The Combine and Unrestricted Free Agency

I'm sure most NFL fanatics have been keeping a watchful eye on the happenings of the Combine, taking place at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. The question is, who has had that great showing that solidifies their draft position? The problem with this years showcasing of collegiate talent is that Maurice Clarett's 40-yard dash time stole all the headlines. Most people are so wrapped up in wondering how a running back thinks he could make the NFL when his 40 time is slower than most prized high school prospects. I'm beginning to think that some former high school athletes might beg to be included in next year's combine simply to state their case that they are substantially faster than the former OSU "great."

It would seem obvious that the Green Bay Packers are going to draft defense in heavy dosages this year in April, and I really wonder if one of the UW Badgers might wind up wearing green and gold next season. Prospects such as NT Jason Jefferson had a good showing at the combine and would seem like a good pick for a team such as the Packers in the 4th to 5th round. Even CB Scott Starks, who is very much so on the short side, might be a good pick to boost the secondary personnel. After Anttaj Hawthorne had a less than steller workout, I'm thinking he might make the ideal 2nd round pick for Green Bay. Something tells me he might slip through the first round and the Packers could use the 2nd round pick they acquired from New Orleans in the Mike McKenzie trade to scoop him up.

The other main occurance in the NFL is that tomorrow marks the first day of unrestricted free agency. We learned today that the Packers, as expected, cut Mike Wahle and also Grey Ruegamer. While released Wahle was a move made because the team simply does not have the money to keep him when his large roster bonus is due, release Ruegamer is a sure tell sign of a few things: Mike Flanagan will be ready to go next season after spending the majority of '04 on IR after having knee tendinitis and former 7th round pick Scott Wells will be your back up center in 2005. This does not surprise me. Wells not only held serve in the games he started last season, but actually made plays that cannot be expected from a 7th round pick.

Will GB be able to keep Marco Rivera in town or will they lose both of their starting guards this offseason? At this point it certainly appears that the o-line will feature two new faces in '05. But let me pose this question. Just how important is having two top notch guards? Would you rather have two quality tackles or guards. The Packers are set at tackle and getting Flanagan back solidifies the center position. As great as Rivera and Wahle are, guard might be the most expendable position on the team.