For those of you that don’t know, this is the OTS (On The Sidelines) Packers Rumor Report. The OTS are Packers rumors that I obtain through various sources that I have come to know through my years doing radio. They are sources in NFL in various capacities and do have direct knowledge of what is being discussed by decision makers and front office personnel. Please keep in mind what a rumor is, hence what the OTS is:
RUMOR:
n.
A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.
It appears that the free agent shopping spree that GM Ted Thompson went on is over. While the Packers had DE/OLB Dave Tollefson in for a visit, he was only offered a 1 year deal for the minimum. This was reported a few days ago by the Packers beat writers.
Nick Collins, his agent and the Packers decision makers are discussing what the next move is for Collins and the team. While the rumor is Collins received the “OK” to resume his career, the Thompson and Mike McCarthy are not to sure if they want to take the enhanced risk of letting Collins play for the Packers. This is a highly fluid situation and the Packers brass wants whats best for Collins long term (after football) and was told they are 80-90% certain he won’t be a Packer in 2012 and if he is (a Packer)” he needs to get in the sales business after he retires”. I was told from an NFC Scout that he wouldn’t let Collins play for his team because “a neck injury is nothing to play with and the risk doesn’t outweigh the reward.”
I was also told that the team will explore extending Greg Jennings and Clay Matthews during the season and Aaron Rodgers as well. I was told that Thompson and McCarthy view the three players mentioned as the leaders on and off the field.
I was told that the Packers would indeed move up a few slots for a certain few players. They have narrowed their board down to the guys that they feel would be available around the time of their pick, but won’t overpay to move up a few slots.
Keep an eye on running backs early in the Packers draft and also late in the draft. Doug Martin, Chris Polk, Lamar Miller, and Bryce Brown are guys that they interest in. Brown is interesting since their are question marks with him, but he has ability and low tread on his tires which makes him a little more intriguing.
A few names to watch for in the 1st round are Michael Brockers, Fletcher Cox, Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, Whitney Merculis, Steven Gilmore, Dre Kirkpatrick and Doug Martin.
I was told 2 players high on the Packers board from Oklahoma; Ronnell Lewis (OLB) and Ryan Broyles (WR). Both are guys, that an AFC Scout told me are 2nd (Lewis) and late 3rd to early 5th (Broyles) grades and would be excellent fits for the Packers.
B.J. Coleman is a QB to watch for the Packers. They have requested extra tape on him and view him as a high upside/developmental guy that could be a very good player in time.
The Packers have a lot of interest in Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion Christian. If you followed my mocks, I also have been high on him, but I was told 2 and a half months ago that the Packers really like this kid and hoped he’d stay “under the radar”.
Another name to watch for is Alabama DL Josh Chapman. He can play the NT or 5 tech and has the intangibles that Ted Thompson looks for. He played the 2011 season with tears in his ACL and meniscus and still had a very productive year. An NFC scout told me he is “the most underrated player in this draft and on that Alabama defense”. He told me he has a 3rd-late 4th round grade on Chapman (because of the knee injury).
The same scout told me that Arkansas St. safety Kelcie McCray is another kid that fits what Thompson looks for and is a 5th or 6th round guy.
Chase Minnifield is falling in the draft. Scouts are worried about his knees and speed. The AFC scout that I contacted told me that Minnifield could fall as far as the 6th round. I was told by one of my Packers sources that they have legit interest in him.
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