Kevin Seifert

  (1:01 PM)

Hope everyone had a great draft weekend. I'm back from Detroit and ready to chat it up with you. Let's get started.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Kevin: Am I the only Vikes fan who yelled, "Not him!" when they made Harvin their first pick? Why draft a kick returner with a questionable background when you have so many more pressing needs that need filling?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:03 PM)

Hi J.B. ... Harvin is much more than a kick returner. If they use him right, he can really be a difference-maker on offense. Watch his highlights and see how he ran away and through so many defenders in the SEC, which probably has the fastest players in college football every year. Kick returning is only one part of it.

Brett (Houston, TX)

Kevin! You're a minute late! We all have many questions for you.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:03 PM)

Uh-oh, does that mean I get a red dot on next year's draft board?

Ross (not MN)

So will Brad Childress actually open up the offense a little more? Wildcat with Harvin? I can't wait to see our "K-A O" now

Kevin Seifert

  (1:04 PM)

Yeah, I think that's one of the biggest questions left after the Harvin pick. Will the Vikings just insert him into their offense? Or will they get innovative and put him in different places? If they do the latter, it will certainly be a change of philosophy.

Jay Cutler, Chicago

who am i going to throw to this season, other than opposing secondarys?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:05 PM)

Could it be a career year for Greg Olsen?

Mike Cleveland OH

Any news on Plaxico being signed in Chicago? I did see the Jets were interested.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:06 PM)

None. And, in fact, Jerry Angelo made some comments after the draft that it was highly unlikely he'll pursue a veteran receiver. And the fact of the matter is Burress might not be available for at least part of the season because of his legal entanglements.

Corn (field)

Pettigrew? Seriously?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:07 PM)

I don't disagree. I think he's going to be a good player. But to me, a tight end has to be a dynamic playmaker in the passing game in order to be worthy of a No. 1 pick. I don't know that Pettigrew is that type of tight end. Even if he's the best blocking tight end in the NFL next year, is that really worth a first-round draft pick?

Ben (Minneapolis)

Judd and Chip are chatting during your time slot over at the Strib. Nervous? Imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:07 PM)

Yeah, I told them the better take their game to the next level.

Scott (Syracuse, NY)

What do you think of Iglesias for the Bears? What will his addition mean to Rashied Davis and Earl Bennett?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:08 PM)

Can't say I have a detailed breakdown of him, but the indications are that he'll be more of a big-framed possession type receiver. If he's the Bears' No. 3 receiver this year, then he'll be doing pretty well. I still think the believe Earl Bennett is going to be the starter next to Hester and that they don't have many plans for Davis.

Gus (NY, NY)

Kevin - what does Percy Harvin have in common with Darren Sproles and how are they different?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:09 PM)

They both accelerate really quickly, but Harvin is a lot bigger than Sproles and a more natural downfield receiver.

ludafisk, mpls, minn

Who wins the foot race? Percy, Adrian or Bernard?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:10 PM)

Wow. I'm going to say Peterson, but it sure would be fun to watch.

Brett (Houston, TX)

Loadholt - immediate starter at RT? The guy is HUGE. Bigger than McKinnie (is that possible?!). Will they move Cook to center or give the Sullivan kid a shot first?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:11 PM)

You would think he'll start there unless he totally flops. As for center, I think Sullivan gets the first chance. Cook probably becomes an all-purpose backup.

Mitch (Chicago)

Are the Bears comfortable with Daniel Manning and his mental lapses at FS?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:11 PM)

No, I don't think they are. At this point, they don't have an answer there. I don't know if you want to trust Josh Bullocks out there very long.

Daren, Bloomington MN

Do you know why the Vikings felt they needed to move up to grab Jasper Brinkley? Do they see him as a special teams ace and possible eventual starter?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:12 PM)

I think they targeted him as a backup for E.J. Henderson, which they didn't really have last year when Henderson went down.

Matt (Chicago)

Will Gilbert play DE or DT for Chicago? What is their D-Line rotation project to be?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:13 PM)

The indications are that he'll play the "under tackle" position, which is what Tommie Harris plays. That's interesting, but nothing more, at this point. A little early to guess on the defensive line rotation but I'm expecting Harris to keep his starting job.

Ron Burgundy

Kevin, you're getting insane out there. I think you killed a guy with a trident.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:14 PM)

No, that was Brick.

Brian (Brooklyn, NY)

I'm a GB fan and I honestly don't know what to think of the Pack's draft. Do you think Clay Matthews is worth the value of a second rounder and two third rounders? I feel like the Packers could have addressed more of their needs with those picks.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:15 PM)

Well, this is one area where it's almost impossible to comment intelligently on. I have no more idea than you do whether Matthews is going to be a good enough player to merit that price. But if the Packers deemed it that way, they deserve credit for moving up to get him. The one criticism you could offer is that Matthews would have to be SUBSTANTIALLY better than a linebacker the Packers could have taken at No. 41 in order to merit this move. Is that the case? We'll know in a few years.

Joe (CA)

Did you see the Bear's DT pick video of him jumping out of the pool? Pretty athletic.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:17 PM)

I did. There's also one of him squatting 600 pounds and deadlifting 635, or visa versa. It's a little harder to find video of him sacking a quarterback 4 times in a game, which is really what the Bears need a lot more than a workout freak.

Jeff, Mpls

Do you know if the Vikes mulled over taking Oher at all, or was Harvin the pick no matter what?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:17 PM)

I think it was pretty clear Harvin was the pick all along if he was going to be there.

Brian (Michigan)

Stafford sits at least one year, right? No need to get him killed right off the bat, let Culpepper throw bombs to Calvin and continue rebuilding through the draft.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:17 PM)

I think that's the wisest path. Let's see if the Lions can be disciplined enough to take it.

Vik C (Chicago, IL)

How many potential starters do you see from this Bears draft? Most Chicago writers are saying anywhere from 2-4 for this upcoming season or 2 years from now.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:19 PM)

I don't know if I consider any of them locks to start this year. Iglesisas could beat out Bennett at wide receiver, I guess. But I'm not sure who the other starters might be.

Chad (Chicago)

Did the Bears draft D.J. Moore or was he just assigned to them because the league assumes they want every Vanderbilt player?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:19 PM)

Yes, what is it now, five players from there? Cutler, Hillenmeyer, Bennett, Williams and Moore. That's quite a law firm.

Ky ( WI)

Is the Ted Thompson hater bandwagon still fully loaded today or have a few fallin' off?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

I'm hearing good things, but it's early.

Chris - Wausau, Wis

Chris from Wausau is happy. The risk with Percy goes down when one consider we got "the Load" in Rd 2. Is there a team in the league who will have an OLine as big as the Purple? If Sullivan is the center, the starters average close to 330 !!!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

It's always a good day when Chris from Wausau is happy. I'd have to do the math on the offensive line, but suffice it to say, the Vikings' will be a load.

troy (Arlington, VA)

Any thoughts on the nfc north undrafted free agent signings?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:21 PM)

I'm just starting to see a few names. The Lions signed Anquan Boldin's brother and the Vikings signed the Boise State player who proposed to his cheerleader/girlfriend after the Fiesta Bowl in 2007.

Andrew ( Aurora, IL)

How close were the Bears getting Boldin with their 2nd round pick?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:22 PM)

I don't think very far. Boldin for the No. 49 pick wasn't going to happen.

Ben (Minneapolis)

With the addition of Harvin, does this make Sidney Rice strictly a red-zone receiver, or will the Vikes still give him a chance? Three wide, no fullback seems to be the way to go, especially if Peterson doesn't want to run behind a FB anyway.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:23 PM)

Yeah, it will be interesting to see where Rice's career goes. He's definitely close to getting pigeon-holed as a red-zone guy. But I will say that all things equal, Harvin could play more of the slot receiver's role -- a la Bobby Wade -- than the outside receiver position that Rice plays.

Justin (Chicago)

I realize people are criticizing Angelo for not picking up any veteran receivers, but in truth, the Bears now have a QB they think will be around for the next 10-12 years. This draft and the decisions made might be a bigger indictment on whether Angelo thinks this is a SB winning defense ...

Kevin Seifert

  (1:25 PM)

I guess the bottom line is that the Bears entered the offseason with questions about their receivers and about whether their defense is aging. They haven't addressed either question in a way that would impact 2009 from the beginning. But obviously, Cutler makes them better in other ways.

Steve

Is Carl Gerbschmidt happy with Mr. Fred Thompson's decisions and any chance the Pack retires Favre's number this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:25 PM)

I don't know. Carl hasn't been available for comment in a few days. If you talk to him, let me know.

Jeff, Mpls

Is it just me, or is it really annoying listening to the commentators druel over the fact that Bellichek trades down every year?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:25 PM)

Volume down. It's a good thing.

Coffee (WI)

Is Taucher done for with the Packers?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:26 PM)

I don't think so. Otherwise, I can't figure out why the Packers haven't signed or drafted someone to replace him. From the outside, it looks like they're waiting to see if he's going to be healthy enough to participate in training camp before they make a final decision.

Chris (Chicago)

It looks like Grossman still hasn't been picked up by anyone as a backup. Now that the draft is over, and teams are starting to fill in their final holes, what do you think the chances are a team grabs up Rex for a 3rd position backup?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:27 PM)

I guess I'd be really surprised if no one brings him to camp, but I haven't heard about any team being specifically interested, either.

John (Owosso)

Did you see the report that the Lions were going to give some hard thought to Beanie Wells if he was there at #33? QB-TE-RB. I think we would be better off if the government ran the Lions too.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:28 PM)

Yes, I was there when Schwartz said that. He brought it up as a way of explaining how the linebacker Levy came to their attention. They were looking at film of Wells and kept noticing that Levy was getting after him pretty good. ... I didn't get the picture that Wells was a top target for the Lions.

Josh (Grand Rapids, MI)

So what does Detroit do at MLB now? DeAndre Levy is going to give it a try but he is undersized and out of position. Who plays the middle for my sad sack of a football team?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:29 PM)

I wonder if they're going to have to re-sign Paris Lenon. Otherwise, I don't think there is a good answer at this point.

Thorin (Madison, Wi)

Umm... the Packers drafted two tackles on Sunday. Tauscher's days are numbered.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:29 PM)

I'm not sure you would count on either to step in right away as a starter.

Colin (Milwaukee, WI)

At #9 while comparing Crabtree and Raji, do you think Ted Thompson ever pondered the ramifications of drafting Crabtree on resigning Jennings? It would have likely driven Jennings price up even higher, especially with guaranteed money with the whacked out rookie pay scale.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:31 PM)

Interesting point. If I've got the numbers right in my head, the No. 9 player in the draft would come in under what a Pro Bowl receiver would likely get on the free agent market. So he wouldn't have pushed Jennings' price up. But it would have meant the Packers would have an awful lot of salary cap room eventually devoted to the receiver position. In the end, I don't think it was a factor in passing over Crabtree.

Chris (Chicago)

With Stafford going to the Lions, Rodgers in GB, and Cutler in Chicago, are we seeing a bit of change in the tenure of the 'black and blue' division? With the exception of AP, and a little bit of Forte, it seems like all of our talent is through the air right now.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:32 PM)

I wouldn't put Stafford in that category yet. And come December, the teams that can balance their passing games with a strong running attack are still going to be the best off.

John (Owosso)

Kevin, thanks for clarifying the Schartz comment about Wells. Perhaps local writers blew it out of proportion.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:32 PM)

I didn't mean to suggest that it was totally blown out of proportion. I'm just saying how the topic came up.

Dan Waterloo,Iowa

do you see harvin getting alot of playing time right of the bat in minnesota

Kevin Seifert

  (1:33 PM)

That will be an interesting question. The only reason Peterson got playing time right away in 2007 was that Chester Taylor got hurt in the opener. I wonder if Childress has learned from theat experience.

Jeff, Mpls

What was the reaction in Detroit with the Stafford/Pettigrew picks?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:35 PM)

I don't think there was a run on the Party Store.

Go Brewers! (WI)

Kev, I heard you on ESPNews representing the NFC North. Are there any chances of you going to radio or something?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:35 PM)

I've always been told I have a face for radio. No, the blog is where I'll be.

Brian (Michigan)

Why should the Lions worry about specific needs like MLB when they have so many needs to fill? Shouldn't they just focus on adding as many good players as possible?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:36 PM)

That's a fair point. But one way or the other, they're going to have to find someone to play middle linebacker. Maybe it'll be during a secondary wave of free agency. It wasn't mandatory to address it in the draft. But the bottom line is it remains a hole.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ian Johnson is the cheerleader proposal guy. The Vikes also signed Vinny Perretta from Boise State. Maybe they'll put Smurf Turf in the Dome.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:38 PM)

Thanks for the details.

Alex (Madison, WI)

So when do the Favre rumors start coming back again?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:38 PM)

Let's give it another couple months before he starts getting the itch.

John (Wisconsin)

There was a rumor that the Bucs traded up to get Freeman because they feared the Vikings were interested as he was coached by two Viking's coaches. Any truth to it?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:39 PM)

I have heard nothing to suggest that rumor was true. I would have been stunned. It's possible the Vikings put that out there to try to get people off the Harvin sent.

Peter (St. Paul)

Sooooo...how's that time machine coming? Not sure I can wait four more months to watch football!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:39 PM)

Just turn the wheel and you'll be there. (Sorry, it's a LOST reference.)

Josh (L.A.)

I have always believed Ted Thompson has known what he was doing, but never more than passing on Crabtree for Raji. I would have loved to have added Crabtree, but we are loaded at the skill position and Raji was an absolute NEED. Taking Crabtree over a (very possibly) dominant NT was the right move. Loved the Packer draft overall. How long do you think it takes for the Packers to really see this draft pay dividends? Is this an NFC playoff team now?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:41 PM)

The Packers have a good chance at short-term and long-term dividends. I agree on the Raji/Crabtree point. Something about Crabtree bugs me. Raji could be a dominant nose tackle for the next 10 years. Do you think Crabtree will dominate as a receiver over that stretch?

Tarvaris Jackson

With Berrian, Rice and Harvin catching for me and now Loadholt blocking for me do you think I can finally have a breakout season?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:41 PM)

If not now, when?

Ryan (WI)

I liked Schwartz's comment on Levy, Levy right now stands at about 235 lbs, I think. R. Lewis came into the league at under 230. Adding bulk to a LB isn't that hard. Now, I'm definitely NOT saying Levy is anything close to Lewis, however. Just a thought.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:42 PM)

Depends on body type, etc. It isn't mandatory that a middle linebacker be 255 pounds. I think E.J. Henderson is about 235 or 240. But you have to have some serious hitting ability to make up for it.

Mike (Detroit)

I think the Lions were correct to take Delmas over Maualuga because, as bad as the run defense was, we had just four INTs last season and Delmas improves us in the running and passing games. Would you agree, or would you say that someone like Maualuga would be a better value?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:43 PM)

I have no problem with the Delmas pick. A playmaking safety can impact a defense in a hurry.

Chris (Chicago)

Who has more pull in their respective towns right now. Jerry Angelo or Ari Gold?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:43 PM)

I'm guessing Jay Cutler.

Larry (Michigan)

Say what you want about the Lions Draft, but what I realy want is for players to still be on the team 4-5 years from now. I feel like we have a good shot at that with Pettigrew and Delmas as the #1 rated players at their positions.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:45 PM)

Fair point. It's easy to get caught up in the immediate aspect part of it.

Strongbad (Dayton Ohio)

Speaking of hitting.. Have you seen Zack Follett the kid the Lions got in the 7th. Holy molly that kid is not right in the head. He earned the nickname the Pain Train at cal for a reason.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:46 PM)

Sounds like the kind of player Jim Schwartz has been saying he wants.

Scotty Fargo

Green Bay's switch to 3-4 may be easier with Raji and Matthews... but what about the rest of their D? What are they still missing?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:47 PM)

One of the biggest questions is whether Aaron Kampman can handle the switch to linebacker. We won't know that for a while.

Benjamin (Plattsburgh)

Pettigrew is going to be an asset to the running game, watch his film, he can dominate DEs and OLBs 1 on 1, hes like a 6th Olineman out there. and his pass catching will be a young qbs best friend in the middle of the field..... GREAT PICK

Kevin Seifert

  (1:48 PM)

Let's say he can do all of those things, whch is not a sure thing considering the difference between college defensive ends and pro defensive ends. Is that worth the No. 20 overall pick in the draft?

Jay Cutler

So Brett Favre throws INTs and is a gunslinger...and I throw INTs and all I do is throw to the opposing secondaries?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:48 PM)

Don't be so sensitive.

Sean (Chicago)

How can the Lions be worried about a 6th OL when they need a bunch of work on 1-5?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:49 PM)

Good point, Sean. Right now, you can really only see one blue-chip guy on their line, and that's only if Gosder Cherilus makes really good strides.

Jay Cutler, Chicago

is it too late to say april fools?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:49 PM)

Just hand it to Matt Forte and you'll be fine.

Benjamin (Plattsburgh)

he DOMINATED Orakpo all game long when they played last year.... good enough for ya? and I mean DOMINATED

Kevin Seifert

  (1:51 PM)

Yes, that's something Schwartz mentioned. If he can DOMINATE every player he blocks on every play, then he's valuable. But you can get really good blocking tight ends much lower in the draft. They might not be as good as Pettigrew, but is the difference worth the high draft choice? We could argue this for hours.

Sean (Chicago)

With two draft picks add to the defensive line... is it possible Mark Anderson and/or another DL currently on the Bears doesn't make it through camp?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:52 PM)

Very possible. We'll see if Rod Marinelli can resurrect his career.

Dave (MN)

I know you wish you were down amongst Percy Harvin's family when Coach Childress went for a visit... Do you read anything in to his comment that he probably would not have been able to draft Harvin a couple of years ago? Do you think he is finally going to open things up just a little?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:53 PM)

I didn't read that into it, no. I think he was saying that he felt he needed to establish a certain tone in the locker room and build the culture he wanted first. Then you bring in a guy like Harvin and he has to conform to that culture. The message would have been blurred if they brought him in during Year One.

Tony Minneapolis

Kevin, Why is it you have truly avoided calling the Viking's coaching staff and management to the carpet with respect to its failure to acquire a winnable solution at the QB position? Is it because you are from Minnesota and you don't want to alienate?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:54 PM)

I think I've been pretty direct on it. They've aggressively pursued an improvement at every position except the most important one.

Chris (Chicago)

I realize that ESPN is a direct competitor to the NFL Network, but have there been any ramifications discussed with Comcast set to drop the NFL Network entirely as of May 1st?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:55 PM)

In terms of what? Programming getting moved over?

Lovie Smith (Chicago, IL)

Jay Cutler is our quarterback.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:56 PM)

Just like Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton before him.

Mike (West Lafayette, IN)

What I don't understand is Jim Schwartz says its ok if Levy is undersized at 236 because Ray Lewis was only 228 coming out of school but he also says Jordan Dizon (lasy years #2 pick) is too small to play MLB at 230

Kevin Seifert

  (1:56 PM)

Good point. I think Dizon is probably a pumped-up 230 pounds who can't get much heavier.

Chris (Long Island, NY)

Do the Vikings still need to address their DT situation just in case?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:57 PM)

If something happens to the Williamses, I think they go with Fred Evans and Letroy Guion for the short-term.

Sean (Chicago)

I am on record as saying the Vikes, Bears, and Pack could all win 10 games this year. With the Lions aside (although they have to imporve, don't they?) could the NFC North get some talk as one of the toughest divisions this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:58 PM)

Probably a little early for that prediction, but I know where you're coming from. I'd like to see how the Packers' adjustment to the 3-4 goes first.

Matt (Saginaw)

Schwartz seemed to be talking more about how hard Levy hits, compared to his size. Dizon doesn't have that kind of reputation. Also, Levy is 6'2". Dizon is about 6'0".

Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

Good point.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

OK, let's get to one more question...

Lions fans

The Lions had a chance to sell out some home games this year. As stands they will only sell out the openner and the Thanksgiving day game. Do you see it any different?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

It's going to be difficult, but I'm not ready to rule out some additional sellouts.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

OK everyone, thanks so much! Onward and upward.