Inbox: That's where Tucker Kraft belongs

Paul from Richmond, VA

OK, gotta call out Wes on this one. He chose Fleetwood to win the U.S. Open, not Clark, in this very space last Thursday. And if you don't predict it here, it doesn't count. Nice try, though! On the bright side, the clubhouse lockers at Shinnecock Hills lived to see another day!

Don't take this from me, Paul. Heart says something, head says something else. I was asked for a prediction among my golf buddies last week and picked Clark.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning. What is your takeaway about Tucker Kraft and his torn ACL attending the annual Tight End University?

It's an event for tight ends and the man embodies everything it means to play the position. That's where Kraft belongs.

Eric from Rush City, MN

Did Kyle Pitts' signing just reset the market for tight ends? How much does his signing affect the eventual Kraft deal? I know he was a high draft pick, but wow!

Every big deal pushes the needle and sets the market for the next one. Jordan Love and Micah Parsons each did at their respective positions and I assume Kraft will do the same. Pitts isn't the only tight end who got paid this summer, either. In addition to Travis Kelce's new deal, Kraft's 2023 draft classmates Brenton Strange and Darnell Washington recently cashed in, as well.

Dave from Lakewood Ranch, FL

Why do you think no pass rusher in the last 30-plus years has implemented the "Club Move" Reggie White perfected in the '90s? Was Reggie that much stronger than OTs or are OTs just more athletic now?

A little of both. Every now and then you'll see an edge rusher bust it out, but nobody did it quite like Reggie. While the "hump move" requires extreme upper-body strength and leverage, it's also a physically exhausting technique.

Kyle from St. Charles, MO

Random thought. Was there ever a Packer in your viewing careers you thought, "Man, we'll never see another 'Player X'" until, lo and behold, one did come along? If so, who was "Player X" and who came along? Furthermore, are there any "Player Xs" you're still confident we'll never see again?

Never say never, but I highly doubt we see another Reggie White. His career box score is simply marvelous – never injured, steady dominance and one All-Pro selection after another. To the first part of your question, I didn't think we'd see another receiver mesh as well with Aaron Rodgers as Jordy Nelson did and then Davante Adams reached another stratosphere during that run from 2018-21.

Bill from Menominee, MI

Does a running back have enough quality meeting time and practice reps in OTAs for the coaches to feel comfortable with knowing what they'll be getting? Asking in regards to MarShawn Lloyd. If he's seen as a roster lock at RB2, should he be afforded a light load in the preseason games to give him a fighting chance to endure a long season?

I suppose it depends on what the plan Lloyd and his team developed calls for. That process, in concert with the Packers' training staff, got Lloyd through the offseason program without issue. He's learned everything there is to learn about the Packers' playbook the past two years, but it's been a very long time since he played football for an extended period. Lloyd could use the preseason reps as that final crucible to determine if he's ready to go full out.

Luke from Port Alsworth, AK

Based off of Connor from Minnetrista's question: Who would be the biggest help to their position group and who would be the biggest overall help to the entire team if they had a strong and healthy season? Lukas Van Ness, Savion Williams, or MarShawn Lloyd?

The Packers need Williams and Lloyd, but Van Ness was a first-round pick for a reason. If Van Ness realizes his potential, it'd have massive implications for this entire team.

Caleb from Tacoma, WA

As I look toward the upcoming season, I keep wondering, "Are the Bears (and especially Caleb Williams) actually as good as their record and how they ended last season?" There is no doubt talent/skill present, but how much if their success was new scheme, unseen looks from Williams, and some gutsy (lucky) plays working out in their favor? It seems like the answer to this will have a major impact on the North. Curious what you've seen and think.

I think the Bears are better than what most are willing to admit, but not as good as they think they are…if that makes sense. Chicago is going to be competitive but also must earn the wins like everybody else. The only thing the Bears are gonna get in 2026 is everybody's best.

Dawson from Eveleth, MN

What do you think will be a bigger factor this year, the receiving corps or the cornerback corps?

I think Jordan Love is in for a big year, and the receiving corps is gonna be a huge factor in that.

Dwight from Brooklyn, NY

Obviously, coaches are focused on the players they have in hand on the field. My question is this: Is someone responsible for keeping an eye out on other teams' players so if/when the time comes to find someone to fill a position weakness following cuts, who is that person? A coach, someone on the GM's staff, or someone else?

That's what the pro personnel department does. Scouting doesn't end once the draft is over. It goes on and on (my friends). We often talk about that emergency rolodex the Packers keep. Five years ago, Rasul Douglas was the name on the top of that list for Green Bay. There's always somebody waiting in the wings.

James from Appleton, WI

Here's my hindsight in perfect 20/20: If you're winning games and the last game is meaningless, sure, sit your starters. But if you're losing your way into the last game, even if it's meaningless, play to win. If you're not rolling into the playoffs, you're not going to roll in the playoffs.

I felt that way, too, until Marquez Valdes-Scantling got hurt in the 2021 regular-season finale in Detroit and Christian Watson tore his ACL vs. Chicago prior to the 2024 playoffs. Every year is different, but teams must give themselves a chance at fielding the best possible team in the postseason and that starts with being as healthy as possible.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hi Wes, did you read the full letter to Brendan Sorsby from the NFL on its decision not to hold a supplemental draft? It's worth a Google for anyone who has not. The league has some understandable criticism about being too money hungry. But this response was a good example of the line they draw about the integrity of the game and responsibility for what it means to be a pro. I thought it covered many fair points, and I was relieved they are holding fast on accountability for player-related gambling.

I didn't even know the NFL could "cancel" the supplemental draft, but I guess the league can. Whatever the case, this does allow teams to perform their due diligence and properly determine risk that comes with acquiring Sorsby. The best thing Sorsby can do now is keep his head down, his nose clean and put his best foot forward next April. He could benefit from laying low for a while.

Robert from New Lexington, OH

Call me old. I know I'm a kid to some of the vets here but holy cow to see Russell Maryland's kid in rookie camp with us. I was barely a teenager when Papa Maryland was winning Lombardis in Dallas and vaguely remember him in GB in 2000. Go R.J.!

I'm warning you now. Don't look at Notre Dame's list of recruits. It's enough to make your back hurt.

Mick from UK

Kraft recently talked about his desire to play out his career as a Packer. Who was the last drafted Packers player who chose to retire as a Packer without playing for any other team?

There were never any formal announcements or anything, but David Bakhtiari (2024), Nick Perry (2019) and B.J. Raji (2016) would qualify. Then, there's obviously Donald Driver retiring in the Lambeau Field Atrium after his eight-catch season in 2012.

Mike from Mercer, WI

Morning II, I have a question about road games (may also be home games). How many support staff are on the sidelines during the game? This includes trainers, coaches, water bottle staff and whatever others are on the sidelines with the team. Thanks.

I'd say about 60 on the sideline with another 30 or so in the press box for road games. Home games obviously everyone is on deck.

David from Chestertown, MD

Hello and thanks for all you do. Am I the only one who is watching the World Cup? It has been a welcome diversion in the midst of the DZBS (Dead Zone Bologna Season), and the U.S. side looks ready to rumble for a change! The only thing I've not liked is the commercial-friendly hydration breaks.

I didn't want to incur Vic's wrath, so I haven't written much about the World Cup. I have watched a fair amount of games, though. The U.S. is frisky and fun. I fully intend to watch tonight. It's not every century the U.S. men's soccer plays a meaningless World Cup game (for the right reasons).

Susan from Douglasville, GA

I was thinking about the Chicago fans and their need to shout "Packers suck" everywhere they go. Are they suffering from PDS (Packer Derangement Syndrome)? Also, to your knowledge, have there been any other teams that have suffered similar issues?

Big acronym day, huh? Vikings fans battle it, too. They're just not as bombastic about it.

Kevin from Rockton, IL

Here's a proposal for retired player numbers: officially retire them for 100 years. That way, three to four generations of family members and fans can enjoy them. After that, nobody remembers (or likely cares). And they can remain on the stadium facades.

That's probably what teams will have to do someday. You'd think the Bears will have another player worthy of such honor between now and forever…right?

Mark from Madison, WI

Rather than cry because it's over smile because it happened. That belongs on a T-shirt.

With respect to Spoff's well-written thoughts, there is a difference between the ride ending and breaking down on the tracks. Miraculously, John Hammond found one of the best players of his generation in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even more astounding, Giannis actually wanted to be here. Like the question earlier, I suspect we won't ever see anyone quite like Giannis again in Milwaukee. His combination of superstardom and willingness to play in a small market makes him a diamond in the rough.

Frank from Wake, NC

I just saw your response about the Antetokounmpo trade. I will always remember Giannis fondly, as he helped bring a title back to Milwaukee. I read some articles saying Haslam was pushing for the trade, so does this now make the Bucks the Browns of the NFL?

It depends on how this trade unfolds. But I'll say this – there was plenty of consternation and criticism about Haslem buying stake in the Bucks in April 2023 and I've yet to see anything to quash that suspicion.

Jim from Prairie du Chien, WI

Good morning, all! Wes had a response for Glen from Leesburg, VA, that got me wondering. Have you ever tailgated (before you were hired) at Lambeau for a game? If not, blowing a PTO day and dressing like Weston would be well worth the effort. GPG!

You're seriously asking a Green Bay native if he's ever tailgated at Lambeau Field? Spoff would've never let me in the door if that was the case.

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams have been described as the Mike and Wes of NFL safeties.

So, does that make Vic LeRoy Butler then?

Rex from Chetek, WI

I took the tour of Lambeau last week, enjoyed it immensely. I got a picture with my "uncle" Milt Gantenbein's plaque in the HOF. The tour took us up to the press box, where I sat next to the NFL phone. Mike's remark about the league getting calls right is more meaningful now. We also walked by what I presume is the "little sportswriter's room" that he often refers to in the game blog.

Perhaps they'll hang my photo in there someday.

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