Packers Daily Links: Mike Neal Told He'll Be Ready For Camp

Injured defensive lineman Mike Neal was reportedly told by team doctors he'll be ready for training camp. That and more in today's Daily Links...

Several Packers including tackle Bryan Bulaga and tight end Tom Crabtree were interviewed about training at the Don Beebe House of Speed in Green Bay by Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. But perhaps even more interesting was the injury update on defensive lineman Mike Neal, whose season was ended by pectoral muscle tear last season. "Neal said he saw team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie last week — injured players can still see team doctors during the lockout — and McKenzie told him he should be ready for training camp," writes Demovsky. "The problem is, no one knows if training camp will start on time." With the possibility of both Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly gone next season, it's likely Neal will be a starter for the Packers in 2011.

The Green Bay Packers announced yesterday they would be hosting 10 youth football camps across the state of Wisconsin this summer. "Each camp will be led by professional instructors with high school or college coaching experience along with supplemental instruction by Packers alumni including John Anderson (1978-89), Ron Cox (1996), Johnnie Gray (1975-83), Larry Krause (1970-71, 73-74), Dexter McNabb (1992-93), Bryce Paup (1990-94), Paul Rudzinski (1978-80) and Bill Schroeder (1994, 1997-2001)," according to release. "Certified athletic trainers will also be on site." Each camp is for children aged 6 to 14 and lasts five days. Check the link for exact location and dates.

The quarterback position on the Packers is broken down by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel heading into the draft. "Thompson has two picks in the seventh round and could wind up with more depending on how the draft goes," writes Silverstein. "This is where he’ll probably address the quarterback position, if he does it at all. He’s got three guys signed for this season and the only thing he may really need is a camp arm. Still, he hasn’t taken a quarterback since the ’08 season and it wouldn’t hurt to bring in someone to compete with Harrell." Late round prospects that seem to fit the bill are Alabama's Greg McElroy and Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien.

Meanwhile, the offensive line is scrutinized by Rob Demovsky. "Even though [Chad] Clifton will return for another season, there’s no telling how much longer the 34-year-old can hold up," writes Demovsky. "So the Packers are going to have to start planning for his replacement. Even if that means moving Bulaga to the left side, they’ll still need another tackle. [Mark] Tauscher, whose shoulder injury ended his 2010 season and possibly his career, almost certainly won’t be back." Whether that extra tackle can be T.J. Lang is still up for debate.

Guard Danny Watkins of the Baylor is the mock draft pick for the Packers conducted by Todd McShay of ESPN. NFC North blogger Kevin Seiferts comments on the selection: "At No. 32, general manager Ted Thompson could go in any number of directions. The Packers are set at right guard with Josh Sitton but have not displayed significant interest in signing left guard Daryn Colledge to a long-term deal." Watkins, in my eyes, very real possibility for the Packers. His age (26) may scare off a lot of teams, but being the Super Bowl champions, they're not going to be as picky. They just want the best player and Watkins may be it.

Other mock drafts are given some consideration by Pete Dougherty of the Press-Gazette. "We’re getting deeper into mock-draft season, and in two mock drafts that came up today by respected national reporters, one has the Packers taking Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward at No. 32 overall, and the other has them taking Arizona outside linebacker Brooks Reed," writes Dougherty. Personally, I wouldn't be disappointed with either of those picks.

Gregg Rosenthal of ProFootballTalk.com chimes in on Jermichael Finley saying the franchise tag makes sense a season from now. "My guess is that the Packers would pay Finley plenty, but he has to prove himself for at least a season and possibly two more," writes Rosenthal. Absolutely. Finley, while having a ton of potential, needs to put together an entire healthy and effective season before he deserves to become one of the highest paid tight ends in the NFL.

Hawaii wide receiver Greg Salas is interviewed by Bill Huber of Packer Report (subscription required). "Salas, whose pro day was watched by Packers GM Ted Thompson, recorded back-to-back 100-catch seasons while working from the slot," writes Huber.

The defensive backfield of Green Bay is looked at by Mike Spofford of the Packers' official website prior to the draft.

An entire mock draft by is put together by Vic Ketchman of Packers.com who has Green Bay taking Brooks Reed.

Some Packers drafting history is looked into by Michael Davidsen of Green Bay Packer Nation.

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Comments (11)

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Tim's picture

April 14, 2011 at 09:31 am

PACKERS-ONLY MOCK DRAFT:
1. Danny Watkins OG Baylor
2. Dontay Moch OLB Nevada
3. Shane Vereen RB California
4. Cortez Allen CB Citadel
4. Cedric Thornton DL Southern Arkansas
5. Rob Housler TE Florida Atlantic
6. Zane Taylor C/G Utah
7. Ricardo Lockette WR Fort Valley State
7. Willie Smith OT East Carolina

Anyone? Thoughts and comments?

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PackersRS's picture

April 14, 2011 at 11:18 am

1. ?
2. Danny Watkins OG Baylor
3. Dontay Moch OLB Nevada
4. Shane Vereen RB California
4. Cortez Allen CB Citadel
5. Cedric Thornton DL Southern Arkansas
6. Rob Housler TE Florida Atlantic
7. Zane Taylor C/G Utah
7. Ricardo Lockette WR Fort Valley State

I like your draft, I don't like the rounds in which every one is being selected. One round too soon IMHO.

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Franklin Hillside's picture

April 14, 2011 at 09:32 am

But will camp be ready for him?

Henceforth, Neal will be referred to as "Beast McBeasterson".

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Oppy's picture

April 14, 2011 at 05:53 pm

I sure hope that shoulder is 100%.

That's where Beast McBeasterson's beastiness sprouts from.

I think Beast's middle name is Eugene by the way. Beast E. McBeasterson.

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Zub's picture

April 14, 2011 at 11:00 am

They won't draft a rookie left guard in the first round while Sitton is still playing under the league minimum salary. I imagine Sitton kind of looked at Bulaga at times like it must be nice.

I see a little frustration there as far as team unity goes.

This kind of brings up the rookie salary problems when you view what a player like Sitton makes and the performance he has given compared to an unproven rookie drafted in the first round will make

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Oppy's picture

April 14, 2011 at 05:57 pm

Players know where they get drafted determines their starting contract.

Sitton is also a smart guy; he knows damn well he's the rock that o-line is being built around, and he also knows that the Packers pay their premium players well when they demonstrate patience, production, and loyalty to the team.

Sitton knows he's getting rewarded with a very nice extension for a OG. I would be surprised if he held a grudge against Bulaga for getting paid. Tackles get the money, all OG's and C's know that.

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razzicc's picture

April 14, 2011 at 04:54 pm

I like the Dontay Moch pick if he's available, you have to think he'll be gone by the time of the Packers next pick. I don't think Ricardo Lockette will be there in the 7th round but you never know. Otherwise very solid, though without really addressing the Packers' two biggest needs (for me), OT and DE.

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razzicc's picture

April 14, 2011 at 04:54 pm

Well, that was supposed to be a reply to Tim's mock draft.

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Chip Soup's picture

April 14, 2011 at 07:48 pm

Holy crap Oppy and Franklin, I don't get the McBeasterson comments but I love them anyway.

A) I love the idea of Neal starting. His year 1 was like any other player's year 2. By that I mean he is physically mature and is ready (and willing) to mix it up with anyone!

Secondly) There is nothing to worry about with Sitton, because there is no chance Danny Watkins is the pick. He is a guard, and he is already old.

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Oppy's picture

April 14, 2011 at 10:28 pm

It's a Beasty thing.

You wouldn't understand.

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spiderpack's picture

April 14, 2011 at 11:14 pm

Ya know . . . I love the HELL out of Mike Neal. Like every moment we saw from him, power-fuckin-house rusher, motor like CM3.

His problem was he couldnt sleep, AT ALL. That was a big story last preseason. I'd be willing to say that's why he was injured, its gonna happen when youre that sleep-deprived.

WILL SOMEONE TELL ME OR FIND OUT IF HE CAN SLEEP???

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