I spent the end of last week covering the NFL combine in Indianapolis for WTMJ-TV, which sounds a lot more exciting than it is. Unless you work for the NFL Network, you don't get to see the actual workouts but are limited to sitting in a room with 800 of your closest friends from the media, waiting for some one of note to come in and talk to the crowd.
All the Badgers in attendance came off as solid-type people but overall, the combine hasn't been a real positive experience for Wisconsin players. Montee Ball and Travis Frederick ran lousy forties and Ashwaubenon's Mike Taylor didn't work out because he's recovering from sports hernia surgery. He'll work out when he's fully recovered while ball and Frederick will get another chance when Wisconsin has it's pro day on March 6th.
The Packer notables, namely Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy, play it real close to the vest and never get into specifics about prospects. Thompson did say he'd like all his free agents, including Greg Jennings, back, but he says as much every year.
At one point McCarthy was asked about the read option, the play that propelled the 49'ers to 323 rushing yards against Green Bay in the playoffs, and the Packers are serious about solving that problem. Their coaching staff is heading to Texas A&M to learn about defending it from those who have to face it on a much more regular basis.
In the NFL, if you can't handle something, you'll see it until you can.
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