NFC North Daily: Hot Breakfast Links for June 12, 2012

Another day, another minicamp—this week three teams have mandatory minicamp, so we'll be watching for news from that throughout the day.

In general divisional news, we'd like to welcome back Kevin Seifert, our fellow NFC North blogger over at ESPN, who has graced us with his presence again post-vacation! Kevin jumped in with both feet yesterday and has some good stuff including a minicamp breakdown for the Packers, Bears and Lions.

Now, on to the links!

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Detroit Lions

Two great pieces from Anwar Richardson this morning over at MLive.com. The first talks about five players to watch during minicamp, which takes place from today (Tuesday) until Thursday.

His second is about the downside of head coach Jim Schwartz negotiating a contract now, rather than in the postseason. It's an interesting point of view—normally we talk about players negotiating and how it's often a good idea so they can protect themselves by getting money before they play in case they are injured.

For Schwartz, Richardson points out he has a ways to go to improve and could benefit from another successful year at the helm of the team.

Aaron Berry has the starting cornerback job for now, reports Dave Birkett. After a disappointing end to the season, he's trying to focus on the game and not things off the field (including Twitter).

Chris McCosky takes a closer look at this week's minicamp.

Green Bay Packers

Brian Carriveau talks about defensive lineman BJ Raji's hope that an improved defense will mean shorter stretches on the field.

In his mailbag this week, Jason Wilde talks some Randall Cobb, Ryan Grant, Aaron Kampman, an odd idea for "red cards" in the NFL and much more!

Pro Football Talk reports that Anthony Hargrove's appeal has been denied. As with Simpson, I'll have some thoughts on this later.

Minnesota Vikings

I'll give you my thoughts on the fallout from this, but the Pioneer Press' Brian Murphy reports on Jerome Simpson's three-game suspension.

He also loses an extra game check. Ouch.

Christopher Gates has an interview with rookie Jarius Wright from the Rookie Symposium and a Flava Flav reference all in one post.

I don't think I can top that one today, but I'll try.

Chicago Bears

Michael Wright has five things to watch for at Bears minicamp. The first one—J'Marcus Webb vs. Chris Williams at left tackle—made me die a little inside.

Under the heading of "anything you can do I can do better," Jay Cutler is challenging Aaron Rodgers' dominance on the radio air waves and Kevin Seifert has a recap.

And now...my rebuttal to Mr. Gates.

I see your Flava and raise you a Namath.

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@espn_nfcnblog  @AnwarRichardson @freeplions @cmccosky @BrianCarriveau @jasonwilde @profootballtalk @bmurphPiPress @dailynorseman @MichaelCWright

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