Packers Morning Buzz: Murphy says talks are ongoing on Rodgers extension

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers  from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers as they hit Indianapolis for the annual NFL scouting combine.

We’ll start with Michael Cohen’s look at five Packers storylines to keep an eye on this week in Indianapolis.

From Michael:

Out front, spotlights bathe hundreds of draft-hopeful prospects whose measurements and measurables go a long way toward influencing their future net worth.

Behind the scenes, brass from all 32 teams meet with agents to set price points and gauge interest ahead of free agency’s mad scramble.

For Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, the experience will be both new and old. He has attended the combine for the better part of two decades as an area scout, director of college scouting and, most recently, director of player personnel for former GM Ted Thompson. He has not, however, been asked to run the show as the lead decision maker for an NFL franchise.

This week marks the beginning of a pivotal offseason for the Packers, whose roster deficiencies and overall parsimony have — on multiple occasions — handcuffed the team by Christmas, especially at outside linebacker and cornerback, the marquee positions on defense.

But with ample salary-cap space and 12 picks in this year’s draft, including the team’s highest overall selection since 2009, the Packers have all the necessary resources to reach the top of the NFC next season. It’s up to Gutekunst and his staff to guide them.

The Packers were thwarted in their attempt to get back Martellus Bennett’s bonus money:

The NFL competition committee is looking at the catch rule:

Packers fans drive up ticket prices when they hit the road:

I chatted with fans upon arrival here in Indy:

Elsewhere, Rob Demovsky writes on the continuing talks between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers:

Peter Bukowski has a seven-round Packers mock draft:

Cory Jennerjohn says not to be worried about a potential Vikings-Kirk Cousins marriage:

Tom Grossi looks at eight needs for the Packers this offseason:

Packers Wire highlights five defensive players that should be of interest to the Packers:

Power Sweep looks at Morgan Burnett’s pending free agency:

NFL Network talks draft philosophies:

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix wants you to support the Boys and Girls Club: