Several media outlets have been gathering information that “leads” to Driver being cut by Green Bay similar to what happened with veterans Chad Clifton and Nick Collins.  General manager Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy both dodged questions at the NFL Draft about Driver being released by the team.

As of now, Driver is set to make $2.6 million this season with the possibility of making an additional $3 million in miscellaneous bonuses, including a $1.5 million roster bonus on the first day of training camp. If the Packers keep Driver they would be taking a $5.6 million salary cap hit. Driver has firmly stated he is willing to take a salary cut in order to remain on the roster.

The average fan would think leaving money on the table should be good enough to keep Driver, but unfortunately there are other factors to be considered. The Packers have two talented wide receivers currently on the practice squad that were signed as undrafted free agents last July. Tori Gurley and Diondre Bell have both shown the ability to play at a high-level while also making the case they deserve a roster spot at minimum cost.

Green Bay does not want to lose out on a possible Pro-Bowl wide receiver just because they were unable to part ways with a 13-year veteran. I understand it is hard to believe Gurley or Bell has the capability to be a Pro Bowl wide receiver but look at Victor Cruz. He was an undrafted free agent two years ago and now he is one of the game’s top wide outs. Not to mention, the Packers are famous for turning undrafted players into talented difference makers so there really is no argument.

I believe the Packers can restructure Driver’s contract and keep him for at least one more season. He may have seen a minimum amount of targets last year but he made the most of what he was given.

Against the New York Giants on December 4 last season Driver was a huge difference maker as he hauled in four receptions for 34 yards and two critical touchdowns. One week later he caught four passes for 75 yards against the Oakland Raiders. Granted, the Raiders were not the best team in the league but at that moment they were heavy favorites to win the AFC West. When Matt Flynn started in place of Aaron Rodgers against the Detroit Lions on New Year’s Day, Driver aided the backup quarterback by grabbing two receptions for 52 yards and a crucial touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He was also huge in Green Bay’s only playoff appearance as he caught three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Releasing Driver would be a colossal mistake by the Packers management. Not only does he play an important role in the locker room and serve as a valuable member of the community, but he is an essential piece to the puzzle to bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time and makes vital catches just when the game seems to be over.

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Green Bay Packers Players In Attendance For Dancing With The Stars

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews were in attendance for Monday night’s Dancing with the Stars. The coach and players were there to show their support for teammate Donald Driver.

It is very cool that Driver’s friends and teammates were there to have his back. It really shows how close-knit of a group the Packers really are. Everybody in the locker room are considered friends and there never seems to be any drama unlike some other organizations in the NFL.

Part of this stems from coach McCarthy’s view that the team is a family and everyone takes care of each other. The veterans help the rookies in any way they can and teach them good values. They also lead by example on the field and in the community. McCarthy does not allow hazing in the Packers locker room during training camp because that is simply not the team’s way of introducing their players. Green Bay consists of young players that make up the core of the team which means they are just as much a part of the success as the veterans are.

DWTS Week 9 dances consisted of the waltz and samba. Driver was phenomenal at both as he and his professional dancing partner Peta Murgatroyd scored a 28 and 29 respectively from the judges.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the finals,” said Driver.

Is it any wonder why the professional athletes always win DWTS? These guys are big-time competitors who hate to lose, even if it is a dancing competition. Driver and Murgatroyd have danced together flawlessly. Hopefully, it will be enough to win and Driver will be able to hoist another trophy.

You can vote for Driver during his routine on DWTS by phone (800-VOTE4-03) or text code (3403). Also, make sure to add the hash tag #TeamDrivingMissPeta whenever discussing DWTS on Twitter.

Obviously, the Packers need to concentrate on winning the NFC North division and getting a high playoff seed before they look towards the road to Super Bowl XLII. On the other hand, head coach Mike McCarthy preaches the road to the Super Bowl starts Day 1 or at least he implies it by having an empty plaque next to all the other championship team photos.

To have the season they had in 2011 mixed with their Super Bowl championship season of 2010 the Packers will need the entire team to play well. However, the following ten players will need to succeed in order for Green Bay to play for the Lombardi Trophy on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is coming off the best season of his career throwing for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions which gave him an NFL record 122.5 passer rating. He capped off his great performance with a MVP Award but something tells me he would have traded that in for another Lombardi Trophy. It is no secret the only way Green Bay reaches the Super Bowl is if Rodgers excels his level of play for the fourth straight season.

2. Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews will have to be disruptive in the backfield on 85% of Green Bay’s defensive downs this season if the Packers want to succeed. It is quite obvious the only reason Green Bay did not reach the Super Bowl was because of their inability to get to the quarterback. With Matthews being triple-teamed on almost every down and no other pass rusher stepping up the Packers were dead in the water. Matthews will have to be around 13.5 sacks if the defense wants to be worthy of a championship.

3. Charles Woodson

With Nick Collins not playing in the secondary Charles Woodson will have to step his game up even more than in previous years, if that is even possible. He has always been the leader of the team but his play on the field will have to speak volumes in order to energize a demoralized defense. Woodson will have to lineup at several different positions similar to the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He wants another ring before his time in the NFL is up so expect to see a dominate performance from the legend this season.

4. Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson had the best season of his career in 2011 and that is after the best performance by a wide receiver in the Super Bowl in Packers franchise history. His stock is rising and it will have to continue to do that if Green Bay’s offense wants to be where it was last year. Nelson has become Rodgers go-to-guy as well as his security blanket. Expect big things once again from the fifth year receiver.

5. Nick Perry

Nick Perry may only be a rookie but there are certainly high expectations for him, which is what happens when you are a first-round pick on a championship-caliber team. Perry will be expected to take the pressure off of Matthews and cause problems for the offense on a consistent basis. Most people think his purpose will be to command double-teams, but that is not the case. It will be nice for him to attract more blockers to take pressure off the rest of the defense but he also needs to be productive on the stat sheet.

6. B.J. Raji

B.J. Raji took a step back in 2011 in his performance, even though he was a Pro Bowler. This was not his fault but rather the lack of production from the rest of the defensive line. When other players are being handled one-on-one consistently then the playmakers (Matthews, Raji) get double- and triple-teamed on almost every down. Hopefully, some of the new players will be able to add something to the mix and improve the play of the defensive line.

7. Tramon Williams

Tramon Williams played almost all of last season with a severe shoulder injury. At the time he did not make it seem like a big deal, but once the season concluded he confessed it really hindered his ability to make plays. Hopefully, a healthy Williams will be able to give a performance day in and day out similar to that of the 2010 postseason. There is no doubt he will play a big part whether the secondary succeeds or fails, which as we found out last year has a big impact on whether the team succeeds or fails.

8. Greg Jennings

Nelson may be Rodgers go-to-guy but Greg Jennings is the home-run hitter. He is one of the biggest deep threats in the NFL and will have to continue to do that as Rodgers thoroughly enjoys getting passing yards in big chunks. The deep threat is a huge part of the Packers offense as it spreads the field and creates all sorts of problems for the defense.

9. Morgan Burnett

Morgan Burnett will have big shoes to fill without Collins playing in the secondary. Burnett did a decent job last season but will have to improve his skills and raise his level of play in order for the Packers to succeed this season. If Burnett is not able to get the job done then Green Bay will be in trouble as the secondary will struggle to hold up, especially if the pass rush is non-existent once again.

10. Jerel Worthy

Jerel Worthy is another top draft pick that will need to have an immediate impact on the defense in order for the Packers to be successful. It is vital Worthy cause disruption along the line so Raji and Matthews have space to do what they do best. With Anthony Hargrove and Mike Neal missing time with suspensions, Worthy is no longer just another member of the rotation but a heavy favorite to start.

I am certainly not surprised to see cornerback Charles Woodson at the top of the list, although, there is a good chance Aaron Rodgers will be No. 1 before the season is over due to the highly-anticipated salary extension he rightfully deserves. Arguably the best quarterback in the league cannot be making under $10 million a season after winning the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and two years removed from winning the Super Bowl along with Super Bowl MVP honors.

It is important to note wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver will be free agents after the 2012 season. The Packers will have to figure out a way to lock Jennings up long-term, which should not be a problem due to him wanting to stay in Green Bay. Hopefully, the Packers will re-sign Driver to a one- or two-year deal, but more likely they will not re-sign him at all with the emergence of Randall Cobb.

It is also critical Green Bay gives Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji long-term contract extensions as they are crucial pieces to the defense. Both players will require big-time extensions but it should be easy to work out considering they both enjoy playing for Green Bay. It is nice to win a Super Bowl with a young team and a potential future Hall of Fame quarterback leading the squad because those young talented players will want to remain with the Packers organization in hopes of adding to the legacy.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @MichaelTerrill

Hargrove has been suspended a whopping eight games for his involvement and participation in the bounty program. The reasoning behind Hargrove’s suspension is that he “actively obstructed the league’s 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators.”

According to a report by ESPN in early March,between 22 and 27 Saints players took part in Greg Williams’ bounty fund in which defensive playmakers were compensated for attempting to knock out opponents. Inflicting injuries on direct players was a big part of the program.

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma, one of the team’s heroes during their Super Bowl run in 2009, allegedly placed $10,000 on a table in the Saints locker room for any player who could knock Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game. If you remember, there were several ugly hits on Favre during that game that went uncalled by referees. The NFL later came out and said a few of the blown calls should have gone in favor of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Packers knew signing Hargrove could be a gamble considering his involvement in the bounty program. This is why they only signed him to a one-year, $825,000 contract, in which only $540,000 will count towards Green Bay’s salary cap due to the NFL’s minimum salary benefit program.

It is no wonder the Packers drafted two defensive tackles in Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels last weekend in the 2012 NFL Draft. Green Bay not only wanted to make sure they were covered on the defensive line long-term but also short-term in case they have to play a part of the season without Mike Neal and Hargrove. Neal was suspended four games for taking an illegal performance-enhancing substance.

The Packers were originally thought to be releasing several current members of their defensive line to make room for new players, but now with two suspensions it is hard to say who will stay and who will go. The good news is general manager Ted Thompson knew Hargrove’s suspension was a strong possibility and covered his own end.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @MichaelTerrill

The Green Bay folk hero is ranked 92nd on the top 100 list and deserves every bit of it. For those of you that do not know, the top 100 is voted by players in the NFL. Fans can submit their own player rankings at http://top100.nfl.com/ but it does not count towards the actual NFL Top 100 list.

I am sure plenty of Packer fans agree with Kuhn’s ranking but there is one person in particular who does not. Rod Woodson of the NFL Network called it “mind-boggling” because of all the tailbacks Kuhn surpassed on the list.

“Talk about all the tailbacks that he passed up. Do you want a starting tailback or starting fullback?” said Woodson. “I mean, which one is better? To me the guys that he passed up, you know, a Chris Johnson, (Willis) McGahee and Marshawn Lynch out there in Seattle. It’s mind-boggling. I want to interview the guys who made this list because I am a little confused how a fullback can be better than these tailbacks.”

I understand what Woodson is saying, however, Kuhn definitely deserves to be on the list. Does he deserve to be ahead of the three tailbacks mentioned above? Well, that is debatable. Kuhn was given the ball on downs when Green Bay needed to convert a short-yardage play. Every time he touches the football the defense already knows it is a running play so he has to work extra hard to get the desired yardage. Not to mention, the Packers offensive line has been dismal run blocking for years which means Kuhn must put in the extra effort to get a first down. This is why the Packer faithful chants “Kuuuuhhhnnn” every time he gets a touch because they know how hard he has to work to get any kind of recognition.

Kuhn made solid blocks when paving the way for James Starks or Ryan Grant in the running game and is a beast when it comes to pass blocking for Aaron Rodgers.

Woodson stood by his remarks and even added his thoughts on where the full back position stands in the NFL.

“I am really confused about what’s important to players in the National Football League. How many teams use a fullback anymore? The fullback has kind of gone to the waste side in the National Football League.”

The NFL players realize how important Kuhn is to the Packers. Opposing teams may not game plan for him due to the fact that Green Bay has numerous Pro Bowl playmakers on offense. It would be a complete waste of time for defenses to discuss what Kuhn could do to them when they know Rodgers will be on the field shredding their secondary.  However, players realize Kuhn is a blue-collar full back who does the dirty work to make the rest of the Packers look good.

To watch video of John Kuhn on NFL Top 100, click here.

Here are the video highlights of all eight Green Bay draft selections.

Round 1, Pick 28

Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

The Green Bay Packers made the right move drafting defensive end Nick Perry out of the University of Southern California in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Green Bay desperately needed a pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews and Perry is the right man for the job.

Thanks to CaliforniasGold for the video.

Round 2, Pick 19 (51)

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Thompson traded a fourth-round back to move up eight spots in the second round to draft Jerel Worthy of out Michigan State. Worthy is a phenomenal defensive tackle with first round talent who is capable of getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.

Thanks to Pietrang5 for the video.

Round 2, Pick 30 (62)

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Thompson traded Green Bay’s third- and fifth-round picks to move back into the second round to select defensive back Casey Hayward out of Vanderbilt. Hayward will have a great opportunity to make a name for himself in the Packers secondary. This selection could move Charles Woodson to safety on the majority of downs.

Thanks to JPDraftJedi for the video.

Round 4, Pick 37 (132)

Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa

Green Bay used their first compensation pick and selected Mike Daniels out of Iowa, their second defensive tackle of the draft. Daniels had a solid year for the Hawkeyes but really stepped up his performance his senior year recording more tackles and sacks then the other three seasons combined.

Thanks to FoxSports for the video.

Round 4, Pick 38 (133)

Jerron McMillian, S, Maine

With the Packers recently releasing All-Pro safety Nick Collins, it was only a matter of time before they selected a safety. Jerron McMillian out of Maine is a dynamic football player who is capable of playing the strong or free safety position. He certainly was a surprise pick for some but definitely has the intelligence and skill set to ultimately improve Green Bay’s secondary.

Thanks to ProFootballWeekly for the video.

Round 5, Pick 28 (163)

Terrell Manning, OLB, N.C. State

The Packers traded their sixth- and two seventh-round picks to move back into the fifth round and select Terrell Manning out of North Carolina State. Manning has a very impressive statistical stat sheet with numbers in every significant category. He believes he is the best linebacker in the draft and will have an opportunity to showcase his talents in Green Bay.

Thanks to JMPasq for the video.

Round 7, Pick 34 (241)

Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

Green Bay selected offensive tackle Andrew Datko from Florida State. Datko suffered a severe shoulder injury but is considered to have third-round talent. He is a hard-worker and has the personal drive to become a great offensive lineman.

Thanks to MARI0clp for the video.

Round 7, Pick 36 (243)

B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga

There is no doubt the Packers needed to draft a quarterback at some point in the draft. Considering Green Bay selected quarterback Matt Flynn in the seventh-round of the 2008 NFL Draft Thompson decided to take another shot at it. With their final selection, the Packers chose quarterback B.J. Coleman out of Chattanooga.

Thanks to phillyjimmyphilms for the video.

Round 1, Pick 28

Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

2011 Statistics: 55 total tackles (32 solo), 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

The Green Bay Packers made the right move drafting defensive end Nick Perry out of the University of Southern California in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Green Bay desperately needed a pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews and Perry is the right man for the job. Although he was a defensive end at USC, look for defensive coordinator Dom Capers to mold him into an outside linebacker. Linebackers coach Kevin Greene will work with him every day and teach him how to play the position, just like he did with Matthews. Speaking of Matthews, look for him to mentor Perry and show him the ropes of how to become a dominate pass rusher in the NFL.

The 6’3”, 270-pound Perry is relentless at getting to the quarterback and has a consistent motor similar to Matthews. He also has a phenomenal first step with a quickness that every NFL pass rusher must have. He is capable of dipping his shoulder to get around offensive lineman and can use his upper body strength to plow through blockers. His good hands will be great for moving blockers, as well as, deflecting passes in coverage.

Perry led USC in tackles in 2011 with 55. This is one of his best attributes as he wraps up well and never lets a quarterback escape his grasp. He is an intelligent individual that will not succumb to fakes and is strong enough to bring down any playmaker. Perry has the total package as he benched an incredible 35-rep of 225-pounds and ran a 4.64 40-yard dash at the combine.

At USC he never had to drop into coverage, which is something he will have to learn how to do as all linebackers in Green Bay’s defense must know how to defend the pass. Perry’s arm length was considered a weakness by many scouts but it honestly should not be a factor. Matthews has proven that you do not have to be big with long arms to dominate as an outside linebacker. In fact, Matthews is 6’3” with an arm length of 32 1/4-inches. Meanwhile, Perry is of the same height with an arm length of 33-inches. Green Bay is not as concerned with size as they are with the overall ability to play a position above and beyond everyone else.

It is no secret Green Bay struggled to muster any kind of pass rush which ultimately cost them a second-consecutive trip to the Super Bowl. Perry will make an immediate impact on the Packers and, with Matthews, will form one of the most dangerous pass rushing duos the NFC North has not seen in some time. There is no offense that will be able to contain both of them, especially if Green Bay is able to pick up some interior pass rushers in the draft.

I selected the Packers to take Nick Perry in the Rant Sports 2012 NFL Mock Draft. I knew this was going to be a solid pick and I am ecstatic he fell to the 28^th spot. I am excited Green Bay was able to add a valuable piece to the puzzle, but there is much more work to be done.

Round 2, Pick 19 (51)

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

2011 Statistics: 30 total tackles (19 solo) and 3.5 sacks.

General manager Ted Thompson hit a home run with the Packers second-round selection. Green Bay traded a fourth-round pick to move up eight spots to select Jerel Worthy out of Michigan State. Worthy is a phenomenal defensive tackle with first round talent who is capable of getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.

The Packers addressed the need for an interior pass rush in a big way. Worthy may not put up huge sack numbers, but he is certainly capable of harassing the quarterback on every down. He will consistently plow through the offensive line and force the quarterback outside the pocket which will allow Matthews and Perry to do what they do best. He has a solid first move which allows him to get around big offensive lineman and has the strength to blow blockers off the line. Once in the backfield he will close in on the quarterback or ball carrier with incredible speed for a man who weighs 308-pounds.

As good as Worthy is as a pass rusher his game centers on stopping the run, which is something he excelled at in college. He uses great leverage which makes him difficult to move off the line and holds blockers in their place forcing the ball carrier outside. Worthy was a big part of a solid Michigan State defense that ranked first in the Big Ten Conference in rushing defense (100.5 yards per game), total defense (277.4 yards per game) and sacks (45). Against the Wisconsin Badgers, a team that is considered to have the best offensive line in the country, Worthy constantly broke into the backfield and forced quarterback Russell Wilson to make difficult plays on the run.

Worthy must be successful with his first move otherwise he will get held up at the line of scrimmage. Double teams have the possibility of containing him as he has been known in the past to give up on plays. He will lineup as a defensive end for the Packers, most likely on the left side in front of Matthews. He is capable of playing nose tackle which means he could sub in for B.J. Raji if necessary.

Round 2, Pick 30 (62)

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

2011 Statistics: 62 total tackles (46 solo), seven interceptions for 107 return yards and a touchdown.

Thompson traded Green Bay’s third- and fifth-round picks to move back into the second round to select defensive back Casey Hayward out of Vanderbilt. Hayward will have a great opportunity to make a name for himself in the Packers secondary. This selection could move Charles Woodson to safety on the majority of downs.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Hayward is a remarkable talent who has the second-best hands out of all the defensive backs in the draft after Morris Claiborne. Since Vanderbilt is in the Southeastern Conference, he matched up against some of the best wide receivers college football has to offer and handled himself well. He had no trouble running with every wide out he faced and is capable of playing all different coverage schemes. He is a physical ball-hawk with an outstanding reaction time and quickness as his 15 interceptions in 37 games proves. Heyward has long arms (30.25-inches) which will allow him to be successful in bump-and-run coverage while also defending passes against taller receivers. He is strong and aggressive enough to hold off blocks and make a play on the ball carrier in running situations.

Heyward has great speed (4.57 40-yard dash) but lacks good acceleration. It is critical he keeps the play in front of him at all times as he struggles to recover after falling behind a wide receiver. Along with this, his inconsistent backpedaling forces him to turn sideways to early which will allow quick wide receivers to break free.

Capers believes Heyward can make a difference for the Packers in the secondary and should be able to contribute immediately, whether it is on special teams or in dime and quarter packages. If he impresses the coaches in training camp and blows away his competition I could see Capers moving Woodson to safety and bring Heyward in on nickel packages. Woodson has lined up at the safety position before for the Packers but it is typically only for a few plays per game, if that.

Round 4, Pick 37 (132)

Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa

2011 Statistics: 65 total tackles (31 solo) and 9.0 sacks.

Green Bay used their first compensation pick and selected Mike Daniels out of Iowa, their second defensive tackle of the draft. Daniels had a solid year for the Hawkeyes but really stepped up his performance his senior year recording more tackles and sacks then the other three seasons combined. The Packers clearly want to establish an ability to pressure the quarterback and have certainly upgraded in a big way by drafting three quality pass rushers.

At 6-foot-1, 291 pounds, Daniels is undersized but should be able to impact the game in a big way by playing defensive end for Green Bay. He is very well coordinated and has a quick first step which allows him to explode into the backfield. He has a relentless motor that keeps him driving on every play and has strong hands which allow him to move past blockers. Unlike Worthy, who has a reputation for giving up on plays, Daniels will always give a 100% effort on every down. He has the strength to bull rush offensive lineman but is more known for working his way in between blockers with his speed.

Daniels will struggle against the larger more elite offensive linemen in the NFL and must use a quick first move to be effective at all times. He needs to improve his tackling skills when attempting to wrap up a ball carrier opposed to just trying to lay a hit. He will have to work on his technique to break away from blockers which means he must improve hand and foot work.

Once again, the Packers drafted an interior defensive lineman who will line up as a defensive end that has the natural ability to apply pressure in the middle. Daniels will be a force on Green Bay’s defensive line, especially lining up beside Raji.

Round 4, Pick 38 (133)

Jerron McMillian, S, Maine

With the Packers recently releasing All-Pro safety Nick Collins, it was only a matter of time before they selected a safety. Jerron McMillian out of Maine is a dynamic football player who is capable of playing the strong or free safety position. He certainly was a surprise pick for some but definitely has the intelligence and skill set to ultimately improve Green Bay’s secondary.

The 5-foot-11, 203-pound McMillian is a strong and physical presence to have at the back end of the defense. He reacts quickly to passes and has the ability to explode in front of receivers to make the necessary play. His high football IQ blew Green Bay’s coaching staff away and is a necessary attribute to have when playing in a complicated defensive scheme such as the one Capers has built. He is a violent hitter and a sure tackler, something the Packers lacked last season. He is relentless in his pursuit and gives a solid effort every time he is on the field.

McMillian is an aggressive safety but sometimes he can be overly aggressive. By doing this he blows assignments which is something the Packers do not tolerate. Also, he is above-average against the run but sometimes he concentrates on that more than the pass. As good as a tackler he is there is definitely room to improve technique and wrap-up ability.

He will be able to compete for a starting position as Green Bay only has three safeties on their depth chart. If he is unable to secure a role on the defense he will have to become an impact player on special teams.

Round 5, Pick 28 (163)

Terrell Manning, OLB, N.C. State

2011 Statistics: 76 total tackles (46 solo), 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three interceptions.

The Packers traded their sixth- and two seventh-round picks to move back into the fifth round and select Terrell Manning out of North Carolina State. Manning was Green Bay’s sixth consecutive defensive player taken in the draft as the Packers attempt to solidify a solid pass rush and secondary. Manning has a very impressive statistical stat sheet with numbers in every significant category.

Listed as an outside linebacker, Manning is capable of lining up in several positions along the defensive line. He can line up in a stance or stand up, either way he will explode around the edge and attack the quarterback with good speed. He will dip his shoulder or use his hands and overall strength to get around pass blockers. He is an all-around great athlete who has the natural ability to be a pass rusher but excels at stopping the run. He will hit the ball carrier hard and has great success dislodging the ball.

Manning struggles at defending the pass in coverage and could struggle with bigger offensive lineman. He is great at chipping tight ends to disrupt the route but will struggle staying with them in the open field. As good as he is at rushing along the edge he will have a difficult time keeping fast ball carriers from bouncing outside. He will need to improve wrapping up runners in the open field.

The Packers will look at grooming Manning to be an inside linebacker due to his excellent ability to stop the run. His athleticism will allow him to contribute on special teams, which is where he will have the most opportunities to make plays in his first few seasons in the NFL. He has all the makings to be a classic Ted Thompson pick in the middle of the draft.

Round 7, Pick 34 (241)

Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

It took all the way to the seventh-round but the Packers eventually took an offensive player. Green Bay selected offensive tackle Andrew Datko from Florida State. Datko suffered a severe shoulder injury but is considered to have third-round talent.

Datko excels at run blocking but struggles in pass protection. He will need to hit the weight room and improve his technique before head coach Mike McCarthy allows him on the field with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Datko has the size to play tackle in the NFL but just needs to strengthen his muscles to be effective. He is quick and light on his feet for a big man and is a very hard worker, something most fans in Green Bay will appreciate.

As I said, Datko struggles pass blocking which has to do with his inability to set a leverage against athletic pass rushers. His overall technique needs to be cleaner in order to be effective. He underwent several surgeries to repair his injured shoulder and missed a majority of the 2011 season. This has to be a concern for the Packers coaching staff, but if he is able to recover successfully then Thompson got another steal in the seventh round.

Round 7, Pick 36 (243)

B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga

2011 Statistics: 137 completions for 1,527 passing yards and nine touchdowns in seven games.

There is no doubt the Packers needed to draft a quarterback at some point in the draft. Considering Green Bay selected quarterback Matt Flynn in the seventh-round of the 2008 NFL Draft Thompson decided to take another shot at it. With their final selection, the Packers chose quarterback B.J. Coleman out of Chattanooga.

It is no secret Green Bay is phenomenal at developing quarterbacks so this is another project for McCarthy’s staff as they attempt to unleash the potential of another gifted signal caller. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Coleman is a physical quarterback with a strong arm and a quick step-up. He is considered to have above-average velocity on his passes and overall he has good mechanics. He is intelligent and makes good decisions with the ball. Like Rodgers, he is able to move around the pocket and scramble when under pressure.

Just because Coleman makes good decisions throwing the ball does not mean he is successful going through his route progressions. He will keep his eye on his primary target which forces him to lose his secondary receivers in the process. This also affects his sack numbers as he will hold on to the ball longer than he should. He will need to improve his throwing accuracy if he wants to see action in an NFL game.

Overall, Coleman has the potential to be a perfect backup for Rodgers. He will get to learn from the great coaches in Green Bay and he will get to sit behind one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Follow me on Twitter @MichaelTerrill for more Green Bay Packer draft news.

Green Bay desperately needs a backup quarterback as Graham Harrell and Nick Hill are third-stringers at best. General manager Ted Thompson and the Packers could trade their sixth-round pick, not to mention one of the seven seventh-round selections to sweeten the deal.

It is critical Green Bay gets a solid backup for MVP Aaron Rodgers as a safety net. When Matt Flynn took the field fans liked their odds of winning the game, however, nobody feels that way about Harrell or Hill. Not to mention, it is important to have a backup with NFL playing experience so if the time comes to send him in he knows what he is doing.

Head coach Mike McCarthy has seen McCoy up close as he attended Texas’ pro day a couple years ago.

“I liked this workout better. I thought Colt was challenged more in his workout as far as the types of throws,” McCarthy said.

He clearly liked what he saw so it seems he would have no problem with McCoy as the backup. The Packers are all about drafting quarterbacks and building them up as Green Bay is known for being quarterback “U” in the NFL. However, McCoy was drafted in 2010 which means he is basically relatively new to the league.

The Browns have not been shy admitting they are trying to deal McCoy and the fact they have spoken to the Packers.

“It’s something we’ll talk about tonight and tomorrow,” Browns general manager Tom Heckert said on Thursday night, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

As much as Thompson loves his draft picks, I believe this is the right way to go if the Packers can get McCoy for a good deal. If the Browns begin to ask too much Thompson should just spend one of those draft picks on the many available quarterbacks in the draft.

The 6’2”, 209-pound McCoy has completed 400 of his 685 passes for a 58.4 completion percentage. He has passed for 4,309 yards, 20 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and a 74.5 quarterback rating in two seasons with Cleveland.

The Green Bay Packers made the right move drafting defensive end Nick Perry out of the University of Southern California in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Green Bay desperately needed a pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews and Perry is the right man for the job.

These are video highlights of Perry’s 2011 season at the USC. As you can see, he has a relentless motor like Matthews and is able to dip his shoulder to get around bigger offensive lineman. He is an intelligent pass rusher who is capable of racking up the sacks. The Packers could not have asked for a better first round pick.

Although he was a defensive end at USC, look for defensive coordinator Dom Capers to mold him into an outside linebacker. Linebackers coach Kevin Greene will work with him every day and teach him how to play the position, just like he did with Matthews. Also, Matthews will take Perry under his wing (both hail from USC) and show him what it takes to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL. Matthews has learned from the best and now Perry will get to do the same.

The sky is the limit for Perry in a Packers uniform and Green Bay is fortunate to get a player of his magnitude. He is a complete game changer because he will not only record outstanding statistics but he will be able to take a lot of pressure off of Matthews. Look for Matthews’ numbers to shoot back up with Perry playing opposite of him, especially if the Packers are able to acquire some interior pass rushers.

Thanks to CaliforniasGold for the awesome video.

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Green Bay Packers Made Right Call Drafting Nick Perry In First Round

Green Bay Packers Select Nick Perry In Rant Sports 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Complete Green Bay Packers NFL Mock Draft 7-Rounds

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