The Green Bay Packers locked up their number two most important player this week by making Greg Jennings the second highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. I don’t have any problem comparing Jennings with Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals, all both of them do is make big plays. And in Jennings case, he has one of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks also locked up for the foreseeable future and nothing but big things can be expected of both. This has the makings of a record-breaking combination that rarely happens in today’s NFL.

This is another example of the Packers taking care of their core players and not risking money on over-the-hill or never-have-been free agents. Rodgers got his money last year, Jennings this year. I expect guys like Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz and Johnny Jolly to be next. I think the Packers will hold off on Nick Collins, whose value has dropped with every day he missed learning the new defense this offseason. The Packers are deep in the secondary and unlike last year with running back Ryan Grant, I doubt very highly that they will give in to Collins. Colledge and Spitz are more important if you ask me. Keeping Rodgers healthy should be top priority.

One thing is sure and that is Jennings will not be an Antonio Freeman and disappear after getting big money. Jennings is a class act and sets a huge example in the locker room and on the field. The Packers certainly got a steal when they took him with the 52nd in the 2006 draft. All he has done from day one is start and average 16 yards a catch and hauled in 24 TDs in three years, 21 of them coming in the last two seasons alone. The guy is a big play machine and if he and Rodgers stay healthy the Packers are going to be tough to stop.

If it was my money, I’d lock up Colledge and Spitz next, and try to steal Ryan Pickett and Atari Bigby for a reasonable price and let Collins and Aaron Kampman play a few games in 2009 before making a decision. The later two are not happy and do not appear all that thrilled about the new defense, so no need to rush to pay those guys. If it turns out they excel in the new scheme then the Packers will take care of them.

Man I can’t wait for the season to begin. I think training camp is going to be very positive and expectations will be high as well. With all that has transpired since the end of last season’s disappointing 6-10 record it is hard to argue the Packers haven’t taken huge steps in the right direction. The fruits of their labor will not begin to be known for another six weeks, but as an owner, I like the way my team is shaping up. Confidence is high.

First and foremost I am so sick of Brett Lorenzo Favre. But apparently you people aren’t. What I don’t understand is who gives a rat’s ass about a guy who hasn’t played for the Packers in two years and hasn’t played well for anybody in eight years. This is just astonishing and really reflects bad on Packers’ fans. Why you people can’t get over this is simply beyond explanation. It makes no sense. I urge all Packers’ fans to simply let the Favre lovers (and Packers haters) rant all they want but just don’t give them the satisfaction of a response. The Packers are primed for a great year and we shouldn’t be letting these bozos change the subject to Favre every two seconds. As John Rambo would say “Let…it…go!”

The Packers have playmakers at every key position and will have a new-and-improved defense to go along with one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. That is what we should be talking about. Favre is the Vikings headache now and just like last year in New York it can only end badly for him. But who cares? Only Favre lovers. And I don’t care what anybody says, there is no middle ground. Either you are with us - the real Packers fans, or you are with the terrorists, oops, the Favre lovers. Quit to trying to walk the line, because you can’t. Packers’ fans have moved on to bigger and better things, Favre fans are still harping over the events of last summer when Ted Thompson wouldn’t give into their brat from Mississippi. There is nothing worse than a Favre fan scorned.

I have to admit that I am laughing every day at the mess this already making of the Vikings. Their locker room is already divided over whether or not they should bring in Favre and the media frenzy that will follow it will only be a huge distraction. I can’t wait to watch it unfold. I just wish I could come to Packernet and talk Packers for a change. It’s up to you all, you can keeping talking about it but I’m sick of reading it, so I won’t. Say what you want, act like babies and call each other names, do it all. I don’t give a crap anymore. I haven’t blogged about Favre since May 5 and this will be my last blog entry ever about a player that doesn’t play for the Packers. You can try and egg me on but I will not comment, in fact I highly doubt I will even read any of the comments I get from this entry unless somebody complains about a vulgar post or something.

The bright side of all of this is that other than the Nick Collins and Aaron Kampman mini-controversies, there is very little to talk about in Packerland right now. Things are progressing nicely with the new defense and with running back Ryan Grant attending all the offseason activities, the offense should be even better than the unit that ranked 8th in the NFL last year even though they were only 17th in rushing. Add another season from Grant like he had in 2007 and the Packers are back in the playoffs for sure and Rodgers is a Pro Bowl selection. I’m really looking forward to seeing both play this year.

Like last year after Thompson made a huge mistake in cutting punter Jon Ryan, the Packers weakest position is again punter. Thompson needs to find a veteran, no matter how many rocks he has to overturn, the team simply can’t afford to go through another season like they did last year at that position. I was not thrilled with kicker Mason Crosby’s sophomore performance and giving him a little competition could only be a good thing as well.

Come on Packers’ fans, lets move on and worry about things that actually affect the team. If you can’t do that, I feel for you, but there are plenty of places you can get help. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Good luck.

Al has vowed not to use the “F” word anymore, so I’ll do it.  Everyone else has already said their piece on the issue already if they have an opinion, and this article probably will not offer anything more that what’s already been said by others on the topic.  That said, I do think yet another Favre opinion article won’t hurt anybody.

Along with the rest of the world, I bought into the hero worship of the the legendary Brett Favre.  He was marketed as the ultimate competitor, the simple guy who just loves football and doesn’t let any of the hype go to his head.

Well, the truth has come out and true character revealed.  The same guy who criticized Javon Walker for not honoring his contract has now pulled a Terrel Owens to get himself in position to play for the team of his choosing.  Favre appears to think that because of who he is, the rules do not apply and should be able to retire and unretire to play for whomever he wishes.

Sorry to tell you Brett, but not everyone thinks that way.  GM Ted Thompson made what I think is the right decision not to allow him to unretire and play for the Packers last season.  At that point I did still respect Favre a great deal, but the constant “will he or won’t he play” game year after year was getting really old.  I am sure Thompson was as sick of it as most people (if not more so) and finally said enough is enough.  Good for Ted, one big question answered and let’s move on.

Now Favre has manipulated his way out of his contract with the New York Jets by faking a second retirement and is free to play for whomever he wishes, just the way he wanted it.  It is clear now that Favre wants to be a Viking.  As a Packer fan this is the biggest slap in the face one could ever have expected from the man.  The Minnesota Vikings — the Packers’ biggest rival (and Favre’s for the past 17 years).  It hurts, and yes it does feel like a betrayal.

I remember after the 1997 super bowl loss when Holmgren left the Packers and went to Seattle to play GM and head coach, just like he wanted in Green Bay.  I remember how disappointing that was and how many people were so angry about his “betrayal”.  I didn’t personally feel that way but now I can certainly better understand how those people were feeling.

Remember just a few years ago when all was right with the world in Packerland?  We all wanted Favre to be a Packer until he retired, and then we’d build a shrine of his jersey and all hail him as the greatest football player to have ever played the game.  That dream is now long since over.

The truth is that regardless of Favre ever becomes a Viking or if he decides to hang it up for real this time, the damage has already been done.  Favre’s selfishness and huge ego has been revealed and there is no going back now.  My hero has died.  I have gone through 4 of the 5 stages of grief (minus acceptance).  The only difference between this situation and an actual death is that instead of my being able to grieve the loss and move on, Favre keeps coming back to haunt us.  It is so hard to move on from this though when it just won’t go away.

I am just completely exhausted with the whole ordeal.  My hope for the future at this point is for Favre to retire, and if that doesn’t happen I’d like to see two dominant performances by the Packers versus the Vikings this season, and maybe see Favre take a few shots from B.J. Raji as well (even if that is a bit juvenile).

I suppose this whole debacle has helped me learn a lesson.  There are no true role models in professional sports, and when you think you’ve found one they will disappoint you.  Professional athletes are just people like everyone else, and make mistakes just like everyone else.

Kevin “Not Al” Roth

I think Rex Grossman would have been the perfect backup to Aaron Rodgers this year. The Packers dodged a major bullet last year when Rodgers was able to stay healthy, but why press your luck? Grossman is always at his best coming off the bench and could have gotten the Packers through a short-term loss of Rodgers. I can’t say that about the bozos backing up Rodgers now. And having that veteran presence on the bench puts a little more pressure on Rodgers to stay on the field by playing well. That strategy worked pretty well for Mike Holmgren when he always had a veteran backup behind Brett Favre. Guys like Jim McMahon, Steve Bono and Doug Pederson were there as insurance. Right now, if Rodgers goes down, so do any hope they have at improving on last year.

I think I would like to see the Packers take a chance on Mike Vick. He could be the number two QB and number one gadget play player.  Vick could ease himself back into the NFL as a backup quarterback and part-time offensive playmaker and is not likely to command a lot of money. The guy has played in and won big games, including handing the Packers their first ever home playoff loss, so playing in the cold at Lambeau isn’t a problem. The man paid his debt to society and I think he would be a good fit in Green Bay.

I’m starting to think all the hubbub about Aaron Kampman may have been overblown. He seems to be adjusting well, but his silence and attitude toward the media is still somewhat curious. Here’s hoping he comes around and returns to the old AK were are used to seeing.

I think I am very disappointed already in first-round draft pick Clay Matthews. I mean, come on, how do you a pull a hammy in your first practice? No excuse is acceptable, and his absence more than likely has already cost him a starting job with the way Jeremy Thompson is performing. I hope this is not a sign of things to come for Matthews, but after watching Justin Harrell the last two years, one can’t help but be skeptical.

I think the Packers will be better with Jason Spitz at center, but only if they can replace him at right guard. He might be their best lineman.

I think I’m impressed with the way B.J. Raji has presented himself so far in Green Bay. He has done what is asked, studied hard by all accounts, and has been very professional with the media. I think he might have a long career in Green Bay. I don’t think, however, this is necessarily the end of Ryan Pickett in Green Bay, the Packers will find a way to use both and keep both happy. At least I hope so, Pickett is a solid veteran presence in the locker room and the Packers hopefully find a way to keep him after this year.

I think I might have something to say about someone in the next few days, but not a fault of my own.

Please accept my apologies for the problem we had with our hamsters (as Florio would say). The issue has been resolved and confidence is high it will never happen again. Rest assured Packernet is alive and well.

I would love to chime in on the latest news, but my self-imposed moratorium is still in effect until the situation is resolved one way or the other. You know me, though, it is damn hard to bite my tongue.

We are back though, and Packernet should be much faster than in the past. All is good.

More to come, and soon. Thanks a ton for sticking around. I am much obliged.

Organized Team Activities are under way for the Green Bay Packers and after the first week there was plenty to talk about. Some of it good news and some of it bad news.

The Good:  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ leadership is showing more and more and this now is clearly his team. With Rodgers coming off a superb season in which he became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards in his first year as a starter and also threw 28 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions, the Packers are in good hands at the most pivotal position. Rodgers has been sharp and his deep ball may even be better than last year when he led the league in completions over 40 yards. The combination of him and wide receiver Greg Jennings could be every bit as explosive as the Tom Brady-Randy Moss combo in New England. If Rodgers puts 16 more games under his belt I believe the Packers will certainly return to the playoffs this season.

Defensive lineman Justin Harrell has been a bright spot both on and off the field. The much maligned, often injured lineman is running with the one’s in practice playing defensive end in the new 3-4 defense the Packers are instituting. Harrell has looked good and claims to be 100 percent healthy for the first time since the Packers drafted him with their number one pick in 2007. He has stepped up to the plate off the field has as well by facing his critics and not making excuses for his lack of production after being drafted so high (number 15 overall). Harrell wants to prove to the world he is not a bust and I think he could easily end up being a starter on opening day.

The aforementioned Jennings, who is a star in the making and is in the last year of his contract is not holding out and showing much more class than most players lately that are in his same shoes. Jennings knows his deal will get done and punishing his teammates by not showing up for OTAs is not his style, unlike a certain safety and receiver to be mentioned later. Just by showing up Jennings proves to the Packers what type of person he is and when the deal gets done he will be worth every penny.

The Bad:  In one of the weirdest situations I’ve ever seen wide receiver Donald Driver is crying for more money yet again. This has become pretty much a yearly occurrence and the Packers would be wise to draw the line this time. Driver probably has only one year left in Green Bay no matter what happens this year. The emergence of Jennings and young receivers like Jordy Nelson and James Jones and Driver’s advancing age make him expendable, especially if he thinks he’s worth $8-10 million per year. Driver probably knows the writing is on the wall and wants to get as much from the Packers this year knowing damn well he won’t be under contract next year. Driver has been a semi-class act during his career in Green Bay so the Packers might appease him, but they have no reason to do so.

Saftey Nick Collins also is also showing his selfish side and hurting his teammates by refusing to attend camp and learn the new defense. His job is supposed to be the “quarterback” of the defense and by not being here he is hurting not only himself but his team. I think the Packers should start grooming his replacement and not worry about him. He had one good year that I think was a fluke and if the Packers open the vault to him they will have a ton of dead money after he flops this year. The longer he stays away from camp the less money he is worth. The Packers have depth in the secondary with several guys who can play both corner and safety, so as far as Collins is concerned, it’s out of sight, out of mind. So long and good riddance.

Finally, what is up with Aaron Kampman? The media is pounding him and assuming that he doesn’t his like his role in the new defense and until he states otherwise that is what people are going to believe. I will give him credit for being here trying to learn the system. If he wanted to wait until he got into some meetings and practices and actually see what his role will be before talking publicly, then fine. A simple statement saying that would have been easy enough to release through the team. Now he just comes off as an immature girl giving the silent treatment. I think the Packers should be seriously shopping Kampman because the Packers have plenty of linebackers who can play the position. Brady Poppinga can play there no problem and with Jeremy Thompson opening eyes so far in camp, not to mention Clay Matthews, the Packers don’t need Kampman any longer. He’s been a good foot soldier but if any other team than the Vikings would have given him that offer sheet a few years ago I think the Packers might have let him go then.

There are a couple of other areas of concern like the offensive line but I think those issues will work themselves out as players get healthy and training camp unfolds. I do think at least one of the positions on the right side of the line will be manned by a rookie. I think Cliffy, Colledge and Spitz will work the left side and center positions come opening day. I just think T.J. Lang is going to get one of those right side spots.

So far I think the good outweighs the bad.

I think the people bitching at me for bringing up Brett Favre are the ones who know I’m right and don’t want to hear it anymore. I don’t either, but Favre playing for the Vikings directly affects the Packers, unlike last year when Favre was in Siberia. Packers’ fans still wouldn’t stop talking about him and ripping Ted Thompson in the process, hence the moratorium on Brett Favre. Now that the storm has blown over, and I believe in my heart that Favre will stay retired rather than go through six months of pain just for the shot to beat the Packers twice, which is highly unlikely. So unless I’m wrong I’m putting a moratorium on myself regarding the waffle king. You do what you want.

I think the Packers are in serious need of a running back. The list of Ryan Grant, DeShawn Wynn, Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin and Tyrell Sutton do not exactly strike fear in the hearts of their opponents. Looks like Aaron Rodgers might be throwing 40 times a game this year.  I mean Grant is OK, but he needs to prove his worth this year or the Packers overpaid for him. Behind Grant, Lumpkin might be the best of the worst. Wynn and Jackson get hurt when the wind blows and Sutton wasn’t even drafted. The worse problem is there isn’t anybody out there to get. I hope Lumpkin’s injury last year wasn’t a career killer, as he is clearly the most talented of the backups.

I think I’m really getting sick of the talk about how hard it is to switch from a 43 defense to a 34 defense. The Packers have an abundance of linebackers to play the scheme and plenty of candidates to fill the three lineman positions. You have to wonder if this wasn’t the plan all along. The media is way off on this one.

I think it is going to be a uneventful June and July for the Green Bay Packers and I thank the good Lord for that after what we went through last year. What a joy it will be to just focus on the mini-camps and OTAs and not have to worry about that other stuff. I bet the players feel the same way and I truly believe the opposite of last year will occur - instead of a dark cloud to start the season, as Johnny Nash would say, “it’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day.”

I think if the Packers do flop this year and Ted Thompson gets fired I would love to see The Big Show come back to Green Bay. Mike Holmgren has always understood the history and tradition of the Packers and returning them to glory for a second time might appeal to him. He could bring in Jon Gruden as head coach and it might be just like old times.

I think Nick Collins is an idiot. He is very replaceable and the Packers shouldn’t throw big money to a guy who is letting down his teammates by not being in town learning the new defense. Family issue my ass. Does he deserve a new contract? Maybe. But one good year out of four and you turn into T.O.? If it was up to me it would be so long and good riddance. With a new DC, everybody is starting fresh, which means Collins isn’t even guaranteed a starting job no matter what he did last year. Dom Capers will play the players who give him the best chance to succeed and with Collins staying at home he could very well be out of a job if he doesn’t wise up. Personally, I hope he holds out and the Packers replace him.

I think the Packers new practice field is going to be awesome. Finally we won’t have to look through a chain-link fence to watch the team at training camp. Can’t believe it took this long, but getting Lambeau redone was the top priority I guess.

I think I might not have much to say for a few weeks. Golf season is here. Baseball is boring. Minicamp isn’t until June 22. Take a break.

I think I’m going to have a cocktail now.

Now that word is out that decrepit quarterback Brett Favre is set to sign a deal to join the Minnesota Vikings, here is one vote hoping he does just that. Favre joining the Vikings would be the best thing to happen to the rest of the NFC North. The Vikings are a quarterback away everybody says, forgetting they have no receivers, either, but thinking Brett Favre is their ticket to greatness? Good luck with that. Ask Eric Mangini how that worked out for him.

Guys coming back and playing after retiring is nothing new to sport. Look at Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, they all came back and all pretty much sucked in doing so. The difference is all of the aforementioned came back because they loved the game, not because they wanted to stick it to their former employer. I mean, come on Brett, are you really that big of a baby? I sure hope so. I can’t wait to unleash Aaron Kampman and Clay Matthews on the extremely immobile Favre, in the Metrodome no less, where Favre just loves playing. I remember an old Favre NFL Films’ video where Favre would say a person could be “dumber than a sack of hammers”, who would have thought he was talking about himself?

I would love to see Favre sign with the Vikings, especially for a low-paying contract. Favre’s intention’s would be perfectly clear - to play two good games this year and who cares about the rest. If Favre could beat the Packers as an opposing quarterback, his career would be complete. Screw the Super Bowl, beating the Packers is Favre’s Super Bowl. Favre already admitted he came back last year to stick it to the Packers and their fans, but he had a horrible season leading the league in interceptions once again. It must have left a good taste in his mouth, however. Or maybe he is trying to set the interception record so high that it is even more unbreakable than it already is.

Brett Favre could have been the greatest quarterback in Green Bay Packers’ history even though he only won one championship, but he choose to stick it to the Packers and their fans instead. I for one hope to hell that Favre does indeed join the Vikings and he can stay upright until October 5 when the Packers visit the Vikings on Monday Night Football. My guess is Sage or T-Jack are starting by then, anyway. How would you like to be Vikings’ coach Brad Childress? Either you bench Brett Favre or you lose your job at the end of the season. Wouldn’t want to be in those shoes.

I know this is all pretty much speculation, and until Brett Favre comes out and speaks one way or the other, just like last year, this will go on for three more months. The good thing is this year instead of wishing Favre would stay retired, I am begging for his return. Probably so are the Lions and Bears. And just like last year the main reason we all know Favre is coming back is because he refuses to face the press and say he isn’t. This text-messaging thing is getting childish. OMG, BF is back! Give me a break. Go on record and end it if you are not coming back. He must love being the center of attention. What a loser he turned out to be.

A guy we worshiped for 16 years hates us.

Was that really Ted Thompson pulling the strings for the Green Bay Packers this past weekend? Even the Thompson bashers have to be fairly happy with what transpired in 2009 NFL Draft. The Packers ended up with two first-round picks who in my opinion will be starters on opening day. In B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews the Packers have the cornerstones for their transition to a 34 defense and when you add in Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Aaron Kampman, the Packers’ linebackers are looking pretty damn good. With Raji, Ryan Pickett and Cullen Jenkins up front, the Packers are ready to make the switch with immediate results. Of course , improving over last year’s sieve won’t be hard to do.

I think Thompson was just doing what he always said he would do. He used the draft to build the core of the team and when that was done he was ready to make a bold move like the one to get Matthews. One thing about Thompson is he believes in what he is doing, he doesn’t BS you and he is not afraid of the consequences of his beliefs. Thompson  believes last year’s record was not because of a lack of talent on the team and thinks the Packers are going to be a contender. Thompson won’t say it, but we all know last year’s Brett Favre fiasco was a huge distraction and I directly contribute it to the team’s record. This offseason is the complete opposite.

Sure there are question marks about both Raji and Matthews, but there are question marks about all first-round picks. If you dig that deep into somebody’s history, you will almost always find something. Nobody is perfect. I like these guys and I think they both have Pro Bowl potential and will be with the Packers for a long time. One thing is sure, the Packers, Thompson, and head coach Mike McCarthy need them to be just that or the later two will likely both be looking for jobs in a year or two. I think they got it right this time and I can’t wait to see them on the field.

Day two of the draft was even more a sign that Thompson has changed his thinking toward this team and the draft. It was all need picks. Offensive lineman T.J. Lang will be given every opportunity to replace Mark Tauscher at right guard and I think he might even be the front-runner based solely on his competition. I think the same can be said for fullback Quinn Johnson, a bruiser who is unselfish and is a good fit for the west coast offense the Packers use. He loves to block and is a much more physical presence than any of the fullbacks currently on the roster.

A couple of other guys I like are Jamon Meredith, the offensive tackle from South Carolina and the d-back from Cincinnati, Brandon Underwood, just a hunch on the later. Nonetheless, it was a good weekend for the Green Bay Packers. Their NFC North rivals shored up on offense and the Packers shored up on defense. I like it. Hopefully some of the venom for Thompson will wane a little bit in the next few months so we can focus on the team and get ready for the 2009 season.

Even with rookie camp this weekend and OTAs and minicamp still to come, it is going to be a long three months waiting for training camp. But all of a sudden things aren’t so glum in Titletown. The offense is already in place with a young soon-to-be star quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and superstar in the making in Greg Jennings at wide receiver, a good running game and an improving offensive line. If the defense follows suit, good things are ahead for this team. You gotta’ believe.

The Detroit Lions at least spared us the 10 minute wait to announce the pick we already knew was coming. Thanks. So the Lions have a quarterback of the future, ditto the Bears and Packers. Will the Vikings join the party by trying to get a quarterback today? I doubt it, they would have to move to the mid-teens probably to get a guy like Josh Freeman, and I don’t think the Vikings have the ammo to do that, so there are pretty much stuck with T-Jack and Sage. Good luck with that. Rams are on the clock.

3:17 PM: Rams take Jason Smith, no surprise there. Solid safe pick. Chiefs are on the clock, we could get the first trade here.

3:30 PM: Tyson Jackson to the Chiefs at three. This guy soared up the draft boards recently. Amazing, one guy had him the 48th best player in the draft. I thought he would be there for the Packers at nine for sure. Shows how much I know.

3:34 PM: Geez, we moving right along. Seahawks take linebacker Aaron Curry. Another safe pick.

3:39 PM: The Jets trade up. Got to be the quarterback.

3:41 PM: So the Jets replace Brett Favre with Mark Sanchez. This could be big for the Jets, I like Sanchez better than Matthew Stafford. The Jets are going all-in this offseason since firing Eric Mangini.

3:55 PM: Andre Smith is gone. Good, I sure as heck didn’t want him in Green Bay. Good luck in Cincinnati.

3:58 PM: Darrius Heyward-Bey goes to the Raiders. I heard rumors of that happening. Now it’s looking like Crabtree might be there at nine. If he is, I think the Packers will take him.

4:05 PM: The Jags take Eugene Monroe. Packers are on the clock and Crabtree has got to be the pick. Raji is still there, though. The Packers have a tough decision to make. I would have loved had Monroe slid one more spot.

4:14 PM: It’s B.J. Raji! I have to say I am not unhappy with Raji. I just thought Crabtree would have been a great addition and given Aaron Rodgers some unbelievable weapons with Greg Jenning and Jordy Nelson. Now Crabtree just went to the 49ers. Good pick for the Packers. If Justin Harrell can pull off a miracle and actually get healthy, the Packers have the makings of young, strong defensive line that so lacking last year when the Packers couldn’t stop anybody.

I loved it when the pick was announced you could hear the Packers fight song playing in the background - Go Pack Go!

5:32 PM: The Lions added tight end Brandon Pettigrew and the Vikings wide receiver Percy Harven. The NFC North is stocking up on playmakers, good thing the Packers did take Raji, they might be thinking defense again when they pick at 41. Seeing what the Lions and Vikings are doing on offense has to factor in a little. Thank God the Vikings don’t have a quarterback. The Lions are doing things the right way today, a far cry form the days of Matt Millen. While they are probably a year or two away from competing in the division, the Lions are raising a few eyebrows today.

5:53 PM: Ted Thompson trades for a first-round pick? What is the world coming to? This is amazing. Who does he want that bad?

6:01 PM: Now we know why Thompson doesn’t trade down. Wow, a second and two thirds for Clay Matthews? I’ve seen Matthews rated anywhere from 90th best in the draft all the way down to 12th, the later by Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel. Very interesting. The joy of Raji now brings bewilderment. Not saying I don’t like the move, apparently Thompson doesn’t see value in rounds two and three. Maybe there is more wheeling and dealing to be done too, but this was an out-of-character move for Ted Thompson, that is for sure.