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While prospect weigh-ins and workouts dominate the NFL Scouting Combine narrative, agents and teams also gather to discuss pending free agents. In that vein, some have linked soon-to-be available running back Adrian Peterson to the Green Bay Packers. Given the division rivalry with the Minnesota Vikings, such a move would understandably turn head and make headlines. Apparently, it can generate some interesting opinions.
Dougherty: Packers should pursue Peterson | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The idea of the Packers pursuing Peterson has surfaced before. However, Pete Dougherty offered some highly controversial, shall we say, "context" for his child-abuse scandal from 2014 (which has since been removed). Decide for yourself whether Dougherty's argument has merit.
Packers? Raiders? Adrian Peterson has options beyond Vikings | St. Paul Pioneer Press
Coming at this from a different perspective, Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson believes Peterson could fit with the Packers. What he doesn't discuss (and what probably matters most regarding Peterson) is how frequently Green Bay works out of the shotgun, a formation in which Peterson has struggled. While the idea of acquiring a rival's former MVP sounds great on paper, it makes less sense in practice.
Packers counting on progress from defensive draft picks | Packers.com
Though 2016 first-round pick Kenny Clark didn't play an vast number of snaps as a rookie, he showed steady improvement throughout the season in his role. Like B.J. Raji, the retired nose tackle the team hopes Clark can replace, a second-year leap could well await him. The same could hold true for fellow defensive lineman Dean Lowry as well as linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell. The Packers don't need all of them to become starters, but all could find themselves playing key roles for the defense in the upcoming season.
B.J. Raji still on 'hiatus'; no plans to return to Packers, NFL | ESPN
Speaking of Raji, the former Pro Bowler doesn't appear likely to return to the field anytime soon. According to his agent, Raji remains focused on his family (his mother and aunt have dealt with illnesses) and "hasn't really thought about football." Given that the defensive lineman banked multiple contracts and won a Super Bowl, he doesn't have much to prove.