your love for mom and/or dad with a lasting gift - a commemorative brick or tile. You can engrave your personalized message on a brick or tile to be installed at the renovated Lambeau Field.

Replica products are also available for direct delivery for display at home, office etc. Commemorative products come in various sizes and styles with prices beginning at $75.

Unfortunately, replicas will not be delivered or items installed at the stadium by Mother or Father's Day. However, upon ordering, you may request that a Certificate of Purchase be sent to your home for gift giving purposes.

The Certificate of Purchase is suitable for framing, and it features the Lambeau Field logo and the inscription to be engraved on item ordered. Individuals desiring a Certificate of Purchase are requested to order early to allow time for production an..

NFL Europe Enters Week 3

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 11:44:11 CST
One game pits a pair of undefeated teams against each other while another game provides a square-off between two winless teams as NFL Europe moves into its third weekend of competition.

Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis -- who in Week 1 returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown -- and the Rhein Fire (2-0) will look to extend their unbeaten streak when they travel to Frankfurt to face Packers tackle Jason Jimenez and the defending World Bowl Champion Galaxy (2-0), Saturday. The game will be broadcast live on NFL Network at noon CT. NFL Network will replay the game at 7 p.m. CT.

The leading tackler for the Admirals last week, Packers cornerback Derek Combs looks for his first victory of the season Sunday when Amsterdam (0-2) travels to face the winless Scottish Claymores (0-2). The game will be broadcast live on DirecTV at 8 a.m. CT. NFL Network will re-air the game at 7 p.m. CT.

Packers defensive ends Cullen Jenkins and Eric Powell and cornerback E..

Derek Combs: NFL Europe Diary, Part II

Fri, 16 Apr 2004 14:15:36 CST
Derek Combs' second tour of duty in NFL Europe hasn't started quite the way he had hoped.

Although Combs has enjoyed individual success, his Amsterdam Admirals team is winless in two tries after falling 34-11 to the defending NFL-E champion Frankfurt Galaxy in Week 1, before losing to the Berlin Thunder last weekend, 28-17.

The former Ohio State University running back first suited up for the Admirals in NFL-E two summers ago -- then with the Oakland Raiders -- when he began his conversion to his current position of cornerback.

In 2003, Combs played eight games for the Packers, making significant contributions on special teams with six tackles.

Now the speedy athlete, who in training camp last season beat out teammates Najeh Davenport and Herbert Goodman in a post-practice footrace, continues the NFL Europe Diary:

Derek Combs: Dropping our first two games isn't the way we wanted to start the season, but everyone here is reall..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Offensive Linemen

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Fri, 16 Apr 2004 13:14:50 CST
Offensive linemen keep getting bigger, faster and stronger. Over the past five years (1999-2003), six offensive linemen have been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I don't think any of them weighed 250 pounds when they were drafted.

The heaviest lineman at this year's combine was Shawn Andrews of Arkansas at 366 pounds, while Jake Scott of Idaho was the lightest at 281 pounds. Fifteen players were 6-6 or taller with Kelly Butler of Purdue the tallest at 6-7 3/8.

Shortest: 6-1.5; Median: 6-4 5/8; Tallest: 6-8
Lightest: 293; Median 311; Heaviest: 375
Slowest: 5.58; Median 5.21; Fastest: 4.93

If you have ability to play left tackle in the NFL, you have a chance to earn a lot of money. In the spring of 2003, three left tackles became free agents and received almost $25 million in signing-bonus money: Flozell Adams (Cowboys), Luke Petitgout (Giants) and Wayne Gandy (Saints).

The following is a list of my top 12 offensive linemen fo..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Safeties

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Thu, 15 Apr 2004 12:17:52 CST
In the past 10 years of the draft, 12 safeties have been taken in the first round with only one (Roy Williams by Dallas) selected in the top 10. The second and third rounds seem to be where safeties will most likely be picked. Over the past 10 years, 69 safeties have been selected in these two rounds, including seven in 2003. Mike Doss (Colts) and Ken Hamlin (Seahawks) were outstanding rookies last year. Eugene Wilson (Patriots) played cornerback in college but switched to safety and played very well for the Super Bowl champions.

In order to be a top player at this position, you need to be a good tackler as many team now play eight defensive players in "the box" to stop the run. You also have to be a good blitzer and you must be able to cover both the big tight ends and the speedy receivers in pass coverage. It is also important to be a good special teams player.

Only one safety will go in the first round of this year's draft, but that doesn't mean there won't be ..

Harlan Offers Positive Review Of 2004 Schedule

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Apr 2004 19:23:14 CST
There's always room for nitpicking, but team president/CEO Bob Harlan said that he is pleased overall with the hand the Green Bay Packers have been dealt in terms of their 2004 regular-season schedule.

Harlan spoke with members of the Wisconsin media in a conference call Wednesday evening, just over an hour after the NFL publicly released the regular-season schedules of all 32 NFL teams, and indicated that the Packers' 2004 slate has advantages for both fans and the team.

Chief among the fan benefits are a handful of games with prime-time exposure, from the NFL-maximum three games on ABC's Monday Night Football to a Sunday night game on ESPN. The Packers will also play a rare Friday afternoon game against the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Eve.

"I happened to be here during the 70s and 80s when most of our games were played at noon on Sunday and everybody kept saying, 'Why aren't you on national TV?'" Harlan remembered. "I said, 'We simply aren't g..

Packers To Finish 2004 Season With Back-To-Back Road Games

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Apr 2004 13:41:46 CST
Click Here for the entire 2004 Packers schedule! Printable Schedule (PDF)

With a Christmas Eve game at the Metrodome followed by a trip to Soldier Field, the Green Bay Packers will have to finish their 2004 season with back-to-back road games against NFC North opponents.

Opening the season at the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers on ABC's Monday Night Football, September 13, the Packers will then face the Chicago Bears in their home opener at Lambeau Field.

The Packers will also face off against the Bears in the regular-season finale, one week after meeting the Minnesota Vikings, December 24, in what will be the NFL's first regular-season Friday game since 1999.

The Packers haven't had to finish the season with consecutive road games since 1989 and haven't had to finish with consecutive road games against division opponents since 1985.

M..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Cornerbacks

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Wed, 14 Apr 2004 11:47:53 CST
The feeling around the league is that you can never have too many good cornerbacks, especially considering how the game is played these days.

Over the past 10 NFL drafts, 38 cornerbacks have been selected in the first round. Nine of those were picked in the top 10 -- the highest of which being Shawn Springs (third overall by Seattle, 1997). In that same 10-year span, 118 cornerbacks have been picked in Rounds 2 and 3.

So why are cornerbacks in such hot demand? Well, part of the reason is because teams are choosing to play with five defensive backs a high percentage of the time during their games. As an example, the Dolphins used the nickel package over 60 percent of the time in 2003.

Last year, we had five cornerbacks selected in the first round. Two of them, Terence Newman (Dallas) and Marcus Trufant (Seattle), played in 98 percent of their teams' defensive snaps. Two more, Sammy Davis (San Diego) and second-round pick Charles Tillman (Chicago) played i..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Linebackers

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Tue, 13 Apr 2004 13:57:03 CST
The 2004 crop of linebackers might be the fastest of any group I can remember. I think the reason we have this speed at the position is because schools are taking high school running backs (D.J. Williams at Miami, Fla., and Teddy Lehman at Oklahoma) and defensive backs (Michael Boulware at Florida State and Demorio Williams at Nebraska) and converting them to linebacker.

You might remember the 2003 crop of linebackers did not look very strong. Only one (Nick Barnett, Green Bay) was selected in the first round. (The Ravens selected Terrell Suggs but converted him to a defensive end.) The 2003 season ended with six rookie linebackers starting four or more games for the teams that drafted them. The past three drafts have produced only four first-round selections; there were seven in the 2000 draft alone. Over the past 10 years, 32 linebackers have been selected in the first round.

Expect to see a run on linebackers in the second and third round this year. Those two r..

Regular-Season Schedule To Be Announced Wednesday

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 13 Apr 2004 11:39:02 CST
The Green Bay Packers' 2004 regular-season schedule will be announced Wednesday, along with the complete schedules of all other 31 NFL teams, the league announced Tuesday.

The NFL plans to announce the schedule at 4 p.m. CT on the NFL Network's signature show, NFL Total Access. Meanwhile, the schedule will be posted at Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers, in unison with its release on NFL Network.

Subscribers to Packers.com's official e-mail newsletter, Packers.com eNews, will have the schedule sent to them as soon as it becomes available.

Packers.com will also provide fans with a printable version of the 2004 schedule.

Already, the Packers know that they will be opening the 2004 regular season on ABC's Monday Night Football, visiting the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers, September 13 at 8 p.m. CT.

Remmel: A Historian's Tale Begins

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 14:16:35 CST
Note: The following article first appeared in the April edition of Packer Report

Since having recently been designated the first official team historian in the distinguished annals of the Green Bay Packers, I've been asked how I happened to begin chronicling the fortunes of the Green and Gold, something I have been doing for nearly 60 years.

Peering into my "rear view mirror," I can trace that process back to the summer of 1945, when I was a cub city side reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and my desk in the editorial department, fortuitously, happened to be next to that of George Whitney Calhoun, then the newspaper's garrulous assistant telegraph editor.

It was the same George Whitney Calhoun who 26 years earlier -- and then sports editor of the Press-Gazette and a crony of a youthful Earl Louis Lambeau -- had called the very first meeting of the Packers team, and who in the interim had served as the club's part-time publicity ..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Defensive Tackles

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 12:22:11 CST
How important are defensive linemen? In the 2003 draft, 11 were selected in the first round. Before 2003, the most was nine in 2001. In 1997, we had seven defensive ends selected in Round 1, the most at any position in the past 10 years in the first round.

Of the 11 selected in the first round in 2003, four played more than 60 percent of the defensive plays for their team in their rookie season (Kevin Williams, Minnesota; Tyler Brayton, Oakland; Calvin Pace, Arizona; Dewayne Robertson, N.Y. Jets).

To win games, teams must be able to stop the run and pressure the passer, which helps defensive backs play well. Defensive ends that play on the backside of quarterbacks are especially important (Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots is a prime example of this).

The two teams that played in Super Bowl XXXVIII were considered to be good defensive teams during the regular season. The Pats gave up a league-low 14.9 points per game while the Carolina Panthers gav..

Gil Brandt's NFL Draft Analysis By Position: Defensive Ends

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 12:14:35 CST
How important are defensive linemen? In the 2003 draft, 11 were selected in the first round. Before 2003, the most was nine in 2001. In 1997, we had seven defensive ends selected in Round 1, the most at any position in the past 10 years in the first round.

Of the 11 selected in the first round in 2003, four played more than 60 percent of the defensive plays for their team in their rookie season (Kevin Williams, Minnesota; Tyler Brayton, Oakland; Calvin Pace, Arizona; Dewayne Robertson, N.Y. Jets).

To win games, teams must be able to stop the run and pressure the passer, which helps defensive backs play well. Defensive ends that play on the backside of quarterbacks are especially important (Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots is a prime example of this).

The two teams that played in Super Bowl XXXVIII were considered to be good defensive teams during the regular season. The Pats gave up a league-low 14.9 points per game while the Carolina Panthers gav..

NFL Europe: Week 2 Recap

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 10:36:40 CST
With solid performances on offense, defense and special teams, the Rhein Fire remained undefeated Saturday, beating Scotland 31-3 for their seventh consecutive home victory over the Claymores.

Led by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Chad Hutchinson, who completed 14 of 18 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown, the Fire took advantage of good field position, after a blocked punt in the fourth quarter, as running back Joffrey Reynolds scored his second touchdown of the day.

Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis had 1 catch for 11 yards, also returning a kickoff for 29 yards.

Meanwhile, the Amsterdam Admirals were unable to find the win column for the second consecutive week, falling to the Berlin Thunder, 28-17, despite a team-high 5 tackles from Packers cornerback Derek Combs.

Packers tight end Tony Donald had 4 catches for 38 yards while linebacker Steve Josue had 1 special teams tackle.

Former Packers wide receiver Jorg Heckenbach, who in 20..

Female Executives Play Key Roles For Packers

Nich Bandoch, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Apr 2004 16:47:49 CST
When it comes to hiring employees that will help the organization become and remain the standard of excellence in professional football, the Green Bay Packers look for just one thing.

"We always look to hire the best," Packers executive vice president/COO John Jones said.

And among the best are many qualified female employees, including four executives: Jennifer Ark, director of premium guest services; Kate Hogan, director of retail operations; Melanie Marohl, salary cap analyst; and Vicki Vannieuwenhoven, director of finance.

In addition, female employees head two other departments in the Packers organization and manage exclusive operations within the Packers Pro Shop. Cathy Dworak is the team's manager of community relations and Sherry Schuldes is the manager of family programs, while Pam Burnett serves as the Pro Shop buyer and Deb Mulry manages the store.

"In business in America, and in all walks of life, I think that leadership and ability ar..

Packers.com Draft Day Challenge

Sat, 10 Apr 2004 18:56:58 CST
Hey all you football fans and draft gurus, the NFL Draft will soon be upon us and here at Packers.com we have an exciting new way you can get involved in the action.

The official website of the Green Bay Packers is pleased to announce the first ever Packers.com Draft Day Challenge, in which fans can win cool prizes just by correctly predicting the team's first pick of the 2004 NFL Draft.

Here's how it works:

From Saturday, April 10, through the eve of the draft, Friday, April 23, fans can log on to Packers.com and try and predict the identity of the player the Packers will choose first in the 2004 NFL Draft, held in New York City, April 24-25.

Participants must be at least 13-years-old and must fill out the entire entry form to be eligible. Only one entry per person will be accepted and all entries must be submitted by noon CT, April 23.

Curre..

Brandt's NFL Draft Tidbits

Gil Brandt, NFL.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2004 13:22:26 CST
Note: Starting next week, Packers.com will provide readers with NFL Draft preview analysis by NFL.com contributors Gil Brandt and Pat Kirwan.

Here are some interesting notes you might have not known about when it comes to the NFL draft.

HISTORY ...
* The first draft took place on Feb. 5, 1936, and nine teams drafted nine players each for a total of 81.

* In 1937, league president Joe Carr stated at the draft meeting that because there was a possibility of a 10th team joining the league the following season, 10 players should be drafted for that new squad. It was decided the league would draft for the new franchise, selecting the last player in each round. Before the 1937 season, the Cleveland Rams were admitted as the newest team in the NFL. The Rams defeated only Philadelphia that season and finished in last place with a record of 1-10-0. Because of that, they had the first pick in the 1938 draft and took Corbett Davis of Indiana.

NFL Europe Week 2 Preview

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2004 12:59:36 CST
Hoping to top a stellar performance that won him NFL Europe co-Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 1, Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis and the Rhein Fire will look to extend their perfect 1-0 record against the Scottish Claymores (0-1) Saturday.

Fans will have two chances to see Davis -- who won the award following a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown vs. Cologne, Sunday -- as DirecTV will broadcast the game live at noon CT., and NFL Network will re-air the game Sunday at 7 p.m. CT.

Davis' Packers teammate and Fire starting running back Walter Williams, who suffered a broken hand in Week 1, will miss the next 4-6 weeks.

Four Packers will be on display when offensive tackle Jason Jimenez and the Frankfurt Galaxy (1-0) travel to Cologne (0-1) Saturday to face Centurions defensive end Cullen Jenkins, defensive end Eric Powell and cornerback Erwin Swiney. NFL Network will broadcast the game live at noon CT. The game will be replayed on NF..

Random Questions With Marcus Wilkins

Thu, 08 Apr 2004 16:19:05 CST
One of just four undrafted rookies to make the team in 2002 (Tony Fisher, Kevin Barry and Erwin Swiney were the others), Marcus Wilkins has proven to be a solid special teams contributor as well as a dependable backup at weak-side linebacker, playing in seven regular season games for the Packers in 2003.

In what he calls his most memorable moment as a professional football player thus far, Wilkins -- after diving on a loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos last season -- had the opportunity to perform what many of his defensive counterparts rarely get the chance to do: the Lambeau Leap.

Recently, Packers.com caught up with the former University of Texas Longhorn to talk about this and a few other topics in this edition of Random Questions.

Packers.com: Besides your own, what is the most difficult position on the field to play?
Marcus Wilkins: "I'd have to say cornerback. You're out there on an island, one-on-one,..

Couch Sees Potential Future In Green Bay

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Apr 2004 17:12:55 CST
Many obstacles still remain before the prospect of Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch becoming the potential heir to Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre can become a reality.

But after meeting with Packers coaches and staff Tuesday night and most of Wednesday, Couch said his visit to team headquarters this week, which was approved by the Browns, did nothing to suggest that his future lies elsewhere.

"I just wanted to come here and see the facilities, meet the coaching staff and get just a quick orientation of the (Packers) offense," Couch said. "Everything that I wanted to hear and everything that I wanted to see here was covered ...

"I think this system fits me really well. I've always wanted to run the West Coast system. I always thought it would be a good fit for me, so I'm really looking forward to it if I get a chance to play here."

Before that can happen, the Packers and Couch not only have to come to terms on a new contract, bu..

2004 Packers Draft Picks

Tue, 06 Apr 2004 16:09:12 CST
Thanks to an additional compensatory draft choice, the Green Bay Packers will have eight selections to make in the 2004 NFL Draft.

The compensatory selection, the 251st overall, is compensation for the Packers' losses in free agency last year, and unlike other draft picks, cannot be traded.

Listed below are the Packers' draft choices in the upcoming NFL Draft, April 24-25, as provided by the NFL, April 6.

Round (Overall)
1 (25)
2 (55)
3 (86)
4 (118)
5 (153)
6 (185) To Philadelphia on Draft Day 2003 to move up in seventh round to select CB Chris Johnson
6 (188) from Dallas for WR Terry Glenn
7 (226)
7 (251) Compensatory Selection

Draft Did You Know...

In the first round of the NFL Draft, the last time the Packers selected a (an) ...

Wide receiver was 2002 (Javon Walker, Florida State, 20th overall)
Defensive end wa..

Random Questions With Craig Nall

Mon, 05 Apr 2004 15:13:24 CST
Selected on his 23rd birthday in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL draft, Craig Nall enters his third season as a backup quarterback with the Green Bay Packers.

Before landing in Green Bay, Nall was forced to overcome obstacles placed before him as he spent his first four years (including a redshirt season) in a quarterback logjam at Louisiana State before transferring to Northwestern (La.) State for the 2001 campaign.

That move put him less than 150 miles from the home of Packers scout Alonzo Highsmith, who saw five NSU games in 2001 and convinced the Packers coaches at February meetings to "have a look at this kid."

Allocated to NFL Europe last summer, Nall led a Scottish Claymores offense that topped NFL-E with 4,169 total yards. He led the league in passing yards, with 2,050, and touchdowns, with 18. His 95.9 quarterback rating also was a league best.

Nall now finds himself watching and learning from perhaps the greatest quarterback in NFL hist..

NFL Europe: Week 1 Recap

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 05 Apr 2004 10:36:46 CST
Just seconds after seeing the Cologne Centurions tie the game at 7-7, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Shockmain Davis put the Rhein Fire back on top with the team's second 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown early in the first quarter.

Davis, who signed with the Packers as a free agent in February, also caught two passes for 39 yards Sunday in the 26-25 Week 1 victory.

Packers defensive end Eric Powell had three tackles while cornerback Erwin Swiney added two stops for Cologne. Both players each had one fumble recovery for the Centurions.

Trailing 25-24 late in the fourth quarter, the special teams would again step up for the Fire, this time sealing the game when the Centurions' failed punt attempt was fumbled out of bounds in the end zone for a safety.

Cologne will look to bounce back when they host Frankfurt next Saturday. Rhein will face Amsterdam.

In other NFL Europe action, Packers offensive tackle Jason Jimenez and the Frankfurt..

NFL Europe Opens 12th Season Saturday

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 13:28:57 CST
Nine members of the Green Bay Packers will be in the mix this weekend when NFL Europe officially kicks off its 12th season, Saturday.

With Packers spread throughout four of the league's six teams, two European teams boasts three Packers players.

Cornerback Derek Combs returns for his second stint with the Amsterdam Admirals, along with tight end Tony Donald -- both of whom are expected to start Saturday's game -- and linebacker Steve Josue.

Defensive end Cullen Jenkins and cornerback Erwin Swiney top the depth chart for the Cologne Centurions, along with defensive end Eric Powell.

Two Packers newcomers, running back Walter Williams and wide receiver Shockmain Davis will start for the Rhein Fire, while tackle Jason Jimenez is the Packers' lone representative with the 2003 World Bowl Champion Frankfurt Galaxy.

Two games will be available on television to United States audiences.

DirecTV will open the season with a live broadcast..

Derek Combs: NFL Europe Diary

Fri, 02 Apr 2004 09:17:22 CST
Much like some of the fans in the stands, when NFL Europe kicks off its 2004 season this weekend, most of the players won't know quite what to expect.

Moving into its 12th year, NFL-E has been as much about developing interest in American football overseas as it has been about young NFL players developing their skills. And for most American players, the sight of soccer-like festivities at a football game is something a little different.

But not for Green Bay Packers cornerback Derek Combs, who is about to embark upon his second tour of duty in NFL-E, back with the Amsterdam Admirals, the same team for which he played in the spring of 2002.

Then with the Oakland Raiders, it was in Europe where Combs initially began his conversion from running back, his collegiate position at Ohio State, to cornerback.

Acquired by the Packers April 24, 2002, Combs was primarily a special teams contributor in 2003, making five tackles.

Back in NFL-E, Comb..

Crouch Determined To Stick Around

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2004 21:43:01 CST
Eric Crouch returned to Green Bay this week almost exactly the same way he left the town and its NFL team less than nine months earlier: quietly.

The 2001 Heisman Trophy winner, who last July retired from the NFL for the second time in as many years, is attempting to come back again, making his third crack at the league at his third different position: safety.

But for all the ways this pursuit seems to mirror those of the past, this time around Crouch feels his mission has something that until now his professional career has lacked: focus.

"I really feel like I'm a football player, and I should exhaust that to the very end, until I physically can't do it anymore, or emotionally can't do it anymore, or I don't want to do it, or I'm not having fun," Crouch said Thursday, after taking part in an offseason workout at the Don Hutson Center.

"Maybe that's five years down the road and maybe it's 10 and maybe it's two, but at this point in my life I feel l..