Skip to main content
Advertising
Powered by

It's the opportunity every young receiver desires

Self-awareness is an underrated attribute for young players

180524-insider-inbox-2560

Rob from Aiken, SC

The LEDs seem like a waste since we'll be playing lights out this season...see, what I did was, well, you probably get it.

Oh, I get it. It's very clever. How's that working out for you? Good morning!

Taylor from Hull, IA

Have you guys had a chance to witness Rodgers' throwing velocity during the OTAs? If so, how is it looking?

There was one pass he had to Randall Cobb in the seam on Tuesday that showed me everything I needed to see. He's slinging with the same velocity he always has.

Aaron from Fort Wayne, IN

I mentioned back when Jason Spriggs was drafted that I remember David Bakhtiari looking much larger when compared to rookie-year pictures. This seems to be the same sentiment with Spriggs now compared to his rookie season. Isn't it said that offensive linemen (and maybe defensive linemen for that matter) peak later in their career than other positions due to fully growing into their size? It's a big man's position and most 20- to 22-year-olds aren't done putting on size.

When I was at the Press-Gazette, I remember being told NFL offensive linemen don't peak until 28 or 29 because that's when they reach their sweet spot in terms of maturity and technique. Spriggs put on some serious size this offseason. He looks much thicker in his lower body.

Max from Carmel, IN

I just watched the locker room interview from Josh Jones. He mentioned that he was disappointed in what he put on tape last year. He impressed me as a rookie, and it is definitely stunning to see such a young, high-energy player who has already contributed talk so passionately about improving.

Josh Jones was thrown into the deep water last year and has more than 700 defensive snaps of experience to learn from. Self-awareness is an underrated attribute for young players because understanding your weaknesses is the first step toward making progress. Jones strikes me as a young man who's very comfortable in his own skin.

Chris from Middletown, MD

In response to Greyson from Texas, the very first player to come to mind who I absolutely hated, but had to respect, was Brian Urlacher. It was amazing how the Bears' defense disintegrated after he retired. Just goes to show you how much an intelligent MLB can change a defense.

Good pick. Mine would be Bryan Cox. He was an in-your-face, smash-mouth linebacker. He's the type of player you hate to face, but probably love to have in your locker room.

Al from Green Bay, WI

The Brewers are winning now in part because of their strong bullpen. What is the NFL equivalent to having a strong bullpen? More importantly, do you think the Packers have it?

I'd say a deep secondary with playmakers at the nickel "star" and dime "whip" slot positions.

Jon from Columbia, MO

In baseball, advanced analytics (money ball) really changed how rosters are built. We can even add up WAR to predict a team's final record with decent accuracy. Has (will) something similar happened in football?

I think there are too many variables in football to accurately predict how a season will unfold. However, analytics are alive and well in the NFL. I think it's only a matter of time before teams have analytic sectors the size of coaching staffs and personnel departments.

Lee from Conifer, CO

Hi guys, we are all very excited to see our new D-line with the addition of Wilkerson. My question is, with all of the subbing nowadays, about what percentage of plays will all three of those players be playing at the same time? Thanks!

I have no earthly idea. Wilkerson has played more than 80 percent of the defensive snaps over his seven-year NFL career. Wilkerson and Mike Pettine talked about the vision for the two-time All-Pro, but they're not giving any clues yet.

Ryan from Sturgeon Bay, WI

How can the addition of Mike Pettine challenge Aaron Rodgers on a daily basis in practice?

There's probably something to be said for a new look after practicing against Dom Capers' defense for nine years. I don't think it changes anything for Rodgers other than being a new challenge.

Nolan from West Salem, WI

Rookie contracts seem to be fair for all positions except running backs. By the time they have the opportunity to sign a big extension or enter the free-agent market, they are no longer in their prime or teams have given them a ton of carries. Is the CBA sympathetic to specific position groups when negotiating and do you think this even could be addressed?

I agree, but I don't know how you address a specific position group. My only thought is if you're a college running back, I'd declare for the NFL Draft as soon as your third college season is over because the clock is ticking. Not for all, but for many.

Dale from Sylacauga, AL

If you could have your pick, would you rather have one RB who scampers for 1,200 yards and 12 rushing TDs in a season, or multiple RBs who collectively scamper for 1,200 yards and 12 rushing TDs in a season?

I'd prefer one in a traditional no-huddle offense, but it rarely works out that way in today's NFL.

Ross from Hudson, WI

"There are players who will be on the 90-man roster for training camp who aren't here yet, and there's at least one who will be on the 53 in Week 1 who is not here yet." Great reminder. Can you list off some notables from the past five years or so?

Lambeau Field installed new lights with a new LED lighting system via helicopter on Wednesday

There have been so many. Cedric Benson, James Jones, Erik Walden, Howard Green, Christine Michael, Ahmad Brooks, Joe Thomas, Matt Flynn, Seneca Wallace, Ryan Grant, Scott Tolzien, Jeremy Ross, DuJuan Harris and the list goes on.

Tom from Ludington, MI

Is Jahri Evans in camp or is he just out of a job right now? Do you think the Packers will sign him as a reserve or just go young?

He's a free agent. They're going young at the position right now, but never say never. A few of those players I just mentioned in the last answer returned to Green Bay for an encore.

Steve from New Britain, CT

A yes or no answer if you'd prefer. Will the startup of the XFL have any significant impact on NFL roster building by limiting the number of available UDFAs? Will there be any avenue for XFL players to be traded to the NFL in exchange for a payment to Vince McMahon, who will own all of the XFL teams?

No and no. If the XFL becomes as viable as the CFL, then maybe there's a date in the spring when its players can sign as free agents with the NFL. Otherwise, I don't see it impacting the league in any meaningful way.

Rich from De Pere, WI

I was at first public OTA on Tuesday. There was a list of players not participating due to injuries, some of whom were on the field watching. But it was announced Ha Ha and Tramon Williams chose not to participate since it was "optional." I was taken aback by that attitude. With a new defensive coordinator and new, young D-backs to mentor, wouldn't you want/expect them to be there?

Take a look inside Green Bay's organized team activities at Ray Nitschke Field. Photos by Evan Siegle, packers.com.

It's my understanding the absences of Clinton-Dix and Williams were family-related. You have to remember OTAs are voluntary and veterans only have to be present at a certain percentage of the offseason program to collect their workout bonuses.

Chris from Minneapolis, MN

Would you agree that the Packers are more in need of a No. 2 receiver than a No. 3? I'd love for Cobb to be the third option from the slot.

I don't care who's the No. 1, 2 or 3 so long as one of the young receivers steps up and earns the trust of Aaron Rodgers like Davante Adams and Cobb did. The Packers have three legitimate threats in Adams, Cobb and Jimmy Graham, but there's room for more playmakers on the perimeter. It's the opportunity of a lifetime every young receiver desires – in this offense with this quarterback.

Brian from Spring Valley, WI

In 2016, Rodgers looked along the line of scrimmage and saw veterans Nelson, Adams, Cobb and James Jones. Yesterday he saw Cobb and Adams out there but no other veteran receivers he can count on. Do you think Rodgers is hoping the Packers add another veteran receiver? When do you think this might happen?

Did you listen to his response to the question about Dez Bryant?

Ella from Greenville, SC

Why would the Packers even think about bringing someone like Dez Bryant to the lineup? The Packers don't need someone who will bring a black eye to the team.

This has nothing to do with Bryant, though. You just drafted three receivers. Why is this even a conversation? Plus, when was the last time the Packers signed a veteran free agent at the receiver position? It's just not how they do business. They draft good young receivers and develop them as good as anyone in the league.

Kyle from Osceola, WI

Any early predictions for Underwear League MVP?

Jimmy Graham has to be the early frontrunner. I agree with what Randall Cobb said Tuesday. I used to think Martellus Bennett and Jared Cook were big tight ends – and then I saw Jimmy Graham for the first time. Wowza.

Jay from Land O' Lakes, FL

Guys, as a fan one of the most exciting plays for me is a WR reverse. Do you think we have a receiver who is best suited to be a great reverse runner?

Jeff Janis, the king of reverses, is now in Cleveland. Trevor Davis did a pretty good job on them last year from what I recall, though.

Randall from Mesa, AZ

Sounds like Clay Matthews said it all. Help is not on the way. Packers will have to develop a pass rush with what they have.

Maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't think Matthews was putting anyone on blast. My takeaway from Matthews' comment was the Packers had a deep, established rotation of veterans for several years. This was more about challenging the young edge rushers to rise to the challenge.

Darren from Kingston, Canada

I enjoyed the NFLPA Rookie Premiere pics of Moore and Valdes-Scantling. How does each team determine which rookie(s) to send? Also, why do some teams send only one rookie, whereas others – the Broncos, for example – send as many as four rookies?

WRs J'Mon Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling put on their Packers uniforms for the first time at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. Photos by Ben Liebenberg/NFL

It sounds like players are chosen by the NFLPA and its partners based on who "will be the most collectable and will drive the trading card category for the upcoming season" based on the press release. It's a great opportunity for rookies regardless. It definitely seems like they tend to favor offensive skill-position players based on who has represented the Packers in the past.

Jake from Loveland, CO

Insiders, who wins in this recent decision by the NFL to mandate all personnel on the field to stand for the anthem? Personally, I'm surprised the NFL took this approach. I thought they had already taken care of the issue. Sounds like they're creating news during the dead-news period.

It was only a matter of time before this topic resurfaced. It's a complicated, passionate debate I continue to leave up to the comments section, but I felt Mark Murphy made a great point to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero in saying the one big positive last year is the anthem protests created dialogue over topics that never have been discussed before. You don't want to lose that momentum. That communication must continue.

Joe from Paintsville, KY

Why does everyone think Kirk Cousins and Mitch Trubisky are good QBs? Cousins has led one playoff team in his career and Trubisky had seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in 12 games. Is there something I'm missing? Why did the Vikes pass on three good starting-caliber QBs?

Because Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater have injury concerns and Case Keenum has one elite season on his resume. The Vikings had money to spend and they felt Cousins was the surest option. I don't fault the Bears for drafting Trubisky. I wouldn't have traded up one spot to ensure I got him, but they needed a new direction. There's only one way to find out what you have and that's for him to play.

Mike from Somerset, WI

Clay Matthews stated the proven depth at outside linebacker is not as deep as it has been in the past. We have seen coverage on Reggie Gilbert as a player that flashed last year. Do you see Kyler Fackrell positioned for a jump for that fourth spot?

It's obvious the Packers are going to ride Matthews and Nick Perry as their one-two combination at outside linebacker again this year, but Fackrell will have every chance to show his growth this summer. The opportunity is there for all of those reserve outside linebackers.

David from Fairmont, WV

What's the best way to invite Mike Daniels and Aaron Rodgers to my wedding?

I've covered Mike Daniels for six years and am convinced he's the most easily accessible athlete on social media. Shoot your shot.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.
-16x9

Cast your vote for the Pro Bowl Games!

Help send your favorite Packers players to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games!

Advertising