Billy Joel-Live at Lambeau Field

By CHRIS HAVEL
ESPN report: NFL’s 2018 compensatory picks will be kind to Packers after strategic moves; Also, NFL spring meetings set for this week
The NFL’s spring meetings this week in Chicago should bring interesting news on topics ranging from shorter overtimes to relaxed rules on end zone celebrations.
Frankly, I could do without O.T. and end zone displays. But I am a realist so I offer solutions.

End Zone celebrations

Choosing to – in the words of Aaron Rodgers – r-e-l-a-x the penalties for end zone dances and such is wise. The league should go a step further and request that its TV partners refrain from showing the celebrations altogether.
Fans that attend games get to see something TV viewers won’t, which is another great reason to buy a ticket. Also, ignoring the TD celebrations is a great way to promote sportsmanship.
The idea of penalizing and fining players for excess celebrations is ridiculous. Officials have far more important matters to adjudicate.

Overtime cut?

As for overtimes, and the league’s likely decision to go from 15 minutes to 10 minutes is stopping way too short of the goal line.
A regular-season game that ends in a tie should stay that way. The NFL prides itself on parity. In fact, it pats itself on the shoulder pads any chance it gets to brag about parity EXCEPT the most obvious reflection of it: Overtime games.
Why is an overtime game a pariah? I mean,  aside from its impact on legal gambling?
The NFL is slowly but not so surely moving to shorten O.T. In fact, owners are likely to trim it by five minutes – from 15 to 10 in the regular season – by this week’s end.
Why stop at 10 minutes? There are times when NFL teams are incredibly close and they play like it.
Furthermore, the league uses statistics such as “point differential” in determining playoff seeds. Surely a tie after going helmet-to-helmet for four quarters is a much fairer way to break ties (no pun intended) for post-season seeding purposes.

In-season IR

The NFL reportedly also is going to expand its archaic rule regarding players returning from in-season IR. Teams will be able to bring back two players that fit the requirements. Again, it’s a move in the right direction that stops short.
Why does a league that espouses player safety still maintain outdated game-day roster limits? I mean aside from saving comparative peanuts on player salaries?
What price can be put on an NFL playoff team losing its quarterback to injury because it ran out of offensive linemen who were game-day active? What good does it do to have 10 practice squad players that practiced all week standing around in sweats and T-shirts on the sideline during games?
The NFL needs to open its eyes and expand game-day rosters.

Packers compensatory picks

Perhaps the best news this week was provided by an ESPN report that suggests the Packers might receive four compensatory picks in next year’s draft.
In fact, the Packers should receive a third-round pick in return for losing right guard T.J. Lang in free agency. By allowing Lang to leave without re-signing him, the Packers essentially traded him to whatever team (the Detroit Lions) he signed with in exchange for a 2018 third-round selection.
Who wouldn’t trade Lang for a third-round pick?
Packers GM Ted Thompson did. He avoided guaranteeing $10 million to an aging player and reportedly will receive a third-round pick in return.
Now that’s a sweet deal.
ESPN, which cited OverTheCap.com, believes the Packers will receive a third-round pick for Lang, a fifth-rounder for center J.C. Tretter (signed by Cleveland), a sixth-rounder for Jared Cook (signed by Oakland) and another sixth-rounder for Eddie Lacy (signed by Seattle).
The loss of defensive back Micah Hyde (signed by Buffalo) offsets the Packers’ signing of free agent tight end Martellus Bennett. The Packers’ other free agent signings – cornerback Davon House, tight end Lance Kendricks and defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois – were “street” free agents.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com).  Havel also hosts Event USA’s MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL

But the Packers’ 33rd overall pick isn’t paid like a shutdown CB – YET

The Packers are counting on Kevin King to battle the NFL’s elite receivers at a bargain-basement cost.
His four-year, $7 million rookie contract includes slightly more than $3 million in guaranteed money.
For that, he will be expected to line up against the league’s top wide receivers, such as Atlanta’s Julio Jones, Tampa Bay’s DeSean Jackson and Dallas’ Dez Bryant. It’s a lot to ask of a rookie cornerback.
Comparatively, top shutdown corners are paid handsomely. Ex-Buffalo cornerback Stephon Gilmore signed a $65 million deal – with $18 million guaranteed – to wear a Patriots jersey.
Current Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman appears to be a disgruntled Seahawk despite his $56 million deal, which includes guarantees in excess of $10 million.
To that I ask, “Why the long face, Richard?”
Meantime, the Packers’ fans are going to be rooting like crazy for King to succeed. That’s great. What may be even greater are the expectations for him at one of the NFL’s toughest positions.
Talk about a King’s ransom. Surely, he will be paid just like the NFL’s other top cornerbacks once he becomes a proven commodity. What I hope is that fans remember to try and stay patient.
Here’s a news flash: King is going to get beat this season. In fact, he’s going to be beaten repeatedly. 
It happens, especially at that position. Fans don’t have to like it, but they need to be realistic. 
Frankly, I think King is going to be a hell of an NFL player.
He’s got everything a defensive backs coach could want. He’s got length (6-3), strength (15 reps at 225) and a great attitude. He’s also plenty fast (4.43 40-yard dash) and familiar with what it’s like to face the opponent’s top receiver.
Packers’ history is littered with reasonably high draft picks that flamed out at defensive back.
Terrell Buckley routinely received burnt toast in his fan mail. Before him, Vinnie Clark looked the part, but he couldn’t play.
Remember Ahmad “the octopus” Carroll? He was the late-first round choice of Mike Sherman. The Packers head coach/GM doubled down by selecting Joey Thomas in the third round.
Carroll was a powerfully built 5-10, 190-pound corner who could really run. The trouble was he couldn’t overcome his limitations: tight hips, sub-par ball skills and hands that all too often latched onto opposing receivers instead of the football.
I swear he led the league in “illegal use of hands” penalties, often in a crucial third down situation.
Thomas, the third-rounder, was a rangy, 6-foot-1, 190-pounder who had good ball skills and nice flexibility. The reason he was a third-round pick became obvious early on: He was slow as molasses in the winter time.
While the Packers’ fans were getting sick of their new cornerback tandem, Carroll and Thomas were feeling equally frustrated with each other.
They apparently blew their cool in a meeting, took to the hallway, scuffled and soon after became a fleeting memory.
It turned out neither Carroll nor Thomas were very good corners and Sherman wasn’t much of a GM, either.
Now it is King’s turn to line up at Cornerback Island.
Serious expectations also await the Packers’ Josh Jones, Montravius Adams and Vince Biegel.
The difference is that none of them are going to be asked to step in and start right away. Each will have important roles, to be sure, but they’ll also have the benefit of time to grow.
King’s growth curve began the instant he was drafted.
His great attitude may be his salvation. He seems to be exceedingly mature and accepting of his situation. In fact, he appears to welcome the challenge.
In turn, Carroll struck me as a player with a chip on his shoulder pad who didn’t have the game to back it up. It didn’t take long for Packers’ fans to pick up on it and begin hammering him over the helmet for it.
King is too talented and mature to flame out. Barring injury, he should be as close to a draft-and-play NFL corner as you’ll find.
Now comes the easy part for us and the difficult part for King. We get to sit in judgment while King is expected to stand tall and deliver.
My best guess is King will be terrific.
My best advice to everyone else: Give the kid some time to get there.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com).  Havel also hosts Event USA’s MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL

Here’s a closer look at Green Bay’s 2017 NFL draft class and how it fits

There are exceptions, of course, but the Packers’ finest drafts typically start with a bang at the top.
The 2017 edition qualifies despite the trade from 29 to 33.
It also qualifies as a tip of the helmet to today’s NFL. Big cover cornerbacks (Kevin King) and speedy corner/safety combos (Josh Jones) are in high demand. So are interior pass rushers (Montravius Adams) and versatile linebackers (Vince Biegel).
That notion of “how the game is played” also includes teams having an array of running backs with a versatile skill set. Say hello to BYU’s Jamaal Williams, UTEP’s Aaron Jones and Utah State’s Devante Mays.
Furthermore, it also applies to tall receivers with decent speed and explosive leaping ability. That describes Deangelo Yancey and Malachi Dupre. Even sixth-round pick Kofi Amichia has that versatility as a guard-center with long snapper skills.
Here’s a closer look:

Kevin King

Cornerback Kevin King has the physical skills, intangibles and opportunity to make an immediate impact on defense. Sam Shields’ departure created a significant void that now has a realistic chance to be filled. It’s noteworthy that King is younger, taller, faster and stronger than Shields, which is obviously why he was the 33rd overall pick instead of being an undrafted free agent such as Shields.
Finding a plug-and-play talent such as King at corner is almost as rare as pulling a Sam Shields out of the undrafted pool. King’s size (6-3, 200) is a bow to the reality of today’s game. The NFL is a passing league with its greatest athletes lining up either at receiver or tight end.

Josh Jones

The Packers’ selection of safety Josh Jones (6-2, 220) in the second round also is a reaction to how the game is played.
Jones should be able to run with big receivers, tight ends and running backs alike. His 4.40 40-yard dash makes him the Packers’ fastest defensive back. He’s also plenty strong having posted 20 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press.
Jones will be utilized as a nickel “linebacker” who can either drop into coverage or play near the line of scrimmage. His role may be similar to other hybrid safeties in the league.
He also will be groomed as Morgan Burnett’s heir apparent.

Montravius Adams

The third-round selection of Montravius Adams, the big defensive tackle out of Auburn, also is in deference to today’s NFL. The Packers, like all teams, covet big, strong, mobile interior defensive linemen. 
However, the volume of pass attempts makes a player with Adams’ skill set even more valuable. 
Adams (6-4, 304) should fill out the jersey No. 90 nicely. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds and was an All-SEC selection (first-team) by the Associated Press.
This is quite high praise, but he reminds me of ex-Brett Favre nemesis Warren Sapp, who was a slippery inside pass rusher with attitude.

Vince Biegel

Vince Biegel – the pride of MY place of birth, Wisconsin Rapids – is an interesting prospect. He ran the 40 in 4.69 but plays much faster than he clocks, which isn’t bad. He has the flexibility and torque to get low off the edge and around a flat-footed offensive tackle. In that way he is similar to Clay Matthews.
In fact, Biegel’s 6-3, 246-pound frame inside the No. 45 jersey bears a bit of a resemblance to Matthews. I’m not saying Biegel will become a top-end pass rusher ala Matthews, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he flashes the ability to beat one-on-ones.

Running Backs

The running back trio is interesting to say the least. I’ll be curious as to how the Packers’ coaching staff goes about separating Williams, Jones and Mays.
At first blush, Williams (6-0, 215) is the most complete in terms of size, speed, hands and experience. It’s why he was the 134th pick and taken ahead of Jones and Mays.
Jamaal Williams has decent speed (4.54 40) but gets high marks for his football instincts and awareness. He knows how to pick up blitzes, slip out of the backfield on check-downs and set up his blockers on screens.
UTEP’s Aaron Jones, at 5-10, 208, is a slightly smaller version of Williams with a very similar skill set.
Both are confident players who view themselves as the lead dog. That hard edge at running back was missing when Eddie Lacy wasn’t available.
Utah State’s Devante Mays is a different cat. At 5-10, 230, Mays is similar in size and speed (4.51 in the 40) to Lacy. He had an injury-plagued senior that likely was the reason for his fall in the draft.
Odds are Williams ultimately will be the best of the trio, but don’t be surprised if Packers head coach Mike McCarthy keeps two of three on the team’s 53-man roster. The question will be which two?

Receivers

At receiver, Deangelo Yancey is big (6-2, 220), strong (21 reps at 225) and relatively fast (4.52 40) receiver.
He was second team all-Big Ten as a senior. It’ll be interesting to see what Yancey can do with someone such as Aaron Rodgers or Brett Hundley firing passes his way.
The same can be said of seventh-round pick Malachi Dupre out of LSU. Dupre was described by scouts as “a home run hitter” who oozes confidence and believes he belongs in the NFL.
Let the winnowing process begin.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com).  Havel also hosts Event USA’s MVP Parties the evening before home games.

By CHRIS HAVEL

Last week, I predicted the Packers’ first, best option would be to trade out of the 29th pick.
They did. They moved back four spots to the No. 33 selection and acquired a fourth-round pick in the deal.
I also said the defense desperately needed a No. 1 cornerback.
Apparently, Packers GM Ted Thompson agreed. He passed on Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt and other notable edge rushers in order to bolster the secondary first.

King arrives

Thompson entertained offers Thursday night and up until the start of Friday’s second round for the 33rd (first overall) pick on Day 2. Nothing moved him so he stayed at 33 and selected University of Washington cornerback Kevin King.
King, at 6-3, 200, runs a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash. He also has exceptional ball skills, including a much-played highlight of him making a leaping, one-handed interception in the corner of the end zone.
King should be penciled in as the starting cornerback opposite whoever wins out between Damarious Randall, Quentin Rollins and Davon House.
My best guess is it will be Randall’s job to lose. There was too great a need in Green Bay, given Sam Shields’ departure due to concussion issues, not to select King.
The ugly images of the Packers’ undermanned secondary being shredded on a weekly basis last season were impossible to ignore. Some said the real problem wasn’t the secondary, but the lack of a pass rush.
Others correctly placed the blame on the absence of a pass rush AND a lack of a top, shutdown corner. Clearly, the rush/coverage link is undeniable. The Packers’ pass rush wasn’t where it needed to be and the coverage was inconsistent on the back end.
However, the reality is the Packers’ personnel at edge rusher (Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Kyler Fackrell, Jayrone Elliott and others) is a much deeper, more accomplished group.
Matthews and Perry are former first-round draft picks. Fackrell was selected in the third round a year ago. The Packers have plenty invested in that group. Now they need to step up.

Secondary saviors

King shouldn’t be viewed as the secondary’s savior. He has help in safeties Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett and second-round pick Josh Jones of North Carolina State.
Jones (6-2, 220) was timed at 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, has good ball skills and is a willing hitter. He and King bring speed and size to a unit that was lacking both.
Before the draft, Randall was the Packers’ fastest defensive back at 4.46. By late Friday night, he had fallen into third place. Jones will compete to play the slot in the nickel package while being groomed to replace Burnett, who is in the final year of his contract.

Doubling down on defense

The Packers doubled down on defense in the third round and again with the first pick in the fourth round.
The need for a pass rusher led the conversation to edge rushers. In fact, there are a variety of ways to generate pass rush, including the addition of a strong, slippery defensive tackle who can create havoc up the middle.
Montravius Adams could be that player. Adams (6-3 ½, 304) was clocked at a ridiculous 4.87 seconds in the 40-yard dash, which is amazing for a player his size. He should be a nice addition to go with Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and free-agent acquisition Ricky Jean-Francois.
Look for Adams to be on the field in pass rush sub-packages immediately. He’ll also be vying for playing time and a berth in the starting lineup if he’s the real deal.
The Packers then selected Wisconsin linebacker Vince Biegel with the 108th overall pick (the first in round 4). Biegel, a Wisconsin Rapids native, ran a 4.67 40-yard dash (faster than Watt) and did as many reps at 225 (21).
Look at it this way: Would you rather have T.J. Watt or both King and Biegel? The answer should be obvious.
Biegel, a fifth-year senior, is an all-about-football kind of guy. He played left outside linebacker for the Badgers and was highly productive. The Packers surely believe he will bring instant help on special teams and as a situational pass rusher.
On the whole, the Packers’ draft filled severe defensive needs with talented players.
Isn’t that the idea?
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and his latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com).  Havel also hosts Event USA’s MVP Parties the evening before home games.