Green Bay Packers Offer Donald Driver Restructured Deal

It appears that the Packers have offered Donald Driver a restructured deal in order to stay with the team. There has been much speculation in this offseason about what the Green Bay Packers will do with wide receiver Donald Driver, but it seems that they will not let him go. Driver will most likely take a pay cut in order to stay with the Green Bay Packers, but he has already said that he is open to that. I'm glad to see Donald Driver will be staying with the team especially since I can't imagine the team without him. Driver has been in the league for 13 years and all of them as a Green Bay Packer. Driver is undoubtedly a major force on and off the field and I'm glad that he will be returning. McCarthy said that Donald Driver will be reporting to practice soon and he will return with a new title under his belt, Dancing With the Stars champion.

Will Donald Driver Return to the Green Bay Packers?

Donald Driver has spent 13 years playing for the Green Bay Packers as a receiver. Behind Aaron Rodgers, he is the most beloved player on the Packers. However, it seems as though his days as a Green Bay Packer are numbered. Or even worse, they might be over. The question remains, will Donald Driver return to the Green Bay Packers?

There are several factors at play. First, Donald Driver is 37. By NFL standards, he is already past his prime as a receiver. Second, the Packers have a lot of talented young receivers. Driver is number 5 in the rotation of receivers, behind Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and James Jones.

But it's Donald Driver! I can't imagine a Packers roster without Donald Driver. Driver has expressed his desire to stay with the Packers and has even offered take a pay cut. Unfortunately, vast popularity can't save players from getting cut from their beloved team. Remember Brett Favre?

I suppose it's better to leave when you are on top of your game, but if the Packers let go of Donald Driver, I bet we will see him play for another team. He is not ready to leave football yet.

A Look at the Green Bay Packers 2012 NFL Draft Picks

Packers GM Ted Thompson is a master when it comes to the NFL Draft. The Packers 2012 NFL Draft was no different. The Green Bay Packers were looking to plump up their defensive line, and they certainly accomplished that with their 2012 NFL Draft picks. Here's a look at who the Green Bay Packers picked during the recent draft:

Green Bay Packers 2012 Draft Picks

• 1st round: Nick Perry, USC defensive end

Perry one of the top pass rushers in this year's draft. He will be used as an outside linebacker to support Clay Matthews in successfully rushing the passer.

• 2nd round: Jerel Worthy, Michigan state defensive lineman & Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt defensive back 

The Green Bay Packers traded up for Worthy and he will be used as a defensive end.  Hayward is a quality tackler who made 13 interceptions in his past 2 seasons. It's likely that he will compete with for playing time.

• 4th round: Mike Daniels, University of Iowa defensive lineman & Jerron McMillian, University of Maine safety

Daniels will most likely be used as a defensive end. McMillian could compete for starting safety position as Collins was released and Peprah struggled last season.

• 5th round: Terrell Manning, North Carolina State University linebacker

Manning declared he was entering the draft as a junior and will most likely compete for the 4th inside linebacker position with Rob Francois.

• 7th round: Andrew Datko, Florida State University offensive tackle & B.J. Coleman, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback

The Packers' offensive line needs depth because of release of Clifton and Sherrod's injury, hence they picked up the offensive tackle from Florida State. Coleman will provide a challenge for Nick Hill and Graham Harrell in their backup quarterback responsibilities.

This year's draft picks will undoubtedly provide lots of competition for the Packers' current defensive linebackers and linemen which will ultimately strengthen the Packers' defensive line. We won't really be able to grade the success of the Packers' draft picks until we see these players in action this season. All in all, I'd say the Packers had a successful draft.

Green Bay Packers 2012 Schedule Released

The Green Bay Packers 2012 schedule has been released! Besides the actual Packers season, this is my favorite time of year. I can't wait to attend Packer games at Lambeau Field this season. Here's a look at the Green Bay Packers 2012 schedule:

• Sunday, September 9th vs. San Francisco 49ers 3:15 PM
• Thursday, September 13th vs. Chicago Bears (gold package) 7:20 PM
• Monday, September 24th @ Seattle Seahawks 7:30 PM
• Sunday, September 30th vs. New Orleans Saints 3:15 PM
• Sunday, October 7th @ Indianapolis Colts 12 PM
• Sunday, October 14th @ Houston Texans 7:20 PM
• Sunday, October 21st @ St. Louis Rams 12 PM
• Sunday, October 28th vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 12 PM
• Sunday, November 4th vs. Arizona Cardinals (gold package) 12 PM
• Sunday, November 11th BYE WEEK
• Sunday, November 18th @ Detroit Lions 12 PM
• Sunday, November 25th @ New York Giants 7:20 PM
• Sunday, December 2nd vs. Minnesota Vikings 12 PM
• Sunday, December 9th vs. Detroit Lions 7:20 PM
• Sunday, December 16th @ Chicago Bears 12 PM
• Sunday, December 23rd vs. Tennessee Titans 12 PM

The Packers home opener vs. San Francisco will be an interesting game. This would have been a great game to see last season. Both of these teams were considered contenders for the NFC title last season. Home field advantage will work in the Packers' favor I think. The Packers vs. Saints game should also be an exciting one in Week 4. I also like the fact that the Packers' bye week is not until Week 10. I'm also looking forward to seeing the Packers play in New York. Time for an NFC playoffs rematch!

Packers' Nick Collins Wants to Play, but Should He?

It's time for the Green Bay Packers to make a decision regarding Nick Collins' future as a Packer. As a dedicated and talented player, Nick Collins want to play, but should he? After suffering a season-ending neck injury last September and undergoing fusion surgery, Collins wants to return to the Packers. He just recently underwent tests and if they turn out fine, Collins will undoubtedly push to return to the Packers. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will ultimately make the final decision about whether or not they will clear Collins to play for the Packers. If they do clear Collins, that means that the Packers would have to accept the risk should Collins re-injure his neck. Thompson and McCarthy seem recluctant to accept that risk. The other option would be to release Collins so that he could play for another team.

If Collins is fully cleared by doctors, there's minimal risk for another injury. However, Nick Collins plays the position with the highest risk for neck injury. Should Nick Collins put himself in that position again? There's no doubt that Collins is a talented player and that the Packers need him on the squad, but is it worth the risk of another serious neck injury?