Inbox: That's what a really good draft does

Dan from Augusta, KS

This place is spinning out of control. You'll put Vic in an early grave with all this talk of baloney stopping at the start of preseason and now addressing rumors?! What shocks me more than anything is to learn Mike is old enough to have a son who also has a girlfriend who has a nephew playing soccer. Who even cares about the tie. It's soccer.

And once again we're off, so we might as well get going.

Mark from Fox Point, WI

I have a mental picture of Wes yelling "Walls, Spoff, I need walls!" while he puts tape around his desk. Best of luck in the era of open offices.

This is my 20th season here, and I've never had anything but a cube. I assume nothing, so if our new space provides me with my first office, I'll be genuinely grateful. If not, so it goes.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

No way we can let Wes mock the cultural significance of Gene Steratore's index card! Some lines just can't be crossed!

It was a seminal moment. Of what exactly I'm not sure.

Mitchell from De Pere, WI

Regarding your recent article and Christian Watson's statement proclaiming he is still the fastest player on the team. Once Watson is fully recovered, can you please organize/request a race between him and Matthew Golden once he is fully recovered? What a spectacle that would be.

Indubitably.

Mike from Geneva, IL

Mike referred to the defense being fifth in yards against and sixth in points allowed last year. They did this with a significantly improved run defense, but still struggled with a consistent pass rush. Most generally in life, to see an improvement in one area, then a sacrifice must be made elsewhere. How do they improve the pass rush without compromising too much in the run game?

All offseason, that's exactly what I was calling the 64 bazillion dollar question for this defense heading into 2025. I don't know the answer, but Jeff Hafley figured out the solutions to some tricky problems as last season went along, so I'm confident the Packers are in good hands there.

Steve from Middletown, KY

Good morning. Haf talked about having packages for each down and situation for players? I think he even stated adding another package for a specific player. I always thought packages were only for downs and situations and the players fit within a role for each package. He seems to be indicating it's much more than that. How many potential packages are typical for a defense to have? Do they have variations on those packages? Same questions for the offense.

Personnel leads to the creation of certain packages, as do situations. The two can be mutually exclusive. The more your players can do, on either side of the ball, more variations can be implemented in the playbook.

Mike from Marquette, MI

Not a question, but an observation. I just saw a graphic (WCBW) showing the playoff wins by each of the projected starting quarterbacks this year. It showed that 15 of the 32 teams will start QBs who have not won a playoff game in their NFL careers. Even considering some of those are rookies, that is still a lot. Just another reason to love (pun intended) the Pack!

I look at it the other way – 17 of the 32 teams starting a QB who has won a playoff game sounds like a lot to me. It means at least three (and probably more) playoff-winning QBs won't be in the playoffs this year.

Nathan from Minneapolis, MN

Hey guys, I was wondering how Sean Mannion at QB coach has changed anything about how Jordan Love is practicing or approaching this camp. We all praised Tom Clements for his work with Love, and I am curious how the change has impacted the young rising QB. On that note, has anything stuck out about Love from this year versus last year at this time?

I asked Love the other day if Mannion is training him any differently, and he said other than a couple of drills, not much has changed.

Tim from Olathe, KS

Insiders, can you explain the defenseless WR rule? It seems anytime a violent blow is struck there is a question of its legality. If the DB is making a play on the ball and a violent collision occurs it is legal, correct? But playing the player instead of the ball is targeting. Are there any exceptions?

"Players in a defenseless posture" is detailed in Section 2, Article 9 of the NFL rulebook. Read it for yourself. Then explain to me why it took until this year for replay to be able to assist the on-field officials in getting the "contact to head and neck area" calls right.

Brian from Fort Atkinson, WI

Have teams been notified of any points of emphasis regarding rules this year? I sure hope they have gone away from that. All it seems to do is ruin a few games a year, at the start of the season, with some ridiculous calls.

A league officiating crew hasn't visited camp yet, but we'll find out any points of emphasis when that occurs.

Shane from Philadelphia, PA

With the ESPN purchase of NFL Network I saw the NFL has a 10% stake in ESPN. ESPN operates the ESPN Bet Sportsbook, I know gambling at Bushwood is illegal but it seems the NFL is even more connected to gambling now. Seems like a slippery slope that no one is talking about.

Except me. I've brought up the slippery slope numerous times. I think the league's owners are being way too cavalier about all these connections, but maybe I'm just an old grouch.

Ingrid from Hugo, MN

Regarding the smelling salts, the NFL has now changed their stance somewhat. The teams are not allowed to provide the smelling salts, but the individual players can bring/have their own.

Given how much money the league is on the hook for regarding the concussion litigation settlement from several years back, I understand not allowing teams to pass out smelling salts anymore when medical research shows they mask concussion symptoms. It's a liability issue for the NFL.

Sandy from Green Bay, WI

Good morning! Regarding the discussion of extending the regular NFL season and further reducing preseason games, could joint practices during the training camp phase of the preseason take the place of bona fide preseason games? Could enhanced practice sessions between teams check the boxes that coaches/teams currently are focusing on during the actual preseason matchups?

The joint practices, for the most part, take the place of preseason game reps for the starters. But preseason games are still needed for development and evaluation of young players, primarily because live tackling isn't part of joint practices.

Kerry from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Do a healthy Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft give the Packers their best tight end duo since …?

Jermichael Finley and Donald Lee in 2009.

Tom from Germany

"I saw the Bears filled the lower bowl of Soldier Field. That was cute." I spit coffee all over my computer when I read that! That was classic Wes! Quick question. Does Romeo Doubs seem to be playing/practicing with some extra fire this year? I've been a fan of his since he was drafted and have always appreciated his low-key, workmanlike approach. From everything I've read/seen this offseason he really appears to be ready for a big year. Thanks for all you gents do!

I wouldn't say Doubs has any extra fire than usual. He's just settling into being that consistent, reliable vet for his QB, and he's enjoying being healthy. The guy makes at least one highlight-reel play every day on the practice field.

James from Asheville, NC

At what point do you expect the punt and kick returners to be sorted out and decided upon? It seems we have so many good options and I'm excited to see how it all plays out. GPG!

I always figure we'll never really know for sure until Week 1.

Ross from Summerville, SC

Gents, how's Bo Melton looking at CB? Think he has a chance to stick?

As I mentioned on Thursday's "Three Things," with Nate Hobbs and Xavier McKinney out, moving Javon Bullard to deep safety and Keisean Nixon not taking 11-on-11 reps, the corner across from Carrington Valentine with the first unit was Melton. Make of that what you will.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Mike, one play jumped off the screen watching the Family Night practice, although it didn't seem to receive much fanfare: Love breaking containment and running to his left for a first down, outracing defenders to the sideline. His ability to move within the pocket and take off when necessary is vital to this offense, but was non-existent at times last year due to injury. Those little 4-yard QB scrambles on third-and-3 are easily forgotten but usually end up making a difference in the final outcome.

Just the threat of the QB running makes it risky for any defensive coordinator to call for straight man coverage on third down. Too many guys with their backs to the QB is dangerous when he can take off.

Craig from Sussex, WI

The 2022 draft for the Packers may have been the most important event to happen to the Packers in who knows how long. Virtually every pick has been successful. Seems like every great team has that one special draft.

It provided a number of picks who are now core players, and that's what a really good draft does. Economics will dictate not all will remain here long term, but that was a very significant draft regardless.

Alex from Bozeman, MT

I'm back in Wisconsin for a family event. I will be attending the Brewers game on Tuesday to watch Paul Skenes pitch. What player from another team are you most excited to see play this year?

Joe Burrow. Covid restrictions kept us from traveling with the team in 2021 when the Packers visited Cincinnati, so I've never seen Burrow play a game in person.

Rick from Shawano, WI

Is the NFL beyond brutal? Only 12 practices in with just six in pads and still a slew of injuries including to key starters. Boggles the mind.

You said it. This sport is beyond brutal. That said, the Packers take the ultra-high side of caution this time of year when it comes to any injuries.

Vincent from Milwaukee, WI

Who has been the biggest surprise of camp so far?

Tight end John FitzPatrick. He is proving to be a more well-rounded tight end than the role player we saw last year.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

Hey Inbox, MLF made a comment about liking Javon Bullard's camp performance, and how even though he got beat that's not what they're looking at. Am I correct in assuming what they're looking for is assignment execution and being in the right place?

LaFleur was subtly making a couple points. One, the coaches don't get too bent out of shape about DBs getting beat in one-on-one drills, because the receivers have a massive advantage with nobody else on the field, particularly in the slot, which is where Bullard lines up for that drill. Two, they see a lot more that Bullard brings to the table on defense, particularly in run support. I've got a feature posting on Bullard this morning so be sure to check it out.

John from Stevens Point, WI

It's the first preseason game Saturday. Don't expect to see much of the starters. What should we expect to see? What are you looking for?

I detailed on our latest "Unscripted" that the last two first-round draft picks are at the top of my list. I'm eager to see Golden in game action for the first time, and to see Jordan Morgan at left tackle. Savion Williams and Ty'Ron Hopper would be two other guys I'll have my eye on.

Sam from Ronan, MT

Preseason isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I find it a lot of fun. It reminds me a lot of junior varsity games in high school. Most of the time the play is sloppy, but with starters on the sidelines getting hyped up for the guys just trying to make the roster and picking your Cinderella story and watching the whole process unfold is always so entertaining.

They're the hardest games for me to live blog because it's tricky to keep up with who's in the game and who's not.

Jason from Janesville, WI

Before baloney hits the fan, what ever happened to the nickname "Biff"? I always thought Biff and Spoff had a nice ring to it.

I think some time travel got involved.

Chris from Hanska, MN

Good morning, gents! I loved listening to the soundbite from Tucker Kraft that was posted. He is the epitome of a guy from the Midwest. He is tough, hardworking and has a great head on his shoulders. "You want the rock, get your block." One month until opening kickoff!

Happy Friday.

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