Morning Buzz: First look at the 2017 Packers
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 an extra strong cup of coffee and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.
We finally got our first look at the (mostly) full Packers roster Tuesday during the first open practice of OTAs.
After the first open practice of OTAs, there are plenty of stories to get to, but we’ll start with injury updates on Corey Linsley and Quinten Rollins. Michael Cohen has the goods.
Rollins told the Journal Sentinel he underwent groin surgery to fix a problem that stretched from October through January. He flew to Philadelphia to visit Dr. William Meyers, the prominent core muscle surgeon who operated on cornerback Damarious Randall in October. Like Rollins, Randall was bothered by a nagging groin problem throughout the season.
Several months removed from surgery, Rollins was on the field Tuesday and did not appear to have any restrictions. He said the groin felt healthy around the same time he reported for the offseason conditioning program in mid-April.
“It was definitely great getting the chance to actually get back healthy,” Rollins said. “It’s been great. Night-and-day better.”
Ryan Wood wrote on Jahri Evans and his fit within the Packers' offensive line and locker room:
Ryan also has the latest on Martellus Bennett and his pledge to be “the captain of fun.”
Elsewhere, the Players Tribune has a fantastic feature on former Packers tight end Jermichael Finley and his road after football and a process called “neuro training.”
Peter King has his offseason power rankings out, and has the Packers coming in at No. 6. He also has Aaron Rodgers winning another MVP.
I worry about the offensive line; GM Ted Thompson angered some players by allowing trusted guard T.J. Lang to jump to division rival Detroit. I worry about the secondary holding up. I worry about Nick Perry and Clay Matthews staying healthy for the season and giving the defense enough pass-rush. But I do not worry about Aaron Rodgers’ ability to carry a team to make another deep playoff run. After seeming mortal for three months last year, Rodgers was his explosive self (last seven games: 32.9 points per game) down the stretch. As much as Jared Cook became a significant piece late in the season, I think Bennett will be great for Rodgers. He’s durable, he gets open (last three years: 198 catches, 2,056 yards), he doesn’t shrink from challenges. He could have his greatest year, and he may need to—Rodgers could face significantly more pressure with a leaky line than a year ago, and the tight end will be vital in this offense.
The "Good Morning Football" crew took a look at the Packers' offseason:
Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus looks at Rodgers’ numbers outside the pocket last year:
The team website has video of Tuesday’s proceedings on Clark Hinkle Field:
Cheesehead TV lobbies for a long-term deal for Corey Linsley:
The Packers Wire takes a look at Ty Montgomery’s readiness to be “The Guy”:
Rob Demovsky writes on the connection and confidence already shared between Aaron Rodgers and Martellus Bennett: