Inbox: It's good to see Bo Melton back home

Joshua from Gilbert, SC

For the 2026 season, whom do you see as the top threat at wide receiver? With the Christian Watson and Jayden Reed extension, Year 2 for Matthew Golden and the Packers clearing out the wide receiver room for Savion Williams to enter more for that line up; which of these stars do you see breaking out the most or is there a wide receiver that you have on your radar that is not on my list?

Those are four big-time receivers to build an offense around, but an underrated development in the wideout room is Bo Melton's return after moonlighting at cornerback last season. He's in the conversation for fastest player on the entire roster and doesn't need 35 snaps a game to make a significant impact. One play can change everything…as last year's 45-yard touchdown against Chicago proved. You put him on the field with Watson and Golden and safeties have a big decision to make. It's good to see Bo Melton back home.

Matt from Racine, WI

Which one of our WRs do you think will fill that void of being that go to, security blanket type receiver that we had in Romeo?

Golden has that potential. He has strong hands and generated good separation on slants this spring. I also like how quickly Golden comes to balance. He gets from first to fourth gear in the blink of an eye.

Andy from College Grove, TN

I was very excited to see Tyrod Taylor join the squad to provide a nice security blanket in this tough league. Obviously, the backup QB has to be ready to run the offense at a moment's notice. I did wonder what other responsibilities the backup has - running scout offense, etc.

In addition to running the scout team, backup quarterbacks play a vital role in scouting and game-planning. They're watching film of upcoming opponents, jotting down defensive tendencies and bringing those reports to the meeting room.

James from Eagle, ID

GB's new version of the 3-4 defense looks like there will be different versions of look vs. assignment. What are the chances that there will be a different nose tackle on consecutive plays, even if the same three DL players are on the field?

While the Packers have quite a few D-linemen with similar body types, I doubt you'll see that variation within the 3-4 given that package is predominately used to defend the run. There isn't as much of a need for disguise and deception. I think the interchangeability will show up more on passing downs in the nickel, especially with Micah Parsons, Barryn Sorrell and Lukas Van Ness having the ability to line up inside.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Weston, with a return to the 3-4 defense, I'm giddily recalling the halcyon days of Dom Capers' NASCAR package, when it seemed like there were umpt-illion pass rushers in the game all with their ears pinned back. Once Parsons is healthy, who would be the likely players we might see in a similar Jonathan Gannon package? And what roles would they perhaps play?

For sure. Mike Pettine, Joe Barry and Jeff Hafley all had their version of that rush package, too. But when you have disruptive D-tackles like Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt available, you want them bullying interior offensive linemen, too. It just comes down to depth, creativity and opportunity. With all the edge rushers Gannon has available, it's plausible we see a NASCAR-like package once Parsons is back.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Our LB room seems well positioned for success. Franklin is the vet, Edgerrin Cooper overflowing potential, Isaiah McDuffie the steady depth piece and Ty'Ron Hopper the talented next man up. Got me thinking about the Franklin trade overall. Football is a young man's game, Wooden showed some really nice flashes. Does that make the Zaire Franklin trade an unequivocal "win-now" move? What if Hopper with additional playing time turned out to be the next Franklin? In Gutey we trust, excited to see how it all shakes out.

That "Mike" linebacker role is so important. You want to have someone proven in that spot, especially if the "Will" linebacker next to him is as young as Cooper. Brian Gutekunst talked during the offseason about how the Packers turned their attention to acquiring Franklin when it became apparent Quay Walker wouldn't be back. He's also a player Green Bay has had its eye on for a very long time. The Packers historically like having primary backups for each of the inside linebacker positions, but Hopper and McDuffie can play either spot if needed.

Troy from Westminster, CO

Read an article on another Packers site projecting the O-line to be worse off than last year's unit. Maybe I'm wrong but first off, sadly, the bar is low from last season. It starts with Zach Tom being back. Sean Rhyan can certainly be better than Elgton Jenkins at C, as well as Jordan Morgan over Rasheed Walker at LT. A healthy Aaron Banks can't be any worse and Anthony Belton showed a lot of promise as the season went on. We're spoiled in Green Bay but am I reading this wrong or does the O-line seem to be poised for a bump?

There are questions on the offensive line, but the Packers feel like they have answers in that room. On Wednesday, I did a podcast with Mike Heller on this very topic and one of my big takeaways from last season was the lingering effect of Tom's injuries on the offense. That not only robbed the Packers of their best offensive lineman but also the pace-setter in that room. There were silver-linings, though. Rhyan has found his spot at center, and I think Banks will open a lot of green-and-gold eyelids this season. Success up front will be largely determined by how Morgan and Belton settle into their spots. If those two provide net gains compared to last year, that should help propel this offense forward.

John from Saint Paul, MN

Who is going into the Packers HOF this year?

Tramon Williams and Earl Dotson.

Dan from Lisle, IL

Hey Wes! My top 3 favorite locker room interviews of last decade: Mike Daniels, Smith Bros. and Aaron Rodgers. Who else sticks out for you?

Davante Adams, Marcedes Lewis and Tramon.

Sean from Chicago, IL

Good morning, Insiders! In the Countdown to camp RBs edition, Wes mentioned MarShawn Lloyd had similar issues related to overcompensation and muscle imbalance that Christian Watson had. How much do you believe this has influenced the Packers (or other teams) medical staff's evaluations of player rehab? Is this something that slipped through the cracks in previous years?

I wouldn't say it slipped through the cracks. I think it has more to do with advancements in medical science and a better understanding of soft-tissue injuries and the preventative measures players can take. Dr. John Mayer, whom Lloyd consulted, is a specialist in the field. This is what he does. While you can't prevent all injuries in this collision sport, you can decrease the odds of recurrence. That's what Lloyd and the Packers have done.

Troy from Menomonee Falls, WI

Wes, I really don't like your article on the quarterback position. You made some great points about Love and made me feel good about the backup position. I was intrigued by your suggestion they might keep a third QB on the 53 roster. That sounds like an expensive luxury given needs at other positions. Why do you think they might do that?

Thanks...I think? I meant what I wrote about anyone on the 90 having a shot at the 53. Because I was here in 2018 when Tim Boyle came out of nowhere to earn a spot on the 53-man roster behind Aaron Rodgers and DeShone Kizer. I'm not saying the percentages of Kyron Drones or Kyle McCord making the initial roster are high as QB3, but they're not zero. It's never zero. Chip and chair, baby.

Scott from Shawano, WI

Good morning II. Football, for me, starts at the line of scrimmage. Both sides, but especially O-line. That being said, it appears we have our first five pretty well set, but depth could be an issue. In your opinion, who among the group vying for a roster spot is flying under the radar?

Donovan Jennings. The Packers have invested two years into Jennings, and his development reminds me of how the team approached Lane Taylor in 2013-14. Jennings just needs to stay healthy. I also have my eye on Josh Gesky, three-year starter in the Big Ten who received one of the Packers' largest guarantees as an undrafted rookie.

Kenneth from Lakeland, FL

Has there been a change to how teams are chosen for appearing on HBO's "Hard Knocks" preseason addition? I noticed that Seattle is on this year while in the past if a team made the playoffs they would not be chosen.

The NFL threw that rule out the window last year. Any team is now eligible unless they A) have a first-year coach or B) appeared on the either the training camp or in-season show in the last eight years.

David from Chestertown, MD

Hello one and all. I love the "Countdown to Camp" features, thank you. From what I gleaned, we presently have seven tight ends to fill three or four spots. Is this because Matt LaFleur would like to run two tight end sets more frequently? What are the advantages to a two TE set versus single other than more blocking power? Have a Green and Gold Day!

You can do more out of the formation without tipping your hand whether it's run or pass. You can line those two tight ends up inside, move one to the backfield like an H-back or split one out like a three-receiver set. On paper, Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave provide a cheat code because their skill sets are so versatile. It's just been the ultimate challenge getting them healthy at the same time.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

Is there a backup punter and long snapper on the practice squad in case of an injury?

There could be, but the Packers haven't kept one on the practice squad since COVID.

Danny from Billings, MT

Greetings! On the what American football can learn from soccer, here is my suggestion. I like the yellow/red card consequences to the player. There have been some really evil things that have happened over the years. The example that comes to mind is a player that deliberately stepped on the calf of an opponent. The opponent is out for games. The perp plays on. It obviously cannot be adopted without thought and changes that for the game. Anyway. A thought for dealing with injuries.

That's a good point. The NFL considers past infractions when deciding suspensions related to personal fouls and unnecessary roughness, but it's always felt more random than an objective ruling.

Eric from Kenosha, WI

Championship number 12? Do we need to ask Mr. Christl to police this column?

Super Bowl XXXI was indeed the Packers' 12th world championship. If you're gonna call the column to the carpet – and we occasionally provide good reason – at least get it right.

Chris from United Kingdom

Cary from Sioux Falls, SD, mentioned disdain at soccer and, whilst I can empathize, I'm slightly the opposite. I'm a Fulham fan and have been since 1972, so a massive Fulham fan, but I've shied away from watching live football (saw very little of the WC unless Fulham players were involved). However, I'll watch NFL any day rather than the EPL. Whilst the NFL has a salary cap, the Premier League heavily favors the rich clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

As I've long said, the NFL salary cap is the best format in professional sports. Every team has a chance. What you point out is also what bugs me about the idea of relegation. Is it fun? Sure. But with how skewed the Premier League is towards its top teams, it's really only a question of which small fish will swim with the sharks in any given year. It's kind of like Formula One in that way. Haas is never winning a constructor's title.

Benjamin from Burlington, VT

Shakespeare will always be up there among my favorite sports nicknames, so I always appreciated when it comes up, especially as I'm a bit of theatre kid. Jayrone was continually making plays, and most of them were big hits. Much love to that young man and what he brought to the team. Who bestowed that soubriquet on him?

Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers coined the phrase after Elliott had three sacks in a 2014 preseason game against the St. Louis Rams and it stuck.

Courtney from Hungry Horse, MT

Can you believe the most hated NFL Team is the Green Bay Packers?

Was a Chicago/Hammond-based firm running the survey?

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