Inbox: That's what we're all wondering

Tom from Lisbon, WI

I legitimately read "Spotify" as "Spoffity" in your response to Colin from Milwaukee. That's what reading Inbox has done to my brain.

You were not the only one.

John from Saint Paul, MN

Is it that hard now days to find a run-stuffer like the Gravedigger?

The Packers hopefully found a new one in Javon Hargrave. But the challenge in the modern NFL is teams want defensive tackles who can do it all, not just be a 340-pound plugger. In Green Bay, that philosophical shift started when the Packers drafted Kenny Clark in 2016. The Packers didn't just want a gap-filler like Ryan Pickett. They wanted a defensive tackle who could play all three downs. Without Clark last season, Green Bay was sort of sent scrambling for someone who could hold the point on first down. That's one of the key issues the Packers must solve this offseason whether it's personnel, scheme or a mix of both.

John from Stevens Point, WI

As Ted Thompson once said, "You never know what your needs are going to be." That having been said, in order, what do you see as the Packers top three priorities in the upcoming draft?

Cornerback, offensive line and defensive tackle.

Nik from Moore, SC

At this point in the offseason, has any position group improved "overall" from last year?

DT is off to a good start with the addition of Hargrave and re-signing of Jonathan Ford, but there's still more work to do.

Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL

Zach Tom is an incredible player when available...but given the wear and tear and the nature of patellar tendons, is tackle a more pressing need we seem to be ignoring or taking for granted? Is a trade up for Max Iheanochor or Monroe Freeling the best possible scenario to completely avoid a Chargers-like season?

I don't see the Packers moving up on the first two days, but Brian Gutekunst told reporters in Indianapolis he'll do whatever he needs to do if there's a game-changer within Green Bay's reach. To your point, I think what Green Bay lacked last season was that "sixth man" off the bench who could play anywhere on the line at a high level. That's what Tom and Elgton Jenkins did so well early on.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. With a new defensive coordinator calling the shots, does Collin Oliver have a more defined role this year other than designated pass rusher? Assuming he can get/stay healthy, at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds and with a 4.56 time in the 40, how does he get more snaps? Thanks.

That's what we're all wondering, but I'll say this about Oliver and his brief introduction last season. The guy plays at his listed speed and has the ability to drive tackles backwards despite only hovering around 240. That makes him an intriguing chess piece for Jonathan Gannon and these defensive coaches. How much Oliver plays is to be determined, but 1,121 snaps were vacated with the departures of Rashan Gary and J.J. Enagbare. Whether it's Oliver, Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr. or Barryn Sorrell, it's all there for the taking.

Randy from Billings, MT

I realize it is clickbait season and get trapped into opening some of the ridiculous articles. Anyway, I see that Brenton Cox is almost looked at as an afterthought for DE/OLB. I believe he was disruptive when he played in 2024 and was primed to do so again in 2025 before getting injured. I envision him champing at the bit and being a contributor if he can remain healthy. What are your thoughts?

I'm really excited about Cox's return. It's easy to forget the boost Cox provided to the pass rush during the latter half of the 2024 season when he had seven QB hits and four sacks in just seven games.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Yes, we agree the Micah Parsons trade was great for the Packers. And yes, it's also true that we approach this year's draft with a bit less enthusiasm than normal without a first round pick. I was reflecting back on recent history, thinking about Packers first-rounders that had a significant impact in year one. I came up with Jaire Alexander and Clay Matthews, and that was it. Am I missing anyone?

Bryan Bulaga (2010) and B.J. Raji (2009) each made massive contributions to the Super Bowl XLV team. I believe Bulaga remains the youngest player to ever start a Super Bowl. Plenty of others have contributed in Year 1, but those four gave Green Bay the biggest immediate return on investment in recent history.

Bob from Emmaus, PA

Is the Parsons Project the impetuous for bringing in experienced veterans with proven results and durability? Are the Packers looking for players with the "it" factor that helps win individual battles and games?

I'm not sure about that. If you're referring to Hargrave's addition, I feel like that was more about needing someone who can eat snaps while buying time for the Packers' young defensive line to develop. But Parsons is the 1% of the top 1%. He's the exception to every rule. Yes, Parsons has plenty of experience but also possesses generational talent. Those guys don't come around very often.

Brendon from San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico

Two things to consider. Thing 1: Are you as excited as I am that Sorrell is working out with Micah this offseason? Could a young man who already has a strong work ethic possibly have a better mentor? Thing 2: What are the reasons to believe MLF cannot work his magic with Desmond Ridder, who appears to have similar physical traits to Malik Willis, but with much more NFL experience?

I'm not discounting that happening with Ridder. There are parallels between the two QBs. I'm simply urging caution when using Willis as the expectation for the Packers' next QB2 because that's an impossibly high standard to meet. Like I wrote in an Inbox earlier this offseason, it's great to see Sorrell on Parson's hip pocket. He has a strong work ethic and insatiable desire to learn. That makeup is going to take him far in this league.

Dale from Aurora, CO

Christian Watson received special rehab treatment for his injuries, I believe at Wisconsin. Has MarShawn Lloyd also received any such treatment?

Lloyd made the same trip to Madison that Watson did last offseason. When Lloyd aggravated the hamstring again, the Packers sent him to the West Coast to undergo further examination. The organization and Lloyd felt they finally got to the root cause – a knee injury dating back to Lloyd's college career. This is a career-defining offseason for Lloyd. The stakes don't get much higher entering a pivotal Year 3.

Christopher from United Kingdom

Hi Wes, hope the pressure of being yourself is satisfying while Mike's away. My question is...in your opinion, what is the difference (especially this year) between a top 70 CB and a top 300 CB? I've looked at some late-round corners who are blazing. Also, we sent scouts to Arkansas, allegedly to look at top 300s, but I'm watching who'll grab Cameron Ball... he's a bull-rusher!

Production, size, measurables and the level of competition. It's not easy to find prospects who check all four boxes, even in the first round at times.

TK from Grafton, WI

Is arm length REALLY such a big deal for an O-line prospect? With all due respect: Sheesh!

NFL scouts love them a tackle prospect with long arms…all the better to keep defensive ends off them, my dear....or TK.

Christopher from Sun Prairie, WI

How aggressively are the Packers pursuing Anthony Richardson from the Indianapolis Colts to become Jordan Love's backup?

No updates there. The problem the Colts face with trading Richardson is he's due a $4.24 million roster bonus on Aug. 1. That's a decent chunk of change to pay for a No. 2 quarterback. Plus, a team also needs to send compensation to Indy to acquire Richardson. Willis worked out so well for Green Bay because he was a former third-round pick with two years left on his rookie deal. He wasn't the fourth overall pick like Richardson, who's now in the final year of the rookie contract paying him like a No. 4 overall pick. If the Colts cut Richardson, it becomes an entirely different conversation.

Lee from Citrus Heights, CA

I know the Packers will get "camp arms" but I think Kyle McCord might be a surprise. I watched a few if his games at Syracuse and he showed some potential have you seen any tape from Philly?

I have not, but McCord is only 23 and less than a year removed from the Eagles drafting him in the sixth round. That's gotta count for something. I'm still surprised Philly let him walk after a season on its practice squad. If nothing else, you'd think the Eagles would've wanted to take one more look this offseason. Instead, the Packers will.

Dave from Gwinn, MI

Could a 7-plus-foot-tall tackle succeed in the NFL, or at some point does height mess with leverage? I assume height matters less on D. A 7-foot-end or DT could net quite a few bats at the line and/or blocked kicks, and the tall corners have a better chance at Randy Moss-esque receivers.

I think pad level would be an issue at offensive or defensive tackle. If any position could make it work, it might be as a red-zone tight end. But if you're 7 feet tall, your best bet is probably to try basketball.

Stephen from Plover, WI

Follow-up to Mitch from Cedarburg's question. By my count, there are currently 15 NFL cities that can't host a Super Bowl due to climate and/or infrastructure, soon to be 14 with a dome likely in (or near) Chicago. Since the draft started traveling in 2015, only three times has the draft been held in a city that can also host a Super Bowl. Is there consideration given to awarding drafts as partial compensation to non-Super Bowl cities? Should there be a rule limiting it to those cities?

That's pretty much the route the NFL is taking with picking draft sites, though major markets such as Arlington/Dallas and Las Vegas will get theirs, too. But yes, the league is using the draft to showcase non-Super Bowl cities.

Dick from Sarasota, FL

Good morning. If I saw the article correctly, the NFL at the upcoming owners meeting is going to discuss allowing trades to expand and include drafts up to five years in the future. Your thoughts please. It seems to me extending the timeline just increases the uncertainty of what you might get in return.

I'm not a huge fan of the idea. If a team swings big and misses, it's locked in draft purgatory for a while. Who ultimately pays the biggest price for that? Its fans (e.g. the Milwaukee Bucks).

Gene from Greenville, WI

Are you packed and ready for the draft?

I haven't even packed for Phoenix yet, Geno.

Michael from Portland, OR

I know it's not Packers-related but can we all just give a shout out to the UW women's hockey team? What an incredible group of women and coaches.

Nine national titles since 2006. That's a dynasty and then some.

Patrick from Albertville, AL

This is certainly a question only for the off-season. I know that Tony Shaloub is a fan of the Packers having grown up in Green Bay. I believe that, like me, he is an owner of the Packers. Do you know if he has been given a Jacob Monk jersey.

That's not a bad idea. We should make that happen. I'm still dumbfounded I randomly met him at a local coffee shop last year.

Tallon from Castle Rock, CO

Heard about Jordan Love going out to support the Green Bay women's basketball team, and now he is set up for an opening day pitch for the Brewers; pretty cool. Jordan Love isn't talked about enough nationally or locally, and while he is so underrated as a player, people rarely talk about his superpower off the field. If all else fails, I can't wait to get to watch Love for another season.

Love also gave a shout out to the Seymour boys basketball team for advancing to the WIAA Division 3 state championship. Again, face of the franchise stuff right there.

Shanna from Corunna, IN

Good morning, II! This time of the year sucks. Too much clickbait and too much waiting, waiting. Outside of the ridiculous questions, what do you guys enjoy about this time of the year?

The more 9-5 schedule and slow build to the big events.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

I feel like you missed a big opportunity to answer Colin from Milwaukee with "I'd have mine set to Spoffify". In other news, my Iowa Hawkeyes pulled of one heck of an upset over Florida to make their first Sweet Sixteen since 1999! Who is your favorite the rest of the way in the tournament?

I lost my national runner-up in Florida but still have 11 teams left, including my pick to win it all: Arizona.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

Wes, every time I see a comment about stealing lunches I laugh. Back in my working days I had two staff members that both had Swedish meatballs the night before, and both brought their leftovers to work. One guy took the other guy's leftovers and ate them at coffee break. When he got called on it, he sheepishly said "I thought it was weird because the meatballs were over a bed of wild rice. We didn't have wild rice last night." He never lived it down.

They must have been big fans of IKEA.

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