Matt Flynn has departed as expected, and he's going to get a chance to win a starting QB job with the Seattle Seahawks. In today's Green Bay Packers news and links, ESPN's NFC North Blog speculates that he's not going to be worth a 3rd round compensatory pick, which is sure to get everyone mad. We also have some NFL draft stuff and a very interesting speculative post on A.J. Hawk potentially being replaced a year from now.
Mid-March position rankings for 2012 NFL Draft | NFL.com
NFL Network's Mike Mayock has his top five players at each position. Of note: He has potential 3-4 DE Fletcher Cox higher than Michael Brockers. No way Cox drops to 28. He has Andre Branch, Ronnell Lewis and Nick Perry in his top DEs and OLBs.
Will Packers Target Hawk's Replacement in the Draft? | MJEversoll
An interesting post on how the Packers have been drafting for future needs, not current needs. The writer makes the case for the selection of Dont'a Hightower if Pittsburgh passes on him. I don't think Pittsburgh passes and I disagree with the conclusion about Hightower taking over for Hawk, but this is well-written and well-argued.
Wisconsin-Born Center Captures NFL Attention | Scout.com's Packer Report
A great piece on center Scott Wedige of Northern Illinois. A lot of people think he's going to make an NFL roster. Could be a great late-round pickup for someone.
Matt Flynn's impact on Packers' 2013 draft | NFC North Blog
Kevin Seifert speculates that Flynn might be worth a 4th round compensatory pick, not a 3rd rounder as we previously assumed.
More from around SB Nation after the jump
Mario Manningham, Peyton Manning: What The Hell Is Going On In Here? | Niners Nation
Fooch is pumped.
Cowboys Free Agency 2012: What Did They Get In Brodney Pool? | Blogging The Boys
BTB concludes that Pool's a good pickup and that he will help in pass coverage, but that he's more or less deficient against the run. Sounds about right to me.
Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson, the QB Competition | Field Gulls
Don't get mad at the headline. They think Flynn is going to win the competition, but Jackson is going to be given a chance on Day 1 of training camp.
Patriots Remaining Free Agency Questions | Pats Pulpit
The Patriots still have a ton of work to do this offseason, even though they've made a few solid pickups already.