Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

Hey everyone. A few minutes late. Sorry. Let's do this.

Pete (MI)

Did Goodell want to cancel the Pro Bowl because he was so outraged that Matt Stafford wasn't selected for it last year and realized it had no credibility?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

I'm not sure, but if he follows through, wouldn't it mean that Matthew Stafford will NEVER make the Pro Bowl?

Brett (MI)

Is Nate Burleson safe this year and then gonna get cut next year? Is there any thought or reason to cut him this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:04 PM)

I think he's good to go unless he has a vast skill dropoff. But whenever that happens, it will be nice to have a guy like Titus Young or Ryan Broyles to move up.

Craig (MI)

As a member of the media, are you allowed to boo Roger Goodell when he comes on stage or is that frowned apon?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:05 PM)

Clicked the wrong question here, but since it's already up, I'll just say that there's no cheering in the press box. Booing? No one said anything about that... :)

Bill (Toronto)

Did anything surprise you about the Packers draft? I thought perhaps they would draft a rb, but other than that I was pleased.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:07 PM)

Oh yeah. As much sense as it made, I can't say I went in thinking Ted Thompson would focus so obviously on defense, nor that he would feel strongly enough about any one player to trade up once, let alone three times. And, for what it's worth, many media analysts suggested that Nick Perry was better suited for the 4-3 scheme. So he wasn't the first guy I thought they would draft.

Smeagol (fishing)

What did you think of the Bears' draft? Some analysts liked it a lot, others not so much.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

I think they're being a little stubborn about their offensive line and whether it needs help. But at least they're consistent. I'm fine with Shea McClellin at No. 19. Rod Marinelli has had a lot of success with guys his size. Alshon Jeffery drew really different evaluations depending on who you talked to. I think that's where Phil Emery's judgment can really be evaluated. He'll be a big hit or a big miss.

Josh (Atlanta)

I still can't believe people are talking about the Vikings not taking Claiborne. They addressed their two biggest needs in the first round and still look better at corner than they did a week ago.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:10 PM)

Yeah, people were dug in on that one. To me, the overriding factor was that they had no reasonable chance to fill the left tackle position long-term if they didn't take Kalil. End of story.

Chris A (Michigan)

I've heard lots of talk about the Lions signing Kellen Moore so that they can trade him down the road. Could it be that they just want him as a replacement for Hill after his career is over?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:12 PM)

The trade option is always brought up when a team signs a promising quarterback when it already has an established starter. Really, I'm not sure if the Lions have any one intent at all here. They needed a No. 3 quarterback but didn't think it was worth drafting someone, so they signed who they thought was the best undrafted quarterback. If a quarterback doesn't get drafted, it means there are legitimate questions around the league about whether he even deserves to be on a roster.

rahim aka rah-steam (hackensack, N.J.)

Cutler can't complain about small recievers now can he?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

I don't think he can really complain about much of anything anymore, except maybe the offensive line if the Bears' scheme changes don't do the trick. He's got the coaches he wants and the receivers he wants.

Donovan (Milwaukee) [via mobile]

Hey Kevin. Regarding the top of the Packer draft, who do you think logs more snaps, Worthy or Perry? And who do you think gets more sacks?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

I think Perry has a better chance to play more because that outside linebacker position is wide open. Worthy will have to compete for time with Pickett, Raji, and Hargrove. I would assume sack totals will be a result of playing time, so I guess I would go with Perry there as well.

Matt (Houston)

Let's get it out of the way early Seifert, what's the latest on the Vikings Stadium?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:15 PM)

Ha. It's in a holding pattern with the rest of the political agenda. Sounds like a lot of high-stakes leveraging is going on. But the expectation is still that it will receive a vote on the floors of both legislative houses.

Dr. H. Doofenshmirtz (Tri-State Area)

A bunch of us are going to do a fantasy draft of NFL writers and bloggers. I'm thinking about drafting you, but I need to know how long your arms are...

Kevin Seifert

  (2:16 PM)

HA! Writer and bloggers have different specs. Arm length isn't as important as finger length and bend. My fingers rate in the 99 percentile and I've got 90 degree flexibility, so well, there you go.

rahim aka rah-steam (hackensack, N.J.)

I love the Harrison Smith deal by the Vikes. Looks like they added a few starters but i woulda liked to see better recievers picked. Your thoughts??

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

Can't have it all, especially at once.

Josh (Atlanta)

Rhett Ellison = Jim Kleinsauser 2.0?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

No. He's a little more of a pass-catcher, much less of a blocker, than Kleinsasser.

Justin (Chicago)

With the state of the Bears offensive line, over/under 34.5 sacks for the season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

A lot depends on how much help those guys get, and the Bears are pledging a lot. So I'll take the under as a point of good will.

James (Lansing, MI)

Given that TT has done a great job eschewing FA and sticking to a BPA, accumulate picks draft strategy, should I be worried that he's suddenly decided to sign FAs, trade up thrice, blatantly draft for need all in one off-season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

No. I think it relates to where the Packers are in the development of their program. They're championship-caliber right now, and have a window to pile up multiple runs. So why not be a little more aggressive in shoring up needs during the prime of Aaron Rodgers career? I think it's smart.

Athan (Winchester)

Kevin, a one word answer IF you've got the guts. What NFCN team helped themselves the most in the Draft.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

Pass.

Ponder (Tinysota)

Okay I get it. So is all the pressure is on me to perform this year or I'll be holding a clip board for Matt Barkley next year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:21 PM)

If Barkley is tall enough. Kiper said today he's real close to being below the 6-2 Mendoza Line. Hopefully he'll bring platform shoes to the combine.

Nick (Marshfield, WI)

Like the Dark Knight, the squirrels are rising!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:21 PM)

Naw, pretty quiet right now at NFC North blog HQ.

Luke (Normal, Ill.)

Is there any talk about the Packers re-evaluating the Nick Collins situation at any point?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

No. It was a brutal, emotional decision for the Packers and I think they've moved on.

Jake [via mobile]

What will the Packers do to address their need at runningback?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

I wonder if they'll resign Ryan Grant. Otherwise, McCarthy said he's not worried about his depth there.

Chris Snow (Indiana)

How much of an impact do you see Dwight Bentley having on the Lion's secondary this season? Is he the man to man coverage play maker we have needed for the last twenty years?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:23 PM)

I'm not sure I would put that kind of pressure on a third-rounder, but he could absolutely be their nickel/slot corner this year. That's pretty good for a third-round pick, given how often teams are in the nickel these days.

Kevin (Canada)

Hey Kevin love the blog, great name. Lets be honest Woodson has to move to safety, let him roam around back there making plays and take a chance on Shields and House or whoever. Better then another year of Peprah and Burnett

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Ha, thanks. To me this issue has never changed. It's not better to have Woodson at safety if his replacement at cornerback isn't up to the challenge. That's the first question to answer. A year ago, we might have said Sam Shields was ready for that job. But he took a step back in 2011.

Tom (Brooklyn)

What can you tell us about the TE out of Temple (Rodriguez) that the Bears took? Good chance for him to see significant playing time as a rookie?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

Sounds like he's a really good athlete and a decent downfield threat who will get a chance to play a lot in Mike Tice's system. But he has a number of legal entanglements that probably hurt his draft stock.

Tom (Brooklyn)

Is Alshon Jeffrey going to be Mike Williams 2.0?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

That would be the worst-case scenario, but the Bears insist he is faster and has better ball skills.

Tom (Brooklyn)

Kevin, great job, as always. Clearly Lovie and Phil think that they can win with this group of offensive lineman. But just for laughs, are there any veteran offensive lineman still unsigned that are worth kicking the tires on?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

Thanks. The Bears did look at a few others before they sighed Chilo Rachal. Anthony Herrera and Eric Steinbach were two of them.

Will (Texas)

If healthy, does Ryan Broyles makes Detroit's offense more explosive than Green Bay's?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

The one place where the Packers would be more explosive, but probably not more productive, is at tight end. Finley more explosive downfield than Pettigrew.

Jeff (Mpls)

I don't think the Vikes did anything to solidify their LB corps. What are your thoughts as to what they will do?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

Further evidence that their starters will be Erin Henderson and Chad Greenway on the outside and Jasper Brinkley in the middle.

Wm J Lepetomane (Rock Ridge)

What about crying? Is there crying in the press box?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

Every day.

Wm J Lepetomane (Rock Ridge)

Gotta say, I'm curious about the Greenwood pick. Not a lot of tackles or picks, does that mean they're throwing away from him in Albion? He also does some return work. Could turn into a solid pick for the Leos.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:30 PM)

Has some crazy height-weight-speed numbers. That's what jumps out to you.

bozz (Mordor)

Hey Kevin. Interesting to note the low power ranking the Vikes got today. Yes, they're awful and the rankings are one person's opinion, but they may got four, possibly five or six, solid to above average contributors in this draft. Still worse than the Browns?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

Fair point. But from our perspective, and theirs, it's more important how they stack up against their division foes. And they're still considerably behind.

swag (IL)

do u believe mikel leshoure going to start this year

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

If he is healthy, it makes sense for him to get more carries than Jahvid Best. The Lions are a passing team, so you would think Best would be out there a lot for that.

Nolan (La Crosse, WI)

They're a lot of knocks on Perry and Worthy's on field effort, do you have concerns about it?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

There is definitely a line of thought that work ethics and values don't change when a player goes from college to the pros. They can gain weight, get faster and learn more about the game, but work ethic is ingrained. We'll find out if that's true.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Did the Vikings give Ponder enough help for the organization to decide whether or not he's capable of being their franchise quarterback?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:34 PM)

Fair question. He has two pass-catching tight ends and a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in Percy Harvin. I would say that's an average set of talent. But a good quarterback should be able to elevate average to good.

James (Detroit)

In John Clayton's winners and losers from the draft he had the Lions as the losers and said they have to win now. Why? Don't get me wrong, I want to win now but it's not like the Lions window of opportunity is closing anytime soon. All the key pieces such as Stafford, CJ, Suh, Fairley, Delmas, Titus, LeShoure etc are young.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

They do have a high average age, mostly because of their offensive line along with Burleson and Vanden Bosch. But I agree, their window will remain open for as long as Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are on the field together.

Alex (Brooklyn)

Don't forget about intangibles, Doofenshmirtz - what was your Wonderlic score KS?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

I came to ESPN.com to blog, not be at school. That test isn't about blogging, so I didn't take it seriously.

Wes (North Carolina)

What do you think is the Lions' plan at RB?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Hope that Best, Leshoure and Smith are healthy in at least staggered portions of the season.

VWCAU (Minneapolis)

What is your thought on some of the guys leaving the site to form their own, but still using alot of your content?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Flattered and still hoping they come back to home base.

Ken (MI)

How big a risk is Broyles? Is it realistic that he could be ready for training camp like he claims? The Lions had to like the medical report on him, right?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

No different than Pettigrew or any other player who had a torn ACL in late fall. He might not be ready for training camp's opening practice, but he should be able to contribute at some point in the first half of the season.

Reggie (Mpls)

Is Jerome Simpson as big a deep threat as I am hearing through the media?? I thought he was more of a possession receiver.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

No, he is really athletic and can be a downfield guy. We'll find out in Week 4.

Mike (Chicago)

Do the correlations between Mike Williams and Ashlon Jeffrey hold any weight?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

Weight being the key word. Williams resurrected his career after losing it, and Jeffery has that part taken care of.

Tiki Barber (All Alone)

Is anyone in the NFCN going to look at me?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

On TV?

phill (pa)

the thing is though kevin is the vikings could of took claiborne and with the extra piks traded bak into the first round and got riley reif thus screwing over the lions at the same time. your thoughts on this move.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

Reiff being available at No. 23 suggested that not everyone in the NFL was convinced he is a surefire left tackle. Otherwise, he would have been a top-10 pick.

trevor (chicago)

What are the chances of Reiff beating out Cherilus at RT? Does Cherilus then move to guard?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:41 PM)

Or, Reiff beating out Peterman to play right guard. Either could happen.

Chris (Michigan)

If you were the Lions, would you have taken Ryan Broyles with your second round pick?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

That philosophy has helped them rebuild the team. If I thought he were as good as they think he is, and I'm not in position to make personnel evaluations, then yes I would have.

Dan (Duluth) [via mobile]

Mistral Raymond and Harrison Smith opening day safeties?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

If I had to say at this moment, that sounds like a possibility, yes.

Jason (Texas)

It's crazy that 4 years ago the division looked completely different in terms of power rankings.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:44 PM)

Look at what's happened at the quarterback position over that span and it will tell you all you need to know.

Greg ( Red Wing,MN)

Has there been any wispers about Aaron Rodger's contract I believe he is "only" making around $8 mil when the other Top Q/B's are around $17-20 mil....

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

No whispers, but I think everyone agrees it's a matter of when, not if, the Packers address that.

bainpr (southern mn)

Your response to bozz states that power rankings are based on division. then why do they put all the teams together?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

No, that's not what I said, or what I meant to say. Power Rankings are based on all the teams in one pot, 1-32. To me, it's more important to consider how teams shape up against their division foes because that's who they'll play two games apiece against, and their performance in those games will have a big impact on their final record. And in the NFC North, the Vikings remain considerably behind their division opponents.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Kevin, would a second consecutive 3-13 season for the Vikings be costly to members of the coaching staff (if not Spielman himself) regarding their job security?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

Not Spielman, but you wonder if Frazier would survive a second consecutive 3-13. That would give him a career record of 9-29.

Nate (Mpls)

Any concerns on Josh Robinson converting from man to zone?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

It's easier than the other way around.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

It's easier than the other way around.

Nolan (La Crosse, WI)

Will AP ever be the same?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

If anyone can emerge from an ACL better than ever, it's him. But even if he's 90 percent of his former self, he's a Pro Bowl player.

Scott (Minny)

Kevin, due to your being so connected and in the loop, do you have the insiders scoop of what the other offers were that were on the table for the Vikes at pick 3?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Haha. That will be something I'm sure that will never be unearthed. I'm guessing Spielman talked to the Bucs, but obviously their offer, if the made one, wasn't strong or motivated.

Michael Smith (OK)

Why are the Lions ahead of the Bears, last game they played Bears beat the Lions badly along with if Cutler doesn't get injured Lions most likely don't playoffs.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Short memories?

Brooks (DC)

So Aaron Rodgers can do State Farm commercials but not SNL...makes sense.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

He wants to "do it right." I guess that means giving up an entire week and he's not in position to do that yet.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

Ok a few more here.

Ted (The Woods)

Kevin would you rather have a blog with a couple hundred football related posts or a blog with 1k posts at least 90% of which are non football/trolling in nature?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

Can't we have posts with 1,000 posts about football?

Gary (Chicago)

I keep hearing about the huge upside on the Bears Safety Brandon Hardin because of his size and coverage ability, thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

Have heard the same, but there are serious health questions that cloud that report.

Scott (Minny)

Who would the Vikes liked to have more, the cb (Robinson) that they took or the cb/s out of Montana that was taken the pick before them in the 3rd round?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

I'm guessing they didn't see a big difference between the two.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Any news on Carimi? Is he back to 100%?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

That's the report, yes.

Gordy B (Houston)

Is it fair to say, assuming Forte is playing behind Cutler, with the additions of Brandon Marshall, Mike Bush and now Alshon Jeffry in front of Devin Hester and Earl Bennet, the Bears have the most COMPLETE offense in the division?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

That's a fair way to look at it. They're best equipped to make significant game-planning changes week-to-week based on matchups, that's for sure.

Brett (Ottawa)

Hey Kevin, does Finley strike you as a guy who will elevate his game (basically just avoid the drops) now that he has the new contract

Kevin Seifert

  (2:55 PM)

He's hoping this contract will be prelude to the next one. That's why he only did a two-year deal.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Gordy is forgetting a small part of an offense..you know, the offensive line...GB >>> CHI

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

There you go.

James (Utica, NY)

Why do the so called "experts" find it so hard to believe the Bears Oline production was poor due to Mike Martz's system and playcalling? I for one, agree with Emery and think there Oline will be fine with Tice calling the shots.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

Scheme can only go so far, but this season will be a referendum on the Bears' reliance on it.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

Ok eveyrone, thanks so much. Chat with you next week.