GREEN BAY, Wis. - Ted Thompson is happy to have Julius Peppers in the fold. But the Packers general manager insisted Thursday that landing the eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end from the rival Chicago Bears wont have an effect on what Green Bay does with its nine selections in next weeks NFL draft. In his first public comments since Peppers surprising signing on March 15, Thompson said he believes the 34-year-old lineman has plenty left in the tank and that he expects him to have an impact on the Packers up-and-down defence. "Theres no evidence of any decline in his play, in our opinion," Thompson said Thursday. "He still has the same athletic traits that he had coming out (of college). Hes had a remarkable history in the NFL in terms of durability. Were looking forward to it. I think he is, too." The 6-foot-7, 287-pound Peppers certainly has been durable, playing in 186 of a possible 192 games. Hes also been productive, registering the second-most sacks (118.5) in the NFL and forcing the fifth-most fumbles (39) since he entered the league. He leads all NFL defensive linemen with nine interceptions over that span. But playing 855 snaps for the Bears last season, Peppers managed only 7.5 sacks, the third-lowest total of his 12-year NFL career. The Packers envision him as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker in their 3-4 defence, and their hope is that by playing him fewer snaps, they will not only increase his production but give opposing offences another pass-rushing threat to worry about opposite four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews, who missed six games last season with a twice-broken thumb, is expected to be fully healthy for training camp. "When I view him as a football player, hes an individual youd like to create targeting problems," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Peppers in March. "He has the ability to play from the two-point stance, has the ability to play on the move." In 10 career games against the Packers with Carolina and Chicago, Peppers has recorded 9.5 sacks, his fourth-highest total against a specific opponent. The Packers finished tied for eighth in the 32-team NFL last season in sacks with 44 despite Matthews absence. Their hope is that Peppers, who reported for the first day of the off-season program last week, will have an impact on more than just that one category. Last season, the Packers finished tied for 24th in scoring defence (26.8 points per game), 25th in yards allowed (372.3), 25th in rushing yards allowed (125.0), 24th in passing yards allowed (247.3) and tied for 20th in takeaways (22). "Its fun to see Julius. Hes a specimen. He looks great," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said last week. "Itll be fun to get him really into the fold and get him feeling like hes part of the team, encouraging him to be a leader for us. I think he brings a lot to the table -- on the field and in the locker room. Im just excited about not having to run away from him anymore." As hopeful as the Packers are of Peppers contributions, Thompson insisted that he wont approach the No. 21 overall pick - or any of his other picks - differently with Peppers on board. "We talked about this before. I might sound like a broken record, but we feel that the draft is a long-term investment," said Thompson, whose teams most immediate needs appear to be at safety, linebacker, tight end, offensive line and cornerback. "We dont get too carried away with what our perceived needs are at the moment. We think thats good business. If you can marry those things up thats fine but if you stretch to try to fill quote unquote need somewhere then you end up messing up a couple of spots, so we try to stick to the best player available." Custom Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys . 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The Montreal Alouettes announced Tuesday that they have acquired the return specialist from Calgary, as well as the Stampeders fifth-round draft pick in the 2014 CFL Canadian Draft. Michal Neuvirth Jersey . The 49ers announced the deal Thursday. San Francisco selected Kilgore in the fifth round of the 2011 draft out of Appalachian State. He has played in 33 regular-season games, plus all six playoff games the last two seasons.Manchester City are in advanced negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the transfer of Ilkay Gundogan, although the clubs remain £8.1m (€10m) apart in their valuation of the midfielder. Sky sources understand City have indicated a willingness to pay £28.3m (€35m) for Gundogan, although Dortmund value the player at £36.4m (€45m).Pep Guardiola sees Gundogan, 25, as a key part of his plans when he takes over from Manuel Pellegrini on July 1 and is determined City sign him. What would Gundogan bring? What would Ilkay Gundogan bring to the Premier League? Dortmunds willingness to sell is driven by the fact the player has shown no indication he will commit to a new contract - his current deal expires in the summer of 2017.Despite that, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Michael Zorc value the player at £36.4m (€45m).City sources confirmed to Sky Sports News HQ in March that a meeting was held in Amsterdam between the players uncle and agent, Ilhay Gundogan, and City Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain. Pep Guardiola is keen to bring Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City During that meeting, it is understood personal terms were discussed, and contract terms have since been agreed which would see the player earn ٿ4.ddddddddddddm (€6m) after tax per season, provided the two clubs can agree a transfer fee.Dortmund have offered Gundogan a new contract, but have so far been unable to convince the player to commit his future beyond his current deal.Coach Thomas Tuchel stated last month he is not convinced the player will remain at the club, saying, I know what we can offer him and if that is not enough for him to stay then so be it.Gundogans potential arrival at the Etihad Stadium would help the club lower the average age of their squad, which is understood to a significant consideration amongst the clubs hierarchy. Thomas Tuchel admits Ilkay Gundogans future at Borussia Dortmund is uncertain It would also represent an early victory for City in the summer transfer market, were they to sign one of Europes most highly rated midfielders.Having joined Dortmund from FC Nurnberg in 2011, Gundogan helped Dortmund win the double in his first season at the club.He was a key player in Dortmunds success under Jurgen Klopp and scored in the Champions League final in 2013 as Dortmund lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich.Gundogan is highly rated for his tenacious defensive abilities, tireless energy at the heart of the Dortmund midfield, and also his wide passing range and creativity. Also See: Toure could buy out contract Nasri: Boss right to omit me Henry on Peps possible City XI De Bruyne exclusive Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '