Eric from Ft. Worth, TX
From what I read and see I can understand why needing to upgrade ILB is important, but shouldn't the Packers look to upgrade the DL first?
Never stop drafting big guys; that's how important it is to upgrade the defensive line. It seems you can never have enough of those guys. Be that as it may, I think the Packers defensive line has undergone a dramatic upgrade over the last three drafts. Mike Daniels is a fixture. Datone Jones made strides in year two of his career. Josh Boyd is developing into a solid contributor. I'll be interested to see what Mike Pennel does in next summer's training camp. Sure, draft another one or two. I won't complain.
Ken from Birmingham, AL
If Seattle wins the Super Bowl, do you think the networks would rematch Green Bay and Seattle in the season opener next fall?
I don't think that would happen. Seattle would likely host a kickoff game, and the game against the Packers is set for Lambeau. Yours isn't the only question in my inbox about the Packers and Seahawks meeting in the opener again. Turn the page, folks.
Ben from Hudson, WI
I spend way too much time thinking about salary cap now. This is your fault.
Now you know football.
Eric from Runaway Bay, TX
It seems this year the Packers have no glaring needs as they have in years passed. I know Ted doesn't pick for need, but he has to feel pretty good about going into this draft with a best available player approach.
Patience is the key to BAP drafting. Impatience is the motor that drives need drafting. The advantage of BAP drafting is that you're picking from a bigger pool and that'll likely give you a better batting average; the negative is that you might come out of the draft not having addressed your perceived needs. The advantage of need drafting is that you've addressed your perceived needs; the disadvantage is you might've reached for a guy that won't address that need. I like BAP drafting. I think it's the best way to get value out of the draft, and I think the draft is all about acquiring value.
Bo from Helsingor, Denmark
You have always said football is a young man's game, but what would GM Ketchman do at cornerback? Would you try to re-sign Tramon Williams or would you stay true to your identity and let the younger guys battle it out for the second starting position?
I would assign a dollar value to my free agents and then attempt to re-sign them, but I would not go above my value line. It's about the cap. Good teams are vigilant in protecting their cap. You have to be willing to let players go in the salary cap era. It's not a game of maintenance, it's a game of replacement.
Andrew from Jacksonville, FL
We are days away from the Super Bowl and every media conversation is still being driven by Deflategate. I haven't seen one piece about the actual football matchup. Roger Goodell created a culture of crime and punishment and it has taken center stage. This is embarrassing and boring.
If there's one thing we've learned from the Goodell era, it's that punishment doesn't deter misconduct.
Jeremy from Schofield, WI
Vic, since you lived and worked in Jacksonville, can you tell me why Jacksonville rarely holds a Super Bowl, in comparison to Tampa and Miami? It's been 10 years already since Jacksonville hosted a Super Bowl.
Jacksonville lacks hotel rooms. That's why it had to bring in cruise ships. I think that ship has sailed.
Rand from Watsonville, CA
"Nowadays, there's so much football on TV that it's difficult to accept an inferior product." You said that regarding the Pro Bowl, but that's how I feel about expanding the draw of teams into the playoffs. I like the current system that rewards the division winners. Maybe the NFL will add more divisions?
I like the current system, too. It doesn't have to be changed. Just add some teams. I don't think the product would decline at all.
Joseph from Raleigh, NC
Vic, this team had it all, and there's no reason to believe next year will be any different. Ted Thompson will continue to make the right decisions and re-sign the players we need. The young guys will continue making great improvements. Aaron is still "The Man". Most importantly, the Packers have the best GM/coach combo in the league, in my opinion, and they'll continue adding young playmakers to a defense that has already proved it can be great. I can't wait for another great year. Am I being too optimistic?
No, you're not. Just make sure your expectations don't set you up for disappointment. We've got a long way to go. Enjoy the ride. Take in the scenery mile by mile.
Hermes from Richmond, CA
Vic, I enjoyed your intro to "Video Ask Vic" very much. It's nice to see your office and a glimpse of how "Ask Vic" is churned out.
That's kind of how it happens. I start on this column very early in the morning. I get a cup of coffee, and then I dive into my inbox.
Mary from New Richmond, WI
Why did the Packers sign almost everyone on the practice squad so quickly after the season ended?
Practice squad players are free agents. If you don't sign them, you'll lose them.
Brett from Green Bay, WI
Vic, what are your thoughts on Marshawn Lynch refusing to answer the media's questions yesterday?
It's a story, and the media thanks him for it. It's too funny to think Lynch actually believes he's punishing the media. He's given them a story they otherwise wouldn't have, and it's the easiest story of the week. All the media has to do is poke fun at itself and the readers love it.
Andy from LaSalle, IL
Vic, I hope fans are finding whatever it takes to turn the page on this season. What are you looking forward to next? Mine will be, of course, the draft, but also the reuniting with a memorable legend this summer. I believe it will be very special and I'm looking forward to trying to get up to Green Bay to see it in person.
Brett Favre's return to Lambeau Field in July might be just what this team needs to kick off training camp.
Dusty from Rice Lake, WI
It looks like Marshawn Lynch has a lot of fun with his interviews. I can see how it would be frustrating for journalists, but I gotta say I like what he does.
Why? Because you hate the media? Do you understand that if it wasn't for the media you wouldn't know Lynch doesn't talk to the media? It's not frustrating at all for the journalists. They love it. Why? Because you love reading about it.
Julian from Green Bay, WI
Vic, why didn't the Packers rely much on Eddy Lacy in Seattle?
They did early, and then his playing time decreased in the second half. I'm guessing the knee might've been more of an issue than we thought. One of my hopes for Lacy in 2015 is that he's able to increase his playing time.
