Brett from Glenview, IL
Down here in Illinois in the belly of the beast so hopefully you will take my question. New and hottest combine buzzword: off-schedule. Any good stories of Mike, Wes, Spoff and Hod lighting up the town while "off-schedule"?
I behaved myself, much to the chagrin of some colleagues.
James from Charlottesville, VA
Not that I would ever wish it upon the Packers, but if they were shut out in a game, and Mason Crosby never saw the field, would his consecutive games streak be broken? Or does he get credit for the game as long as he is labeled active?
A player has to step on the field for a play to get credit for appearing in a game. Even in a shutout, a kicker still has to kick off either at the beginning of the game or after halftime.
Dylan from Belgrade, MT
Draft night prediction: BG trades down into Round 2, and then trades again (up) for another second-rounder. Three second-round picks for the Pack. Done deal. They just gotta pick those good players you talk about.
Wishful thinking. Trading back a few spots from late in the first round probably nets an extra fourth-rounder. Packaging Green Bay's third, fourth and extra fourth likely won't be enough to get a third bite in the second, though I like the creativity. A lot of folks are also asking about the cost of trading up in the first round. The trade chart says the Packers' first- and second-round picks would allow them to move up around 10 spots.
David from Pensacola, FL
I just read Mike's article about Kenneth Murray. Let's just say that after reading that article, I would love having him in a Packers uniform next year. Probably will not happen, but I can dream can't I?
If he's there at 30 … what's Clark's line? I'll be more surprised than if I woke up with my head sewn to the carpet?
Take a look at photos of Packers players during their NFL Scouting Combine appearances.
Shel from New York City, NY
I'm guessing that Baltimore would choose Murray (if available). What would it take to move up to Seattle's slot assuming they were amenable?
That would be four spots. Probably Green Bay's fourth and fifth.
Richard from Madison, WI
Who is this Phil Gaps you guys keep talking about for the defensive line?
There's one in every crowd.
Dave from Sparta, WI
Where did you find the color photo of Marcedes Lewis at the combine, and how long did it take to get the film developed?
You realize he was drafted one year after Aaron Rodgers, right?
Julian from Gastonia, NC
Among the WR prospects in the draft, who are considered to be the best run blockers? That skill doesn't seem to be discussed often among the WR group, but the Packers appear to emphasize that blocking talent.
LaFleur demands his receivers be willing to block, and he's counting on his coaches to teach them how. You won't hear the trait discussed much, if at all, in scouting reports because it's not necessarily make-or-break, but I'm sure the Packers have been studying the prospects' film for it. Could be a tiebreaker if they're deciding between two guys.
Bill from Wilmington, DE
Mike, what do you think about KJ Hamler? As a PSU fan and alum I can see him as a playmaker. Would he last to our second pick?
It's possible, but I doubt it. I see him mostly ranked toward the bottom of the top 10 in this receiver class, but if six or seven go in the first round as projected, it's hard to see him lasting until late in the second. He didn't run the 40 at the combine, but he's doing so at his pro day and if he clocks a time many believe he's capable of, you never know, he could move up.
Vinny from Green Bay, WI
With all the numbers being thrown around at the combine for 40 times, what is the difference between 4.4 and 4.6 on the field? Is it a matter of a yard, two yards, etc.?
Oversimplifying the math, because there's not supposed to be math in the Inbox, every tenth of a second is about a yard.
Gary from Warsaw, IN
Could you please explain how you compare two positions for draft value? Say inside linebacker to a wideout.
Grading is based on how a player measures up to the pro game, and scouts are also projecting what he can become. Is he a backup? A solid starter? A potential Pro Bowler? Grading based on that, irrespective of position, decides whether a linebacker or receiver is the better player.
LeeAnn from Carefree, IN
Can you explain exactly what a "core" injury means and what surgery to that type of injury entails?
A core muscle injury is muscle damage in the torso, somewhere between the chest and thigh. It used to be commonly referred to as a sports hernia, but I believe the medical community has backed off that term because it's considered misleading. I can't speak to the surgery required.
Joe from Clio, MI
With combine events moved to primetime, do you think eventually the NFL will require all players who apply to be drafted to participate in the combine unless they receive a medical waiver? Joe Burrow and Chase Young participating would probably be hyped and draw more viewers.
I don't see how the NFL could compel participation before the player signs a contract and officially joins the players' union. Potentially incentivizing them to participate could be another matter, but that would open an expensive can of worms.
Flavio from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Following up on Clifford´s question about Mason Crosby in the Packers HOF, do you see him going to Canton one day if he keeps up his stats for the remainder of his career?
No offense to Crosby, but no. Only four of the top 20 all-time scorers are in Canton (Morten Andersen, George Blanda, Jan Stenerud and Lou Groza). Adam Vinatieri, in the top spot, will be next. But that's it. Now, if the Packers go to more Super Bowls and Crosby drills a couple of walk-offs, we might be having a different conversation.
Steve from Kansas City, MO
It seems like all the well-paid players are balking at the new CBA while the ones on the lower end of the pay scale support it. Everyone talks about safety and other benefits, but it looks like money is going to be the deciding factor – as it always seems to be. Since the difference of opinion on the CBA is based on income disparity, will it create any ill feelings in the locker rooms once adopted in your opinion?
I could be wrong, but I don't think so. I think players understand self-interest when it comes to teammates working on new contracts, making free-agent decisions, etc., so I think by and large they'll understand a self-interested union vote as well.
Aaron from Herndon, VA
Regarding roster sizes and the new CBA discussions, the last information I read indicated a proposal of roster expansion to 55 players with a 48-player game-day roster.
I've seen that, too. I've also seen 56 and 48. We'll find out eventually.
George from Dover, DE
I think the Packers are better off waiting for the depth of the WR class to get to them, and I know you guys generally agree. I'm curious though, do you think what the Falcons did to trade up for Julio Jones was worth it? Obviously he has all of the production in the world, but they could have used a lot of those draft picks to fill other holes. Would you make that deal if you're Gute, and you think there is a Julio in the top 10?
I wouldn't make the deal, and I wouldn't have done what Atlanta did at the time, because there's just too much unknown. That said, you can argue now that what the Falcons did was worth it, because Jones turned out to be a monster player. That trade helped get them to a Super Bowl and a 28-3 lead in the third quarter. The regret is not winning it all when it was right there, but if I'm the Falcons, I don't regret the trade.
Paul from De Pere, WI
Has there been a player drafted after the fourth round or an UDFA that has made All-Pro or been selected as MVP?
As far as MVPs, in my lifetime, Kurt Warner was undrafted, Terrell Davis was a sixth-round pick, and Mark Moseley was a 14th-round pick. Before my time, Bart Starr of course was a 17th-round pick.
Gary from Sheboygan, WI
Hi Insiders, regarding negotiations for FAs, what's stopping the agents from padding the numbers when going back to the home team for their last bid? Do teams need some verification of the offer? I can't imagine one GM calling another and saying, "Did you really offer him XX dollars?"
Agents who play that way don't develop very good relationships with clubs, and relationships can do more for them than one contract. GMs have plenty of friends around the league who can find things out for them.
Tyler from Sioux Falls, SD
I find it interesting thinking of the rumors that Brady could end up with the Cowboys. What a career that would make for McCarthy to be able to not only coach two of the most historic NFL franchises but then two of the greatest QBs in history as well. What an opportunity!
I'm not buying the rumors, but wait a minute … two of the greatest QBs? Which Green Bay guy are you slighting?
Karsten from Muenster, Germany
Regarding Equanimeous St. Brown, how does a missed second year affect a young player? Will he be a big step ahead compared to starting his first year or will it be a bit like a second rookie season for him?
St. Brown will still be way ahead of where he was as a rookie with a pro season under his belt. He got acclimated to this level. But he's pretty much starting Year 2 all over again.
Aaron from Green Bay, WI
We keep referencing Bryan Bulaga earning RT money versus LT money. If it weren't for an untimely injury and the emergence of David Bakhtiari, Bulaga could be our left tackle. Is it possible he could seek to be a left tackle for another team? Or is it trying to teach an old dog new tricks at this point?
I'm not saying Bulaga couldn't play left tackle, but a decade into his career, I think he would admit he'll be a far more effective player staying on the right side than switching at this point.
Ethan from La Crosse, WI
Seven Astros have been hit by pitches through four spring games so far. Wouldn't better revenge be for the pitchers to...you know...strike them out? Easier said than done, of course, but even the idea of hitting them purposefully is wrong. That gives them what they want – to be on base.
The pitchers couldn't care less in spring training. I'm more interested in what happens when the games count.
Bill from Menominee, MI
Can we remind everyone of the No. 1 Inbox post of the 2019 offseason? (Paraphrased) "Do not be surprised when BG and ML show interest in a QB. They know they'll need one in the next 3-5 years, so why not practice evaluating them now and track their early progress in the NFL."
Astuteness never goes out of style.
Josh from Waukesha, WI
How badly do you think the '72 Dolphins want a 17th regular-season game? Do either of you have any special plans for Leap Day?
Ha, hadn't thought of that. I'm hopping on a plane to find warmer temperatures. Speaking of which, I've gotta catch my flight. Wes will be at the controls all next week. Have a great weekend.