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Before we get to today's cheese curds, I want to give everyone a quick announcement: this weekend, we will be opening up an NFL Draft contest for the APC readership and will be awarding some prizes for the winners. All the details will be announced on Saturday, so make sure you stop by tomorrow.
With that out of the way, let's get to today's links and Packers news. The media talked to Ted Thompson on Thursday, and we have one reporter trying to make sense of Ted's often cryptic cliches and comments. We also have a great story about the Packers' quarterback inspiring a basketball player to consider switching sports and a look at a few different position groups in next week's draft.
Enjoy, and happy Friday!
Reading between lines on Thompson ahead of draft | Packersnews
We brought you a transcript of much of Thompson's press conference yesterday, but Mike tries to interpret what Ted actually means by certain phrases and words he used yesterday.
James Lofton to announce Packers’ second-round pick | Packers.com
This is a fun tradition, and it's always interesting to see who is a part of it for the Packers. Lofton was also a key part of this year's Tailgate Tour.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers might have jump-started NFL career of Kansas basketball player Tarik Black - Yahoo Sports
Keep the name Tarik Black in mind. The 6'9" Kansas hoopster and lifelong Packers fan just might end up coming to minicamp as a tight end if Aaron Rodgers' recommendation has any pull in the front office.
2014 NFL Draft: Wide receiver group is deep, but no instant impact | The MMQB with Peter King
This is why Ted Thompson's foresight has been so critical - drafting wide receivers a year or two before they need to be critical pieces in the Packers' offense.
NFL Draft 2014: What do you watch when evaluating edge rushers? - SBNation.com
Great stuff as always from Danny Kelly on what to look for in a draft prospect - this time it's the 4-3 ends and 3-4 outside linebackers.
The development of Derek Carr: The personal struggle that turned him from an immature freshman to a top tier NFL prospect - SBNation.com
Well, now I'm rooting for this guy. Here's hoping he doesn't end up in Minnesota so I can continue to do so.
Buying stock in a professional athlete is a great idea with virtually no downside* - SBNation.com
This is one of the more bizarre ideas to come around lately in sports, and I can't see how it's a particularly good idea for anyone involved.