Kevin Seifert

  (1:59 PM)

Hi everyone. Happy post-draft! Let's see what's on your mind.

VikingJ (West Bend, Iowa)

The story with Duron Carter is confusing. Did, or did not, the Vikes sign him?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

They did not. Cris Carter's son was invited to try out for a roster spot during the Vikings' rookie minicamp this weekend. That's about right for a player with his limited playing career.

Kevin (Virginia)

Kev, I keep reading about Emery's "Athletic Index" as a justification for his picks...... all I think about is Vernon Gholston. Should I be worried?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

I hear ya. It's scary, but at least it's not based purely on 40 time or 20-yard shuttle or anything like that. My understanding is that it has a wide variety of components. I'm fine with teams keeping up with such metrics, as long as they're not blindly drafting by it. I hope that's not the case for the Bears.

Steve (Riverside)

Why didn't the Vikings take Justin Hunter? Haven't they learned that speed in itself doesnt lead to a WR (ahem Troy Williamson).

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

They saw Patterson as a far more dynamic playmaker, especially after the catch. I agree Hunter was steadier and more productive at Tennessee. The Vikings went for the home run instead of the double.

Paul (Denver)

Do draft analysts feel disrespected when teams "reach" for a player? Does it really matter if Long wins a starting job at LG and was drafted at 20 rather than 30?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:04 PM)

It does not matter. It's always amusing when everyone declares a reach based on pre-draft media rankings. Teams don't use media rankings. With that said, I'll tell you that there were plenty of teams that didn't view Kyle Long as a first-round pick.

Shawn (NJ)

Zulgad & Pelissero seemed pretty confident that the Vikes' middle LG for next year is currently not on the roster. Your view? A one-year Urlacher stop-gap would benefit both parties: Vikes buy themselves a year to take a MLB in RD #1 next year

Kevin Seifert

  (2:05 PM)

I'm going to guess the same. I would hope so, for the Vikings' sake. Not sure it will be Urlacher, but there really isn't a workable option on the roster that wouldn't create a hole elsewhere.

Dave (KY)

Detroit is looking better and better and I'm confident that the o-line will be a lot better with all the new blood. But I'm afraid that not having a real #2 WR will ruin the season. I like Burleson but he wasn't getting it done before his injury. should we have drafted Austin and got a DE in the 2nd round?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:07 PM)

No. 5 overall would have been a high spot to draft Austin. If you're going by needs, what the Lions would really like is a true outside receiver that can get downfield. The Lions have plans for Reggie Bush that, if they work, will simulate what Austin can do. So it was just the bad luck of positioning.

Darth Ditka (Sunny Florida)

Dude. Imo, there is no way on earth Emery would draft a guy with only 4 starts....if his name was Kyle Smith. Not only that, Kyle Long only started because of an injury to the starter. So, he wasn't good enough to earn a starting job on Oregon but he can with Chicago???????? /facepalm Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

I'm sure it was part of the evaluation process. Bloodlines can be important. Some teams also like to draft the sons of coaches because they think they'll have a high football IQ. Lots of factors go into making a draft decision.

Jeff (Mpls)

Would it have made sense to take Patterson at #25 instead of Rhodes and then maybe manuever in the 2nd round instead to land a corner and keep your draft picks so that they could have gotten a MLB as well?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:09 PM)

The guess is that they had Rhodes ranked well ahead of Patterson and the cornerbacks that were taken in the second round.

Nic S. (Minnesota)

I have never seen Duron Carter play and I know a lot of Vikings fans hope he is at least half the player his dad is. With that being said does he have some talent and could he make this team?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:09 PM)

The word is he has a lot of talent and has pushed through a lot of issues. Four schools in a college career, two of which he never got on the field for, is a huge warning sign. He's fortunate to have this opportunity, no matter who is dad is.

VikingJ (West Bend, Iowa)

Patterson shows up in uni #84. What type of added pressure really exists when a player take the number of a teams former superstar? Is it really that big of a deal?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:10 PM)

No. Although it didn't help Aundrae Allison much.

Condor, Milwaukee, Wi [via mobile]

With Aaron Rodgers saying in the past that he won't play until he's 38, and his new contract going until he's 36, so the Packers draft his heir apparent in 2017 or 2018? It would give Rodgers a chance to be the mentor Favre never was to him, and highten the chances that decades pf great QB play would continue in Green Bay.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

Right. They'll need to have someone in place for when Rodgers signs with the Vikings in 2020. I kid, I kid. It's so far away to even consider, but yes, I would imagine the Packers would need to start thinking about this in about five years.

Eric (Chicago, IL)

I don't get why people care so much about what grade Mel Kiper gives their team for their draft class. I'd much rather that my team has the last laugh and actually wins. People get all up and arms about Power Rankings, too. When was the last time you heard someone brag about being there when their team was ranked #1 in Week 12 NFL Power Rankings? Useless.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

Right there with you. But I think most people understand that intuitively. They just like those features as conversation starters. I'll admit my next-day ritual has long been to look up Kiper's grades. It's fun, but I don't know how many people consider them gospel.

Andy (GB)

What do you make out of Packers cutting DJ Smith and reportedly trying to trade Bishop? Just seemed odd and unnecessary at this time.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

I assumed it meant that he was injured much worse than we realized. But then the San Diego Chargers signed him the minute he cleared waivers. I guess it's possible the Packers didn't see him fitting into their defensive plans, but that's hard to believe considering he hadn't even finished his knee rehab.

Geno (Nashville)

Not sure why everyone is down on Emery's draft. so Long wasn't expected. Washington in the 6th and Wilson in the 7th are STEALS.CJ Wilson as an UDFA is beyond a steal.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:16 PM)

Yeah, low quantity sometimes makes people nervous, as does a perceived surprise. But I agree with your assessment, especially with Wilson. That's a pretty nice receiver to get in the seventh round if he's got his act together.

Whitney (Viking Country)

Does Ponder now have enough weapons around him to fairly judge him in 2013?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

Excellent question. As I wrote in my column earlier today, Patterson is going to have a pretty limited menu early on. It will take some time to establish timing with Greg Jennings, too. But Ponder needs to improve in his own right. All told, with Adrian Peterson and an established offensive line in place, Ponder will get a more than fair shot in 2013.

Jeff (Fairfax, VA)

Have the Packers become unstoppable offensively if Eddie Lacy can stay healthy?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

Weren't they already? Ha. They've given themselves a real shot at a more balanced offense than they've ever had with Aaron Rodgers. Even if Lacy has injury issues, the Franklin pick hedges that bet.

Tom (Los Angeles)

At this moment, what is your prediction as to what the Lions will look like up front on offense in week one? Do you foresee them filling any spots there with FAs?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

Martin Mayhew made it sound like it's very likely they will sign at least one veteran offensive lineman. I do think Reiff will be at left tackle, Sims at left guard and Raiola at center. The hope is that Larry Warford can start at guard right away and the favorite at right tackle is Jason Fox.

Robert (Gainesville)

Trying to temper my enthusiasm for Corey Fuller. How often do 6th round receivers amount to anything?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

More often than not, they don't amount to much. Just the law of averages. But Fuller is a guy who will get a long time to develop because of his physical skills.

Coach Klub (San Francisco)

Is Urlacher done? I'd love to see him get a last season or two in purple and think the leadership at MLB would help.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

To be determined. It's long been assumed that Urlacher would play for the Bears or no one else in 2013. If the Vikings reach a desperate situation, however, it would be interesting to see if they even try to talk him into signing. They played him twice last year and know he slowed down significantly.

Badger (Madison, WI)

It's reported Rodgers will get $40m this year but only count $12m against the cap. Just wondering how that worked out.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Most of that $35 million is a signing bonus that pro-rates over five year for cap purposes, even though he gets the cash right away. So only $7 million of it counts in 2013. He has a $4.5 million base salary and a $500,000 workout bonus. Add those three numbers together and you get $12 million.

robby (madison)

sounds from news today that the Packers trade talks about Bishop didnt go anywhere because they were asking for too much. Any thought as to why they'd get rid of him without clear replacements that could fill in and not deplete depth?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

I really don't think they wanted to trade him. A team calls and asks what it will take. Packers ask for the moon, knowing there is little chance the deal will be accepted.

Jon (Chicago)

What NFCN rookies do you see as being day 1 starters this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

Ziggy Ansah, Darius Slay (perhaps in the nickel), Larry Warford, Sharrif Floyd, Kyle Long. A few more as the season progresses.

Safwaan Mir (MI)

Can Detroits offensive line be better then last year with warford at rg and reiff starting at Tackle

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

There is something to be said for a line that has continuity, as the Lions' did over the past few years. It will take some time for this group to get itself settled.

Bryant (Milwaukee)

What your best guess as to which RB's break camp on the Packer's 53? I would have to think Stark's leash is really short.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

Yeah, there is no longer a reason to keep waiting on a guy that is always hurt. Lacy, Franklin, DuJuan Harris, John Kuhn and maybe Alex Green?

Steve (Chicago)

Any trade value for James Stars or Alex Green? I don't see either of them making the team next year.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

Maybe for Starks, but only if he makes it through camp uninjured and is traded on final cutdown weekend.

Jay (Harker Heights, TX)

Do you agree that the success or failure of this year's Minnesota draft actually still falls on the shoulder of Christian Ponder? Spielman seems to have nailed every first round pick...except Ponder to date. Does Ponder finally soar?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:30 PM)

The success or failure of this regime falls on Ponder's shoulders. If he can't hack it and they have to start over, that's a huge setback for the franchise.

Rob (Illinois)

Kevin, thanks for the chat. Do you think the Packers did enough in the trenches in this draft especially on the OL? Do you think Lacy and Franklin will have any space to run?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

I do think they gave themselves a lot more options, especially if Derek Sherrod can get back on the field. I like that they're not just coming back with the status quo.

Geno (Nashville)

Packer fans now think they have the #1 RB ... care to straighten them out.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

They do if he can stay healthy.

Geno (Nashville)

LIONS seemed to gamble a lot between Ansah and Slay?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

Slay is a minor gamble based on a relatively mild injury. Otherwise, a really good pick.

CP to CP (Minny)

Even if Patterson is only returning kicks primarily, he still has value in the offense by run fly routes and opening up the underneath for Jennings and Rudolph right? The safety has to go with the kid.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

Not until he proves he can make those downfield plays. He didn't at Tennessee. Best way to use him off the bat is closer to the line of scrimmage.

Mo (Chicago)

If Kyle Long wasn't a first-rounder, what was he (according to the other teams)?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

Mid-second. But I will tell you that the Bears probably wouldn't have had a chance to get him when their second-round pick came up.

Robert (Gainesville)

Can you explain the 5th round picks on punters?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:34 PM)

I think the Vikings knew the Lions wanted a punter and figured they had better get their guy. And sure enough, the Lions followed up by taking one as well. That's where the market was. The plan for each guy is to be a 8-10 year player. How many fifth-round picks project that well?

Chicken Little (Detroit)

So apparently the sky is falling in Detroit because the Lions didn't draft a tackle. But with the three 'elite' tackles gone, is it reasonable to think Reiff is better than any of the available options? They did get better at guard....

Kevin Seifert

  (2:35 PM)

Put it this way: There wasn't a substantial difference between Reiff and the next guy they could have drafted to play left tackle.

Jay (Detroit)

When can we expect the Lions and Stafford reach an agreement on a new contract?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

Doesn't seem to be the urgency this year considering the Lions have made it through the player acquisition season with enough cap space to keep Stafford's huge number on the books as is.

Mo (Chicago)

Kevin, can you tell us anything about the offense you think Trestman will run? Hurt to see Eifert left on the board, but what the heck do I know, ya know?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

The most consistent thing we've heard is that it will be quick and fast-paced, with an emphasis on getting rid of the ball quickly. That would be a big departure from recent years. You hope they don't take away Cutler's ability to improvise, though. He's at his best out of the pocket.

Geno (Nashville)

Speaking of Power Rankings ... Kevin, how come you do not get to vote and Ashley Fox does?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

Not everyone can vote, and I'm fine with the way it is. Impossible task.

Seth (Rice Lake WI)

why haven't the packers sign Sam Shields? I think if they don't sign him it will be a mistake

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

He's under contract for 2013, so there is no chance they'll lose him for at least a year.

Tyler (North Dakota)

How long until we see Patterson lining up opposite Jennings in the number 2 spot?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

Might be a year or so before he is a traditional everydown receiver. They are going to have a specific plan for him as a rookie.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

Looks like I've had a few technical issues here. Sorry if I posted an answer without a question.

VikingJ (West Bend, Iowa)

Kevin - being the great insider you are, have you seen the blueprints yet for Metrodome II?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:41 PM)

Haha. I have not. Sounds like there will be a lot of glass or some other technology that allows light in. Not expecting a retractable roof, but maybe sliding windows that open up to downtown Minneapolis.

Coops (Bahamas)

Will Bulaga be the starting left tackle for the packers or is Newhouse the starter.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

I wouldn't think that is the Packers' first choice, considering how well Bulaga has played at right tackle and how long it has been since he played on the left side. But Newhouse has to be better than he was last year to get another chance to start.

Mike (Dallas)

I don't get why Lacy fell, some say it was because of surgery in January. But that would mean he destroyed Notre Dame in the BCS Championship while playing hurt.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

Long injury history, bad offseason that left him unable to do the combine and out of shape out at his Pro Day. That stuff matters.

Bryant (Milwaukee)

Speaking of taking stock in Kiper's grades. Did you see Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel just finished first in his mock draft for the third year in a row. Kiper finished 48th out of 65 for perspective.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

In what rankings?

Zac (AZ)

Any chance the Lions resign KVB? Im sure he could show Ziggy a thing or two.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

He certainly could but I doubt it. His career might be done.

Papago (Phoenix)

No TE drafted in GB. Seems to me that means the Packers expect big things of Quarless this year. Any other explanations?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

Or, more likely, they didn't see any value picks where they were. Or, even more likely, they want to wait and see if they keep Finley after this year.

phill (pa)

so you dont belive that nagy will beat out riola and start at center then.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:47 PM)

My guess is no, that Nagy would be more likely to start at right guard and then eventually move to center. But I don't know.

E (Arlington, VA)

Emery sure didn't leave any room on the roster for any LB openings, did he? That's one way to shut the door and make sure it stays closed. In a way, good for him. If he truly thinks that Urlacher can't help this year's team, then having to repeatedly answer questions about bringing him back would only cause a distraction. Hate to see #54 go out like this, but not everyone can end their careers like Elway. Not even MJ.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

MJ could have finished with the Bulls if he wanted to. Anyway, I think Emery made the decision to move on in March and he meant it.

Coops (Bahamas)

What's you're take on the Packers not drafting a safety but drafting a corner back

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

They're happy to let M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian get the spring snaps and see if either is ready to be a full-time player before signing a veteran.

Spencer (Madison)

are lang/sitton's job safe at guard in gb? or is competition open there also?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

Sitton's job is safe. Presumably Lang as well but McCarthy has said he wants to see better play on the left side.

Ben (Minnesota)

You said you see Sharif Floyd starting this year, in which tackle position?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

I guess it would technically be nose tackle, but as the Lions showed last year, you can have two under tackles playing next to each other. I just think he's going to be too good to have a in rotation with Kevin Williams or anyone else. Why have Letroy Guion on the field and Floyd on the sideline?

Geno (Nashville)

HuddleReporthttp://www.thehuddlereport.com/scoring/top100.shtml

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Re: McGinn rankings. Congratulations to him!

Sean (Iowa) [via mobile]

If the Vikings resigned Winfield would Te'o be in purple?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

I don't think so. Need at cornerback would still have been there. Just not as urgent.

Andy (GB)

Packers really going with Jennings or McMillan at safety? Seems to be the weakest link on the entire roster. Any chance we sign somebody?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

Well, those guys competing to play opposite Morgan Burnett. I'll agree that the Packers need more playmaking from that group.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

Ok. A few more here.

Ben (Sandy, UT)

After the multitude of articles that have come out about San Diego's team doctor, it doesn't surprise me that they were willing to take a flier on DJ Smith when the Packers didn't feel comfortable.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

Ha. Could be the case. Really don't know. But the Chargers surely assumed no risk there. No guaranteed money. Just a look-see. Different issue, but remember that the Rams signed Titus Young and then released him about a week later. No harm done to the franchise.

Jason (MN)

With all due respect to Hyde, since the Packers didn't draft a game changing DB, any thoughts/rumors about GB re-upping with Woodson?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

I'm guessing that ship has sailed. Interest throughout the league has been pretty mild. Might be a while before we know what Woodson is going to do.

J in FLA (Cocoa, FL)

Is it Kluwe's mouth or leg that prompted the Vikings to draft a punter?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:57 PM)

Leg. His activism left him less benefit of the doubt with the franchise. I guess that's the best way to put it. His body of work suggests he's a really good punter. He had a poorly-timed off year.

Bryant (Milwaukee)

It has 65 panelists list who will be the first 100 players taken in the draft. McGinn got 87 out of 100 and was best for the third year in a row Kiper finished 48th. Story is on jsonline.com

Kevin Seifert

  (2:57 PM)

Yes just saw it. Really glad for Bob.

robby (madison)

with talk of Lacy's injury history, is he healthy now, will he be full-go come training camp to try and win the job? (i noticed earlier you didn't have him as one of the week1 NFCN rookie starters

Kevin Seifert

  (2:58 PM)

He is expected to be full go.

Coops (Bahamas)

Lacy ran behind a great line at Alabama can he produce the same numbers with the Packers finesse line

Kevin Seifert

  (2:58 PM)

He'll be playing against defenses that are much more keyed on the pass than the defenses he faced at Alabama.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:58 PM)

OK everyone. Thanks so much. Chat with you soon.