Category Archives: Green Bay Packers Scoop with Chris Havel

In August of 1991 I began my first season as the Packers’ beat writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Twenty-three years later, I am still amazed at the quality, character and talent of the players, coaches, scouts and front office executives who have been subjected to my scrutiny. Occasionally, I will grab a pen, some paper and a cool drink while conjuring column topics. Today’s topic focuses on some of the most engaging people I have interviewed, reported on and opined about.

Rookie tight end Richard Rodgers’ presence and veteran Andrew Quarless’ absence during the Packers’ OTA’s and minicamp revved up the intrigue at one of several key positions.

In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers has been harassed, hurried and hit more than any NFL quarterback in the past six seasons. Since becoming the starter in 2008, he has been sacked 34, 50, 31 36, 51 and 21 times. Last season, Rodgers endured a career-low 21 sacks, but only because he missed seven games with a broken right collarbone. That must stop if Green Bay expects to return to the Super Bowl.

Fans of other NFL teams are finding out what Packers’ fans have known for several years: Jordy Nelson is a special player on the field and an uncommon person off.

What is the Packers’ most intriguing position unit? Where will your eyes naturally gravitate the first day of training camp? Which rookie draft pick’s name is tops on your “Players To See” list? These are fair questions not easily answered.

According to RJ Bell at pregame.com, the Packers’ over/under for total wins is 10, which would be enough to claim the 2014 NFC North title.

It was early June in 1992 and the Green Bay Packers were conducting their version of today’s offseason minicamps. After the first practice I approached Edgar Bennett, a rookie running back from Florida State, and asked if he’d be willing to do an interview. Bennett, who is about as polite as they come, was eager to please. “Sure,” he said. “Stop by the hotel and we’ll do it.”

It is at once tempting and foolish to assign a letter grade to the Green Bay Packers’ 2014 NFL draft. Therefore I give it an I for incomplete. It is impossible for even the most experienced, insightful NFL writers to dispense meaningful letter grades on individual picks, much less an entire draft class. The saying, “Time will tell,” has endured for a reason.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is a headline writer’s dream. Whether he is the solution to Green Bay’s weak safety play and a nightmare for the NFC North’s pass-happy Bears and Lions remains to be seen. For their part, the Packers had to be thrilled he was there at 21…

So what will this weekend’s NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, produce at the intersection of “Team Need” and “Best Available?” With four picks in first 98, Green Bay likely to infuse speed, talent at WR and DB. Of course, that depends on what the NFL’s 20 teams who select before Green Bay will do…