Morning Buzz: Where does Rodgers rank?

Welcome to your Morning Buzz, rounding up news and views regarding the Green Bay Packers and the NFL from around the web and here at PackersNews.com. Grab a strong cup of coffee, or brew some English breakfast tea if that’s your thing, or maybe you’re just not into caffeine. In that case, may I suggest a glass of orange juice? In any case, sit back and get caught up on everything you need to know about the Packers.

We’ll start with Michael Cohen’s look at Don Barclay’s increasing role as a reserve center.

From Michael:

General manager Ted Thompson re-signed utility man Don Barclay to a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Barclay has played all five positions during the first five years of his career, and now he counts backup center among his responsibilities. The Packers gave him a vote of confidence by releasing Jacob Flores earlier this week, the only true center on the roster aside from Linsley.

“Donnie is always wanting to learn more about the position,” Linsley said. “This is his second year kind of playing it, although last year he filled in a lot at guard and not really center. So he’s kind of got his foundation set and he’s getting a lot better at different things. We have a great working relationship.”

Having Linsley available for OTAs and minicamp is certainly preferable, especially as the linemen build chemistry with newcomer Jahri Evans, but there is an important silver lining to his extended absence: More and more reps are allotted to Barclay, who has run with the starters all spring.

I had a chat with readers Thursday afternoon over on our Facebook page about all things Packers:

I wanted  to highlight one bit in particular about all the online chatter about Randall Cobb’s contract:

The Packers announced the date for this year’s Family Night:

Mike Daniels spoke about getting to the Super Bowl:

Elsewhere, Aaron Rodgers comes in at No. 5 in Pro Football Focus’ Top 50:

Rodgers fares a bit better in Pete Prisco’s Top 100:

From Prisco, on putting Rodgers at No.1:

There was misguided talk early last season that he wasn't the same player as he had been in the past. That changed when he led his team to the conference finals. He isn't slowing at all.

Charles Woodson tipped his cap to the two franchises he played with:

The Packers Wire took a look back at the 2007 squad:

The Power Sweep has one sentence for each wide receiver:

Chris Peterson writes on a possible expanded role for Kentrell Brice:

Be sure to wish Dean Lowry a Happy Birthday if you see him today:

Matt over at ACME Packing Company looks at the hottest Packers takes of 2016:

Important programming note from Jason here:

Rob Demovsky writes on Aaron Rodgers’ summer plans: