Green Bay Packers 2007 Draft Preview
Football Betting Lines
04/04/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Ahman Green now a Houston Texan, the Packers have a hole at running back that the franchise has not experienced heading into a season since the pre-Edgar Bennett days. Head coach Mike McCarthy says he's comfortable with Vernand Morency and Noah Herron sharing the ball-carrying load, though if a player like Cal's Marshawn Lynch is available at No. 16, it seems extremely unlikely that Green Bay would pass him up. The Pack played three rookies along the offensive line last year and are in need of depth in that department, a situation that could extend to an upgrade for Bubba Franks at the tight end position. McCarthy's team will head into the 2007 season with a promising nucleus on defense, though another playmaker along the defensive line and in the secondary would be a welcome addition.
2006 Record: 8-8
First Pick: No. 16
Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - A.J. Hawk (LB, Ohio State); 2005 - Aaron Rodgers (QB, Cal); 2004 - Ahmad Carroll (CB, Arkansas); 2003 - Nick Barnett (LB, Oregon State); 2002 - Javon Walker (WR, Florida State); 2001 - Jamal Reynolds (DE, Florida State); 2000 - Bubba Franks (TE, Miami); 1999 - Antuan Edwards (DB, Clemson); 1998 - Vonnie Holliday (DE, North Carolina); 1997 - Ross Verba (OL, Iowa); 1996 - John Michels (OT, Southern California); 1995 - Craig Newsome (DB, Arizona State); 1994 - Aaron Taylor (OL, Notre Dame); 1993 - Wayne Simmons (LB, Clemson), George Teague (S, Alabama); 1992 - Terrell Buckley (CB, Florida State); 1991 - Vinnie Clark (CB, Ohio State); 1990 - Tony Bennett (LB, Mississippi), Darrell Thompson (RB, Minnesota).
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Falcons have multiple needs on defense, and with the No. 8 overall pick (obtained in the Matt Schaub trade) could justify selecting any of the following players - safeties LaRon Landry (LSU) and Reggie Nelson (Florida), t
<< Arizona Cardinals 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Arizona has long featured one of the weakest lines in the
league, and with disappointing-yet-serviceable tackle Leonard Davis now a
Cowboy, the Cardinals could be setting their sights on a player like Penn
State's Levi Brown
<< Chicago Bears 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Bears front seven was pushed around a fair amount in
the latter stages of the 2007 season, so Chicago GM Jerry Angelo and head
coach Lovie Smith are likely to focus on that area on the first day of the
draft. A replacemen
<< Dallas Cowboys 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The performance of the Dallas secondary was beyond poor
during the second half of last season, and the emphasis in drafting corners
and/or safeties this year will likely be focused on their ability to cover
more than hit. Ano
<< Ducks welcome rival Sharks to Honda Center
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Anaheim Ducks will try for their fourth consecutive
victory tonight, when they welcome the rival San Jose Sharks to the Honda
Center.
The Ducks, Sharks and Dallas Stars have already clinched a playoff berth, but
are s
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Niners are in major need of a No. 1 receiver after releasing Antonio Bryant, and might have to look long and hard at multi- talented Ohio State standout Ted Ginn, Jr. There are also secondary needs, though the signings of
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - If he is still available at No. 4, there is no way the
Buccaneers can pass up Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. However, if
another team trades up to snatch Johnson with one of the first three picks, it
won't be the
Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Outside linebacker and defensive tackle were two of the
Eagles' biggest need areas entering the offseason, but a trade for ex-Bill
Takeo Spikes and the acquisition of former Colt Montae Reagor helped offset
those respective r
D-Backs, Rockies play rubber match at Coors >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of pitchers will make debuts with their new clubs
this afternoon when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies conclude
their three-game series at Coors Field.
Left-hander Doug Davis was acquired by Arizona in
Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Panthers had glaring weaknesses at linebacker and on
the offensive line last year, and though both positions should be healthier in
2007, upgrades are also needed. With top tackler Chris Draft now a member of
the Rams and
Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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