Cheese Curds: Green Bay Packers News and Links for February 21, 2014

While invitees to the NFL Scouting Combine don't begin workouts until tomorrow (and even then, only tight ends, offensive linemen, and special teams run through the drills), teams have already begun their player interviews. This is an important piece for teams, as these players generally have had little to no exposure to the highest-level decision makers. While many question the value of drills like the 40-yard dash in determining a prospect's playing ability, showing up and conducting yourself in a professional manner does impact the way teams view players.

Accordingly, the Packers have sat down with a few players who they might consider in the upcoming draft including Jermichael Finley's potential replacement.

Packers Meeting with UNC TE Eric Ebron & Wisconsin OL Ryan Groy - Bleacher Report

It's difficult to fully gauge Green Bay's interest in Eric Ebron or any of the top tight ends in this draft class prior to Jermichael Finley's upcoming visit with Packers team doctor Pat McKenzie. If Finley is indeed allowed to leave, drafting an athletic receiving tight end becomes a much higher priority for Ted Thompson. As for Wisconsin's Ryan Groy, he probably won't come off the board until the third day of the draft, but the Packers have hit on late-round Badger offensive linemen before. Perhaps Groy is the next Mark Tauscher.

Eric Ebron thinks he's top tight end in draft class - Packers.com

Coincidentally, the Packers' official website features its own interview with Ebron. He certainly doesn't lack for confidence, and that's probably a good thing.

Questions about Finley could have Packers taking TE early in draft - Green Bay Press-Gazette

Despite what the title says, Pete Dougherty discusses all the tight ends on the Packers' 2013 roster. He also the consensus top-five tight ends in the draft.

Jordy Nelson extension a Green Bay Packers priority - NFL

That the Packers wish to extend Jordy Nelson's contract is of little surprise. What remains to be seen is whether his contract is of higher priority than Randall Cobb or Bryan Bulaga, both of which are set to hit free agency with Nelson a year from now.

Packers Annual Checkup: Johnathan Franklin - Fox Sports Wisconsin

Johnathan Franklin failed to live up to expectations. Part of that is due to the concussion he suffered in November, but even prior the Packers' rookie tailback struggled with ball security and pass protection. He'll have to improve both if he hopes to earn a meaningful role in Green Bay's offense next season.

Packers have 7 draft picks, more coming? - ESPN NFL Nation

During Ted Thompson's tenure as Green Bay's general manager, the Packers have routinely worked to increase their number of draft picks. Given that this year's draft class is supposed to be the deepest overall in over a decade, expect that practice to continue.