Packers Morning Buzz: Mike McCarthy offers advice to new coach Matt LaFleur

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 Packers coach Mike McCarthy giving ESPN's Rob Demovsky his first public interview since being fired in December. McCarthy criticized the manner in which team president/CEO Mark Murphy fired him after a Dec. 2 loss to Arizona, disagreed with Murphy's comments about the team becoming complacent and lacking accountability and addressed speculation about his relationship with Aaron Rodgers.

When asked what advice he would have for new Packers coach Matt LaFleur, McCarthy said:

"Matt LaFleur. Totally embrace the Green Bay community with your family. It's a phenomenal place to live. It's a phenomenal place to raise a family. ... Heck, coach your ass off, have fun and enjoy the honor because it goes fast. Enjoy the honor of being the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Make the program your own. That's very important. You were hired here for a very good reason; don't get too far away from that. You have a great group of men in that locker room. I think they're special, and they'll work their butts for you."

You can read more about McCarthy's interview with ESPN here:

Jim Owczarski sits down with Geronimo Allison, who reflects on being the team's second-oldest receiver:

Russell Beckman, who sued the Chicago Bears for not letting him wear Green Bay Packers gear on the sidelines at Soldier Field, has challenged authority more than once. Richard Ryman has the story:

A detailed comparison of Iowa's two first-round tight end prospects:

Another day, another mock draft: This "competitive" one features alternating selections from analysts Steve Palazzolo and Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus and projects a couple of surprising first-round picks for the Packers:

12. Green Bay Packers (MR) – Jerry Tillery, DI, Notre Dame

“Tillery is that good. Tillery is a top-10 player in this draft class.”

30. Green Bay Packers (MR) – Andy Isabella, WR, UMass

“If you want to pencil him into the slot, sure, he can do that. But he is a vertical threat and can torch defensive backs.”

Click here to see the entire mock draft and hear the podcast:

Jason Wilde writes for the Wisconsin State Journal about Packers center Corey Linsley and his wife planning a benefit:

The Power Sweep's Jon Meerdink takes an interesting look at the Packers' all-time top 10 in career receiving yards:

USA TODAY Sports is previewing the draft via a series of podcats. Give them a listen:

And finally: A less-than-enthusiastic response to the new draft-day hats for the Packers:

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