ESPN NFL

Our friends at Football Outsiders have reached the NFC North juncture of their annual post-draft needs series for ESPN.com. You'll need an Insider subscription to read the entire file but I can provide you a snippet of the needs that Outsiders' statistical analysis points to for each of our teams.

Chicago Bears
Need: Offensive line
Excerpt: Left tackle J'Marcus Webb "led the league with 15 offensive penalties in 2011."
Seifert comment: We've been through this before. Outsiders suggests the Bears seek a swing tackle via free agency, but indications are that the team envisions 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams in that role.

Detroit Lions
Need: Cornerback
Excerpt: Free-agent acquisition Jacob Lacey "ranked 81st in success rate against the pass last year and 88th in 2010."
Seifert comment: The Lions prioritize the havoc they can create with a dynamic defensive line over whatever shortcomings they might have in the secondary. Lacey will compete with Aaron Berry and perhaps rookie Dwight Bentley for a starting job.

Green Bay Packers
Need: Backup quarterback
Excerpt: "If any injury causes [Aaron] Rodgers to miss action, the Packers are looking at trotting out either super raw seventh-round rookie B.J. Coleman or undrafted and utterly untested third-year man Graham Harrell."
Seifert comment: In 2008, the Packers set a precedent of using an untested backup in Matt Flynn. There isn't league-wide certainty that Harrell is prepared to be a No. 2 in 2012, but the Packers are more likely to use him in that role than sign a veteran free agent.

Minnesota Vikings
Need: Middle linebacker
Excerpt: "There's no evidence suggesting that [Jasper] Brinkley can handle the full slate of middle linebacker duties."
Seifert comment: All indications are that Brinkley will get the first chance to replace E.J. Henderson. There isn't a notable alternative on the roster, but it's a position where a temporary starter could be signed during training camp. But the Vikings are committed to getting younger and Brinkley is 26.

On Friday, we posted some basic but important questions about the trio of NFC North rookie minicamps held over the weekend. I thought they would help us keep focused amid discussion about dozens of players who probably won't make an NFL team, let alone make an impact on the 2012 season.

Below, I've addressed the questions with updated information culled from a variety of sources. Links are provided when appropriate. In one case, I offered a rarely-seen "bonus" section. Don't say I never do anything for you.

Chicago Bears: What is the conditioning level of receiver Alshon Jeffery?

By all accounts, Jeffery was having a nice opening practice Friday -- "picking peanuts off some guys' heads," according to offensive coordinator Mike Tice -- before leaving with leg cramps.

Cramps are not unusual at rookie camps, where nerves and a lack of familiarity often lead to inadequate hydration and/or eating. Jeffery's pre-draft questions about work ethic and conditioning add a level to this particular departure, but he returned for the weekend practices without incident.

"Most of the guys are a little sore right now, but we see a guy with great hands, a big target that will only get better," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "He should be in the mix to help us win games this year."

Bonus: Here's what Tice had to say about criticism of the Bears' depth at tackle, a position they did not draft to: "If we felt that tackle was a dire need for us, I'm sure they would have answered the bell on draft day. With the change in scheme, the change in personality and an offseason and getting some guys healthy, I think we'll make a big jump in the offensive line. It takes time for young guys to play good in all areas. And we have a couple young guys who have played good football in half the scheme, and they need to step it up in the other half. Plus, we have some guys who got hurt, and we need to get those guys back."

Detroit Lions: How many positions is offensive lineman Riley Reiff playing? Also, how much work, if any, is receiver Ryan Broyles doing?

The Lions rotated Reiff between left tackle and right tackle on a per-practice basis, but there were no reports of him seeing time at guard. That doesn't mean he won't eventually get some work there as a possible competitor for right guard Stephen Peterman, but on his first weekend the Lions limited him to the two positions he figured to be most familiar with.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz clearly subscribes to the "less is more" philosophy on drawing conclusions in rookie camp. But here were his early impressions of the Lions' first-round draft choice: "You can tell as much of what we did here today about him as we could outside [of practice.] I mean walkthroughs, meetings and things like that. You can tell that he's an experienced, smart, confident player and he’s going to do well for us."

Broyles, on the other hand, observed but did not participate in any of the practices as he continues to recover from a November knee injury. The question now becomes whether he will be cleared in time for training camp or whether he will open camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Schwartz wouldn't commit to a timetable on when Broyles will be able to practice or play a game but said: "[H]e's on a good path. He's had a good rehab so far. He showed it in his pro day and he's shown it here. It depends on what happens between now and then."

Green Bay Packers: How rough does Nick Perry look at outside linebacker? Also, are there any clues that B.J. Coleman will be able to challenge Graham Harrell for the No. 2 quarterback job?

The biggest news on Perry is that the Packers started him off as the left outside linebacker, which is where Clay Matthews played the past two seasons. Coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't say whether that meant Matthews will move to the rights side or if Perry will initially be slotted as a backup. But as Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette pointed out, most 3-4 teams prefer their biggest outside linebacker to work on the left side to stand up against opponents who are generally right-handed running teams.

Meanwhile, Coleman demonstrated notable arm strength in comparison to fellow quarterback Nick Hill, according to Rob Demovsky of the Press-Gazette. That's a good start. Whether he can challenge Harrell depends on how quickly he can learn the Packers' offense, and according to McCarthy, how long it takes him to adapt to an entirely new set of footwork techniques required at the professional level.

Rookie minicamps are a lot like college orientation: A chance to get new players acclimated to NFL life before the upperclassmen show up. So it's important to avoid seeking detailed answers or drawing deep conclusions over the next three days in Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay.

It is worth pointing out, however, that at least one significant personnel move resulted in part from the rookie minicamp the Minnesota Vikings held last weekend. The Vikings saw enough from place-kicker Blair Walsh, a sixth-round draft choice from Georgia, that they felt comfortable releasing incumbent Ryan Longwell earlier this week.

With all of that in mind, let's take a look at some of the reasonable answers we might find over the next few days. I won't be in attendance, but hopefully we can round up some information by Monday.

Chicago Bears: What is the conditioning level of receiver Alshon Jeffery?

We've spent some time discussing Jeffery's drop from nearly 240 pounds this winter to 216 pounds at the February scouting combine. Some personnel evaluators were concerned about his commitment to keeping in shape, but as we noted Thursday, Jeffery spent some time with Bears reserve quarterback Josh McCown last weekend and is skipping the NFLPA Rookie Premiere presented by Nike to continue working out.

Detroit Lions: How many positions is offensive lineman Riley Reiff playing? Also, how much work, if any, is receiver Ryan Broyles doing?

Reiff was a left tackle at Iowa. Some teams projected him as a right tackle in the NFL, a path followed by his predecessor, current Green Bay Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Lions offensive line coach George Yarno told the Detroit Free Press that Reiff would see time at both left and right tackles this weekend. But you also wonder if the Lions would be tempted to work him a bit at guard to see if there could at some point be a competition with right guard Stephen Peterman.

Broyles, as you know, is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last November. He was recovered enough to work out for scouts before the draft, but there is a big difference between running and participating in football activities. It's hard to imagine the Lions subjecting him to much, if anything, this weekend.

Green Bay Packers: How rough does Nick Perry look at outside linebacker? Also, are there any clues that B.J. Coleman will be able to challenge Graham Harrell for the No. 2 quarterback job?

These questions speak to the dangers of putting rookie minicamp observations into stone. Perry, for one, is making the transition from being a defensive end. It's no insult to him to suggest he's not going to look like a polished professional in his first three days at the new position. The important gauge, if it can be determined, is whether Perry makes significant progress over the weekend or if to looks like it's going to take him an extended period of time to grow comfortable with his role.

The same thing goes for Coleman, who as a rookie quarterback will be fortunate just to know all the plays this weekend. If he looks sharp from the start, it will be a miracle -- and again, that's no insult to him. But the Packers have a precedent for using a seventh-round draft pick as Aaron Rodgers' top backup -- with Matt Flynn in 2008 -- and so it's worth checking to see if Coleman has anything close to the aptitude required to challenge for that role.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

We spent a good part of Monday night following the Minnesota Vikings' stadium vote in the state House of Representatives, so Tuesday morning we should shift to the other big story going on in the NFC North.

New Orleans Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said he did not tell current Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove to deny the existence of a bounty program when both were with the New Orleans Saints in 2010. Hargrove made that claim of Vitt and former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in a signed declaration that was leaked Monday.

Vitt told Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times Picayune: "At no time did I ever tell Anthony Hargrove to lie or deny the existence [of the alleged bounty program]. He can say whatever he wants to say. It just didn't happen."

Consider it yet another twist in a story that doesn't seem to have a lot of indisputable truths.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Quarterback Graham Harrell, who is in line to take over the Packers' No. 2 role, could be eligible for the team's rookie minicamp this weekend because he is technically a first-year player, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Several of the Packers' scouts will be promoted soon, including Alonzo Highsmith, according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Free-agent running back Ryan Grant was scheduled to be at the Detroit Lions' practice facility Monday but did not appear to show up, according to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• The meeting either didn't occur or was moved to Sunday, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Justin Rogers of Mlive.com takes an early look at the Lions' 53-man roster.
• Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall thinks new teammate Devin Hester is poised for a big season. Marshall said that and more in an interview with ESPN 1000.
• Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. thinks the Bears should have upgraded their offensive line this offseason.
• The Minnesota Senate will take up the Vikings' stadium bill at 10 a.m. ET, according to Doug Belden of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• A Vikings spokesman said an amendment in the House bill to raise the team's share by $105 million in "unworkable," according to the Star Tribune. But that figure could be changed in late-bill negotiations.
• The decision to release place-kicker Ryan Longwell is an other example of the roster rebuild new general manager Rick Spielman is effecting on the team, writes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.

Cleaning out my notebook after the 2012 NFL draft:

It can be difficult to gauge the value of coaching the annual Senior Bowl, but it's worth noting that two of the Minnesota Vikings' draft choices played under their coaching staff for the North team at this year's affair. That included Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith, whom the Vikings traded up to draft at No. 29 overall, and NC Sate linebacker Audie Cole, a seventh-round pick.

In the case of Smith, the Vikings were so convinced of his value after the Senior Bowl that they didn't speak again through the entire draft process. They didn't interview him at the annual scouting combine and didn't invite him to their facility for a pre-draft visit.

"When we got into our meetings and we put our board together and seeing how it was going to develop and knowing that we do need some help on the back end to improve our secondary," general manager Rick Spielman said, "that was the one huge advantage of being able to coach the Senior Bowl because we got to know those players inside and out and know what they are about. How they are in a meeting room. How they are out on the field. Our coaches know what it’s like to coach that player so that was a huge advantage for us and we know exactly what we are getting in Harrison Smith."

We've noted that the Green Bay Packers drafted six defensive players to open the draft. Another trend we noted: The Vikings drafted three pairs of players from the same school.

But we probably didn't spend enough time in the latter stages of the draft pointing out that the Detroit Lions finished the draft by selecting six consecutive defensive players -- including three cornerbacks -- while also drafting three players from Oklahoma.

We should probably chalk up the Sooner connection -- receiver Ryan Broyles, defensive end Ronnell Lewis and linebacker Travis Lewis -- as coincidence. But I wouldn't say the same thing about the defensive trend, considering how poorly the Lions' defense played over the second half of the 2011 season.

The impact of that decision is "yet to be seen," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. He added: "Drafting them doesn't do anything other than drafting them. They have to play well in preseason and training camp and they have to prove their draft status. So, yeah, it adds more guys to the roster and creates competition and things like that. ..."

With that said, I would think the Lions' cornerbacks should consider themselves on notice. Third-rounder Dwight Bentley is a smallish but feisty corner who had an excellent Senior Bowl against elevated competition. And fifth-rounder Chris Greenwood might have played at Division III Albion, but he is 6-foot-1 and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. Players with those kind of measurables eventually get their opportunity.

The Chicago Bears' decision not to draft a lineman would appear an endorsement of their returning starters. So it's worth noting that coach Lovie Smith refused to say where offensive lineman Chris Williams will play in 2012, calling into question the short- and long-term future of the Bears' No. 1 draft choice in 2008.

First, here's what Smith said when asked if Williams would resume his role as left guard when training camp begins: "I can't tell you that right now. We have options with him. We'll see how it all shakes out. Chris, of course, can do both [guard and tackle]. Right now, we're two weeks into our offseason program. Let us get into it a little more and we'll be able to define some roles a little better."

That's hardly an endorsement for a player who has started at right tackle, left tackle and left guard in his disappointing career. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune makes some excellent points in suggesting Williams' most likely 2012 destination is a swing backup.

Williams was drafted as a left tackle, but the Bears chose J'Marcus Webb to play there last season and don't appear interested in looking back. Gabe Carimi, the 2011 first-round pick, figures to return at right tackle, making it easy to move Lance Louis back to one of the other guard spots. Louis, Chris Spencer and newcomer Chilo Rachal would be top candidates to start at the other two guard spots.

Everything is subject to change. But clearly there remain some parts in motion along the Bears' offensive line.

I'm sure the Packers have kicked around the idea of signing a veteran backup quarterback, and it could still happen. But after drafting Tennessee-Chattanooga's B.J. Coleman in the seventh round Saturday, the Packers don't appear eager to add anyone else. In other words, former No. 3 Graham Harrell is going to get every opportunity to win that job.

"I don't think you just say, 'I need a veteran backup,'" Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "We have the MVP in Aaron Rodgers as our No. 1, and now we feel that we have three really good candidates to compete for two spots. ... The roster will shake that out."

Those candidates are Harrell, Coleman and Nick Hill, a former Arena Football League player who signed in January.

Some people cringed when the Coleman spoke reverentially about his pre-draft work with and respect for Brett Favre. Coleman seemed oblivious to the hard feelings surrounding Favre's departure in 2008 and his return with the Vikings in 2009 and 2010.

Maybe Coleman was a bit naïve, but I thought his giddiness was instructive as much as anything and perhaps illustrative of the big-picture way most of the football world view the relationship between the Packers and Favre.

In the big picture, the Packers-Favre separation was a small portion of a two-decade marriage that is destined to be reconciled. We are hypersensitive to that blip because we lived through it on this blog, but not everyone was as affected. If we aren't already, we'll all be closer to Coleman's perspective than we probably ever thought possible.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Good morning. We saw an initial review of the 2012 draft Sunday from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., and I'm sure we'll continue to hear more and more analysis throughout the week. Few, if any, of it will be more meaningful or direct as what Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson said after seeing his team select six defensive players to start the draft.

While attending the White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, D.C., Woodson told Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "There's always talk about Green Bay just drafting the best available player. But I think this year that tells you that that's not the case. We drafted what we needed. And we needed a whole lot of help on defense. Anybody who watched our season last year understands that."

Noting that Packers general manager Ted Thompson traded up three times to draft specific defensive players, Woodson added: "You see? And everybody says he doesn't do that. And he did it. That tells you that we're going to win another championship. I don't believe we needed much, but I think we got more than we needed and that's even better."

I think we know by now that Woodson isn't prone to giddiness. Maybe it was the atmosphere at the exclusive D.C. event, but it's notable when a player like Woodson strongly approves of a team's approach.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Thompson took some rare risks with defensive end Nick Perry and defensive lineman Jerel Worthy, writes Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel.
• One of the Packers' undrafted free agents played college basketball, notes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com thinks that Graham Harrell will be the Packers' backup quarterback in 2012.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: "Say whatever you wish about the [Detroit] Lions' draft. Seriously, go ahead and say it. Odd. Smart. Confusing. Aggressive. Tepid. After a few years of no-brainer picks, the Lions let us do a little head-scratching. But at least their strategy and dominant body part didn't change: They stuck to what their heads told them."
• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press takes a closer look at the three Oklahoma players the Lions drafted.
• The Lions created competition at several positions with this draft, notes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com has the list of 11 undrafted rookies the Chicago Bears signed.
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune on the Bears' draft approach: "They ended up not selected an offensive lineman or a defensive tackle because of the way the draft broke. The Bears took players at other positions who were graded higher, which is the way you are supposed to do it."
• The Minnesota Vikings' stadium bill is caught in a larger political showdown as the scheduled end of the session approaches, writes Mike Kaszuba of the Star Tribune.
• Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Between more than a dozen unrestricted free-agent signings since mid-March and last week's 10 draft picks, the Vikings' first step in the rebuilding manual is clearly stated: Stockpile affordable talent, create as much competition as possible and hope for the best."
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has the latest on Vikings running back Caleb King, who remains jailed after a violent incident over the weekend in the Twin Cities.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Long before he led a team of investors in purchasing the Minnesota Vikings in 2005, Zygi Wilf's family owned a real estate company that had significant investments in Southern California. His frequent visits have often provided convenient fodder for the rumor mill, mostly because his private plane has an unmistakable Vikings logo painted on its tail and the team has always been rumored to be a candidate to relocate there.

So when the Los Angeles Daily News reported Thursday that Wilf's plane was spotted at a Southern California airport, in the same week when his stadium bill in Minnesota was quashed, the news spread quickly.

As we've discussed, we are now in a phase of increased pressure and dramatic rhetoric as the franchise's future is sorted out. Whether the plane's arrival in Southern California was coincidental, an expensive message or an indication that Wilf is in negotiations to sell the team to a Los Angeles investor, the overlying point hasn't changed: The Vikings will eventually leave Minnesota if they don't secure a stadium deal.

Are they already angling to leave with 10 days remaining in the state's legislative session? I can't answer that. Just consider it another reminder of a potential future reality.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Regardless of the plane's purpose in California, the NFL is sending commissioner Roger Goodell and other executives to Minnesota for meetings Friday on the stadium, notes the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The Vikings have met two league requirements for a relocation, notes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings' contingency plan at running back is incomplete, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• It's safe to assume the Green Bay Packers will select an outside linebacker relatively high in the draft, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Offensive lineman Chad Clifton has been working out in the Packers' offseason program, a good sign that he will get a chance to return in 2012. More from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers general manager Ted Thompson said he is "fine with" having Graham Harrell and Nick Hill as the backups to starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best (concussion) has been working out in the team's offseason program, according to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• Lions general manager Martin Mayhew's draft philosophy can be boiled down to "the best player for us." More from the Detroit News.
• The Lions haven't changed how they evaluate prospects after having three of their 2011 draft class members have legal entanglements related to marijuana, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com takes a look at the Chicago Bears' prospects for drafting a receiver.
• Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery's approach is rooted largely in the "Patriot Way," writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

One week from today, NFC North teams will be eligible to begin their offseason strength and conditioning programs. There will be much consternation about who attends, who skips and what it all means. But from my perspective the most important fact to remember is that all offseason work -- with the exception of one three-day minicamp -- is voluntary.

Rare is the player who should be criticized for working out away from the team. In the NFC North, I can think of two players, the Minnesota Vikings' Christian Ponder and the Green Bay Packers' Graham Harrell, who would be disservicing their careers by skipping even a portion of their teams' offseason programs. Both are hoping to make a significant jump in 2012, Ponder in terms of performance and Harrell on the depth chart, and both missed critical offseason work with coaches and teammates during the NFL lockout last year.

The inevitable roll call next week will almost certainly include Chicago Bears tailback Matt Forte and Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, neither of whom have signed their franchise tenders and thus are ineligible to participate in club activities. Forte and Avril are seeking long-term contracts and would surrender a measure of leverage by signing the tenders now.

Everyone has their opinion about players missing offseason time. My advice is not to worry about it until it extends into training camp. I'm not saying I won't lean on an offseason "holdout" for occasional discussion points on an otherwise, but let's agree from the outset to temper any hysteria you might feel about missed offseason workouts.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

We've lumped the Green Bay Packers into TebowWatch primarily because of some positive comments made two years ago by coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson. But citing a source, Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com reports the Packers truly have legitimate interest in acquiring Tebow and are doing their due diligence on him and the potential trade market.

As Wilde points out, Thompson tends to be methodical and might not be willing to move quickly if other teams approach the Denver Broncos to pull off a trade soon. But it apparently is not something that has been written off inside the Packers' offices.

There is no reason not to at least discuss Tebow for a backup position, considering the Packers' tenuous situation behind starter Aaron Rodgers. Matt Flynn's departure leaves former No. 3 quarterback Graham Harrell as the presumed No. 2, but it's fair to consider all options before making that promotion. A backup quarterback is expected to find a way to win games if pressed into duty, and if nothing else, Tebow has shown he can do that.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Newly re-signed Jarrett Bush said he only wanted to leave the Packers if he were offered a starting job elsewhere, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Free-agent center Jeff Saturday, who visited the Packers earlier this week, is scheduled to visit the Broncos, notes AFC West colleague Bill Williamson.
• The Packers have some interest in free-agent linebacker Manny Lawson, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com looks at the Broncos' acquisition of Peyton Manning through the lens of the Minnesota Vikings' 2009 pursuit of Brett Favre.
• The Vikings signed fullback Jerome Felton, a former Detroit Lions draft pick whom they tried to claim on waivers last season. Mark Craig of the Star Tribune has more.
• Receiver/return man Ted Ginn Jr. is the latest free agent to visit the Vikings' facility. Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press traces the team's recent history with free-agent receivers.
• The Lions re-signed linebacker Ashlee Palmer, notes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• Richardson also notes the Lions are trying to re-sign running back Kevin Smith.
• Lions defensive lineman Andre Fluellen has re-signed, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "Rather than chase big-name additions or marginal talent upgrades, general manager Martin Mayhew spent the last week ensuring the core of last year's wild-card team would remain intact."
• Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher on the acquisition of receiver Brandon Marshall, via ESPNChicago.com: "The only thing I worry about is him getting suspended. The NFL is pretty harsh on stuff like that. That's one thing I worry about, is him missing time."
• Bears coach Lovie Smith was at the Texas pro day to work out linebacker Keenan Robinson, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

I dropped off Twitter for a few minutes Monday morning while focusing on our Pulitzer-worthy breakdown of Donald Driver's turn on "Dancing With the Stars." When I jumped back on, I had 103 new tweets. About half of them were asking whether an NFC North team would try to acquire Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow after the Broncos officially sign veteran Peyton Manning.

It's not unusual to get instant questions about newly-available players, but the relative certainty of the NFC North's quarterback depth makes us an unlikely Tebow destination, to say the least. Our only locale with even the hint of a question mark, at least for 2012, is the Packers. Here is how each team's depth chart shakes out for now:

• Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Josh McCown, Nathan Enderle
• Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill
• Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, Graham Harrell
• Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, Joe Webb, Sage Rosenfels

I would understand if Packers fans aren't totally sold on Harrell as Matt Flynn's replacement. I'm not sure the Packers are themselves, at least not until they get him through a full offseason in their modified quarterback school. I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted a quarterback and/or picked through what's left of the free-agent market later this spring.

But would it make sense to even consider Tebow in that vein? From what I could tell from our Machiavellian readership base, the only people who want the Packers to pursue Tebow are Bears, Lions and Vikings fans. Tweeted @ScottD408: "can we make the Packers take Tebow?"

Longtime readers will remember that we discussed a Packers-Tebow union before the 2010 draft, sparked mostly by some awfully nice comments from coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson. (That’s where the otherwise incendiary photo illustration in this post came from.)

For what it's worth, McCarthy said in February 2010 that "I would definitely love to coach him." McCarthy added: "I think the guy's a winner, just the way he plays the game. I know a lot's being said about his mechanics. Just the way he approaches the game of football, I think he'll do everything he needs to do to improve. But you look for football players. And his record in college, I think, speaks for itself. But I'd love the opportunity to work with a Tim Tebow."

McCarthy and Tom Clements, once the Packers' quarterbacks coach and now their offensive coordinator, are considered two of the best quarterback tutors in the NFL. As we discussed in 2010, if you're a Tebow fan, you would hope he lands in a place like Green Bay, where he would have a well-honed structure to straighten out his game.

But the Packers aren't a public-service organization. They would only acquire Tebow if they thought he was their best option to back up Rodgers. I'm not sure if many of us could say that at the moment.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Andy Reid was an offensive lineman during his playing career and coached the Green Bay Packers' tight ends and offensive linemen for five years until then-coach Mike Holmgren switched him to quarterbacks. The move worked for the Packers, Reid and quarterback Brett Favre alike, and it's a model -- coincidental or otherwise -- that current Packers coach Mike McCarthy followed this winter.

Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com points out the parallel in reporting the shift of tight ends coach Ben McAdoo to the quarterbacks coach role. McAdoo is one of several rising stars on the Packers' coaching staff and will get a chance to demonstrate his abilities by taking over two important jobs: Mentoring MVP Aaron Rodgers and developing his next backup, be it Graham Harrell or someone else.

Wilde reports that Joel Hilgenberg, a quality control coach in 2011, is the likely replacement for McAdoo to coach tight ends.

Continuing around the division on a quiet morning in the NFC North:

• McAdoo lost a significant amount of money when the Packers blocked him from interviewing for two offensive coordinator jobs, notes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The city of Minneapolis' financing plan for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium has a funding shortfall, according to Tim Nelson of Minnesota Public Radio.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times looks into the time new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery spent at the U.S. Naval Academy.
• There isn't a big difference between teams contending for the Super Bowl, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz said, via Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.

Previewing some of the big decisions facing NFC North teams early in the 2012 offseason:

Our Air and Space division boasts arguably the top grouping of starting quarterbacks in the NFL. We have a presumptive MVP in the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers, a 5,000-yard passer in Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions and, in the Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler, an upper-level starter who was having perhaps his best season before fracturing his right thumb in December. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, are hoping for a big jump from first-round draft pick Christian Ponder in 2012.

The relatively settled nature of those starters overshadows what could be division-wide change in their backups. The Packers' Matt Flynn, the Lions' Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton, the Bears' Caleb Hanie and the Vikings' Sage Rosenfels are all pending free agents. Let's look at the decisions awaiting each team:

Packers: Flynn could draw interest as a potential starter from several teams, most notably the Miami Dolphins -- who hired former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as their head coach last week. The Packers' only chance to keep him would be to use their franchise tag, requiring a commitment of about $14 million in cash and cap space. That's not going to happen. The logical successor is third-string quarterback Graham Harrell, and the Packers might have revealed their intentions by promoting him to the active roster late this season when he began receiving interest from other teams.

Lions: Quarterback depth is valuable, but you wonder if a team with tight salary cap problems can afford to keep two vested veterans behind their franchise quarterback. Hill ($3.02 million) and Stanton ($900,000) accounted for about $4 million in cap spacein 2011, and if the Lions desperately wanted to shave that figure, they could promote Stanton and sign him to a cheaper contract than what Hill was paid last season. But Hill has a longtime association with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and is generally considered one of the most reliable backups in the NFL. There are no easy answers here.

Bears: Hanie's disastrous stint as Cutler's replacement might have sealed his exit from Chicago. But the Bears will have new offensive leadership with coordinator Mike Tice and a quarterbacks coach/passing coordinator who has yet to be hired, so it's possible the new regime will have other thoughts. The Bears didn't think enough of rookie Nathan Enderle to start him in a meaningless Week 17 season finale, making it hard to imagine his ascendance to No. 2. That could leave veteran Josh McCown, another pending free agent, as an option. Or the Bears could seek help on the free agent market themselves.

Vikings: The situation in Minnesota is less clear-cut. Ponder remains the starter, and 2011 backup Joe Webb is under contract for 2012. Webb was impressive in one start and appearances in 10 other games, accounting for five touchdowns, but the Vikings' continued commitment to Ponder suggests they might look for other ways to use Webb. If he develops into a hybrid receiver/quarterback/returner, it's possible the Vikings would want an established veteran behind Ponder. That could be Rosenfels, a longtime favorite of general manager Rick Spielman, or he could come from elsewhere.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers had only one injured player to monitor this week, promising more healthy scratches than usual for Sunday's divisional game against the New York Giants. In addition to injured linebacker Robert Francois, here is who the Packers deactivated Sunday afternoon:

• Quarterback Graham Harrell
• Cornerback Davon House
• Tackle Herb Taylor
• Tight end D.J. Williams
• Defensive tackle Howard Green
• Linebacker Vic So'oto

One notable starting lineup change: As expected, the Packers will start Brad Jones at the right outside linebacker position that was manned all season by Erik Walden.

In lieu of an otherwise meaningless Friday injury report, let's update the NFC North's top personnel issues for Sunday's games:

• Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said his initial plan was to play all three quarterbacks Sunday against the Detroit Lions. But on Friday, he stopped short of saying that Aaron Rodgers would start. It stands to reason that backup Matt Flynn will take his place, and get the majority of snaps even if Rodgers makes a token appearance, and that presumptive 2012 backup Graham Harrell will also get some work.
• McCarthy did confirm that several prominent players have been ruled out for the game: Receiver Greg Jennings (knee), running back James Starks (knee/ankle) and receiver Randall Cobb (groin). Right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) is doubtful and unlikely to play. Cornerback Charles Woodson (knee) and linebacker Clay Matthews (ankle) are both questionable, paving the way for them to rest Sunday as well. Left tackle Chad Clifton (hamstring/back), tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) and defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (concussion) will all be available.
• The Detroit Lions practiced outdoors Friday in preparation for playing at Lambeau Field, where they haven't won since 1991.
• The Lions got safety Louis Delmas (knee) back to practice for the first time in more than a month. He is doubtful for Sunday's game but it was a good sign for his playoff availability. Cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder) is also doubtful. Cornerback Chris Houston, who had a cast on his hand earlier this week, is questionable.
• The Chicago Bears listed running back Marion Barber (calf) as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings and linebacker Brian Urlacher (knee) as questionable. Barber didn't practice all week and is unlikely to play. Urlacher probably will play.
• Vikings coach Leslie Frazier confirmed that tailback Adrian Peterson had surgery Friday on his injured left knee and was "resting comfortably."

KANSAS CITY -- The Green Bay Packers will look for their 14th victory of the season Sunday without two of their top tailbacks.

James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) were both deactivated for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Starks missed two days of practice last week and Saine didn't practice at all.

The Packers will use Ryan Grant and John Kuhn as their primary runners. That's not an ideal number, but it's not an untenable situation for one game.

Others on the inactive list: Quarterback Graham Harrell, linebacker Desmond Bishop, tackle Chad Clifton, defensive end Ryan Pickett and receiver Greg Jennings.