Cheese Curds, 3/15: Defense remains Packers' focus for the 2017 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers have signed a handful of players at key positions so far in free agency - the two tight end signings are certainly the biggest names after the re-signing of Nick Perry. However, even with Perry and fellow edge rusher Jayrone Elliott back in the fold and cornerback Davon House returning for 2017, the defense remains squarely in focus for improvement through the draft.

That improvement must - as always - balance short-term needs and long-term ones. Although Perry is signed for the next five years, Clay Matthews will play more inside, necessitating another edge rusher or two. House's contract runs for just one year, so more investment in the corners is absolutely necessary. Then there's Morgan Burnett, who will be a free agent next year as well, so maybe even safety could be worth a look this season.

While holes exist on the offensive line and at running back behind Ty Montgomery, those can likely be filled later on in the draft. Expect the Packers to stick to their guns on the defensive positions when pick 29 comes around, and possibly picks 61 and 93 as well.

New tight ends confident they'll connect quickly with Aaron Rodgers | Packers.com
Martellus Bennett says he speaks "several different quarterback languages." Presumably that includes reading "pouty face" after his time in Chicago with Jay Cutler.

Davon House's return one step in strengthening Packers' cornerbacks - ESPN
Obviously the Packers aren't relying on House to be the sole savior of the cornerback unit - expect at least one more to come through the draft and maybe another lower-tier free agent signing as well.

Green and Bold: How Do Free-Agency Signings Affect Draft? | Cheesehead TV
Edge rusher is still the safest bet for the Packers' choice with the 29th pick - they should be able to find a good one there and land a decent corner on day two.

Seahawks recommitted to running defenses over, but still need offensive line help - SBNation.com
Luke Joeckel is the big free agent signing for the Seahawks' line, though they would have been in a much better spot if T.J. Lang ended up there instead of in Detroit. Eddie Lacy's 2 yards per carry after contact might only lead to about a 2-yard average overall with that line as it currently is constituted.

3 crazy draft prospect stats to know | PFF
Wideout Carlos Henderson of Louisiana Tech brings a running back's mentality to his game - he broke a whopping 48 tackles last year, twice as many as any other receiver prospect in the 2017 draft class.

DeMarcus Ware left $9 million offer on table to retire - NFL.com
Goodness - the 34-year-old Ware obviously doesn't need the money, but that's still an impressive offer to leave on the table.