Thursday, July 26, 2007

And Now There Are Two...

All 2007 draft picks by the Packers are signed except for first rounder Justin Harrell and third rounder James Jones. Given that second round pick Brandon Jackson signed yesterday, one would think that Jones would soon sign a deal. According to an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, GM Ted Thompson expects both Jones and Harrell to be signed before the start of camp at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The article also contains lots of tidbits about the annual shareholder's meeting and other news surrounding the Pack. One important piece of info was delivered by the team Treasurer, Larry Weyers: Packers' net operating income was up 22 percent this past fiscal year ending March 31. A large portion of this increase is due to the refurbished Lambeau Field and the 365-day-a-year income it is now able to generate. It is and will be one of the keys to keeping the Packers viable in the NFL.

Search for Harlan's Successor
Another article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reveals a great deal about the approach the search committee is using in finding the successor to Packers' President Bob Harlan following the parting of ways with the one-time heir apparent John Jones. It could well be argued that this position is the most important one in the Packers' organization. After all, the President hires the GM who makes the draft picks and other key personnel decisions, including the hiring/firing of the head coach. For the first time ever, the team is using a search firm to assist in the process. They have a number of candidates under consideration, including a few currently in-house. But team officials stress they want to find the best person available to ensure the ongoing success of the Packers. If you want to learn a bit more about the process and some of the possible candidates, go here.