NFC North Daily: Hot Links for May 8th, 2012

Good morning, I hope you're having a great day. Yesterday, I managed to anger Packers fans. Who will it be today?

Stick around and find out!

Lots of news around the division, so let's get to it.

Chicago Bears

I've said before I don't understand the obsession with trying to force Devin Hester into a marque receiving role when it's clear he's just not that guy. Well, the Bears have another convert—newly acquired Brandon Marshall is sipping the Kool Aid. 

Hey, at least it's not Purple Drank, right, JaMarcus Russell?

Former player and writer at the National Football Post Matt Bowen has a piece in the Tribune warning rookies that they are about to get a wake-up call at camp.

Green Bay Packers

Brian Carriveau talks about how, with a pair of players suspended to start the season, rookie Jerel Worthy is going to have to develop very rapidly. 

The Journal-Sentinel says the NFLPA has reserved rights to appeal on behalf of former Saint and current Packer Anthony Hargrove.

Turns out the Packers have an extra rookie in camp—quarterback Graham Harrell. Pete Dougherty tries to clear that up over at the Press-Gazette.

Detroit Lions

Forget Carmen Sandiego—where in the world is Ryan Grant? Anwar Richardson reports he didn't show for his meeting with the Lions Monday.

I'm sorry, but are teams beating down his door? I'd have shown up, but that's just me.

Chris McCosky says he might have shown up, the meeting might have been moved to Sunday or happened somewhere away from the Lions facility. Murky? No, not at all...

Meanwhile in non-Grant news, David Birkett writes about the hopes of street free agent and local boy Troy Burrell.

Minnesota Vikings

And now, the moment we've been waiting for—the House has approved the Vikings' stadium plans. Yay! But they made changes, which the Vikings dislike (in other words, they've been asked to pony up more cash).

Here's a question I might explore later: When was the last time you were allowed to dictate the terms of a loan?

Finally, I wasn't totally stunned when the Vikes took a kicker in the draft. I am surprised they loved him enough to cut veteran Ryan Longwell before camp.