Packers Morning Buzz: Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers made magic together

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers from around the web and here at PackersNews.com.

We'll start with former Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson choosing to hang it up after 11 NFL seasons, 10 spent with the Packers. Ryan Wood reflects on Nelson's career and his uncanny chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It never was more evident than in 2016 when, fresh off missing the 2015 season with a torn ACL, Nelson returned to lead the NFL with 14 TD catches.

Ryan writes:

Over the years, Rodgers and Nelson two developed into one of the league’s top duos. Their chemistry helped maintain Nelson’s production even after reconstructive knee surgery warped his speed. Even in 2017, Nelson led the NFL with six touchdowns through the first five games when Rodgers was lost for most of the remainder of the season with a broken collarbone. He didn’t catch another touchdown the rest of the season.

You can read the entire story here:

A look at the special red-zone connection between Nelson and Rodgers:

JR Radcliffe lists nine memorable moments featuring Nelson with the Packers:

Nelson's retirement had #ThankYouJordy trending on Twitter:

This Jordy Nelson highlight reel seemingly goes on forever, and you never get tired of watching:

There's no question that Nelson ranks among the all-time Packers fan favorites:

And he was pretty popular with teammates as well:

A deep dive into Nelson's year-by-year performance and connection with Rodgers:

We'll be seeing a lot of these kind of headlines in the next month:

Another day, another mock draft: This latest four-rounder from The Draft Wire has the Packers taking a tight end and a linebacker with their first two picks:

12. Green Bay Packers | T.J. Hockenson | TE | Iowa

Free agency gave the Packers an opportunity to fill some of their biggest needs on defense, and they took full advantage by adding some of this year’s best available veterans. That should free them up to use this pick on a dynamic weapon for Aaron Rodgers, and Hockenson has all the tools to be an elite playmaker.

30. Green Bay Packers (from NO) | Mack Wilson | LB | Alabama

After getting their tight end earlier in the first round, and filling their other defensive needs in free agency, the Packers can use this pick to address the linebacker spot. Wilson is still a bit raw, but his ceiling is through the roof thanks to top-level physical tools.

Click below to see who's projected to go to Green Bay in rounds 2 through 4:

In yet another mock draft, Kalyn Kahler of The MMQB also has the Packers taking Hockenson at No. 12. But her projection for the No. 30 pick is interesting (if unlikely):

30. Green Bay (from New Orleans): Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State 
Simmons is a bit of a wild card because of his recent ACL tear, and his background will be examined closely—as a high schooler he pleaded no contest to simple assault after striking a woman who was fighting with a family member. But a healthy Simmons could be a star in 2020, and with pass-rush talent already added to the roster, Green Bay can now afford to wait.

You can see the entire first-round projection here:

Peter Bukowski of Acme Packing Co. also is down with the Packers taking a tight end at No. 12:

And finally: Be sure to join Pete Dougherty for his live chat Thursday at 1 p.m. CST:

Contact Stu Courtney at (920) 431-8377 or scourtney@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @stucourt