Cheese Curds, 4/11: On Packers' salary cap management & the "develop" in draft and develop

The Green Bay Packers like to focus on developing their own players instead of acquiring free agents who have played for other teams. This much is obvious, based on the players on the roster who get the big money; basically all were drafted by the Packers and given big contracts when their rookie deals expired.

However, behind those stars are a slew of young players fighting for playing time, and it is those individuals who need to play well to complement and assist the stars. With the team making significant investments on the defense in the last few drafts, it's time for those players to come through and start playing to their potential.

Those topics weigh heavily in today's cheese curds, while we also find examinations of a couple of players who could intrigue the Packers on days one or two of this year's draft.

How will the Packers really improve in 2017? Look from within | Packers Wire
This piece focuses on the "develop" part of draft and develop .To be sure, the Packers need to see growth in their young pass rushers and corners if they are to feature a competent defense this season.

Packers' priorities clear in salary-cap calls | Packersnews.com
Clearly, the Packers value their wide receivers, offensive tackles, and pass-rushers, as they have more money invested at those spots than any other positions (besides quarterback). One interesting nugget here, though, is that Davante Adams might only be a $6 or $7 million per year guy next year, which should be very affordable.

RB shuffle makes Packers' rushing record look unattainable - ESPN
The record mentioned here is Ahman Green's career rushing yardage record, which he set in his brief second stint with the team in 2009. However, the way teams - especially the Packers - use their backs nowadays, it's possible that this mark will never be broken.

Prospect Primer: TE Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech | Packers.com
I've made it clear that I like Hodges as a prospect for the Packers, and I'd be happy if Ted Thompson landed him in round 3.

Tracy Porter waived by Chicago Bears - NFL.com
Porter had some knee injuries last year, but he ended up being a victim of a numbers game in Chicago after they signed Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper in free agency. Porter meets the Packers' height cutoff for corners, and he would probably come cheaply; he might be a nice depth signing if the team doesn't land a top corner in the draft.

Kansas State Edge Rusher Jordan Willis Is a Draft Riser | The MMQB with Peter King
Willis is gradually working his way up draft boards and might sneak into the bottom of round one, but he didn't really have a defining moment that shot him up the boards (not even his 4.53 40).

Marshawn Lynch and the Patriots would be a bad idea - SBNation.com
What.