Aaron from Dallas, TX
I instinctively read your question/answer, all the way through, in a super loud voice in my head when you post in all caps. It adds great levity to the column, thanks for entertaining.
Hey, we like to run two-dimensional columns here. GOOD MORNING!
Sawyer from Colby, WI
Now that Morgan Burnett is gone, do you see the Packers either signing or drafting another safety?
I think drafting is the more likely scenario, but also thought the same thing last year about right guard before the Packers signed Jahri Evans days before the draft. It's all a guessing game right now. The only truth is you have 12 lottery tickets. It's up to Brian Gutekunst to figure out what to do with them. You never know which one will bring the next Clay Matthews, David Bakhtiari or Davante Adams.
Vinny from Arlington, VA
Is the loss of Burnett lessened by the fact that GB has a new DC and will be installing a new defense? His experience is under a prior DC and different playbook. All of the defensive players are going to be starting at the same point learning a new system. Thank you and glad that you're feeling better.
I honestly asked myself the same thing Tuesday. My thought was Morgan Burnett is going to be a valuable leader and communicator regardless of the coordinator or scheme. However, the fact Mike Pettine is bringing in a new system probably makes this change more palatable than previous years.
Jonathan from Minneapolis, MN
Nothing against Josh Jones, but I personally think that Kentrell Brice will be the starter come opening day. Thoughts?
Here's the beautiful thing about safety – it's not just two guys playing centerfield. It's so much more than that. Clinton-Dix, Jones and Brice could all be in play. Burnett barely played his natural position last season. He spent 75 percent of his season playing hybrid linebacker and slot cornerback in the nickel and dime.
Jeff from Mafalay Beach, CA
In your opinion, is it possible Brian Gutekunst is hopeful that a better front and potential seasoning with Fackrell, Biegel, and Gilbert, could make taking a corner at No. 14 a little easier?
**
Perhaps. Clay Matthews and Nick Perry are your starters regardless of what happens in the draft, so there's a case to be made the bigger need is cornerback. We also know the Packers don't draft with need in mind, so it depends on how the board falls. Green Bay doesn't need a cornerback in the first 50 picks to have a successful draft. Every year, there are corners taken on Day 3 who wind up starting.**
Michael from Eau Claire, WI
Are you just as confused as me with much of Packer Nation? The same fans complaining about our secondary all year long are now the ones complaining about letting these guys go. I simply don't understand the logic. Clean house and start over seems like the most appropriate response to a unit that has been tough to watch the last few years. What say you?
You take in all the information once the season is over and determine the best path for improvement. To get there, do you seek internal or external resources? This year, Mike McCarthy went outside of the organization to complete his coaching staff. I think you're seeing a similar trend in player acquisition. I don't know how it's all going to play out, but you can't say Brian Gutekunst is staying status quo.
Joe from Menomonee Falls, WI
"Graham has to be the best TE in football this year to warrant his contract. Let's hope that happens." I'm pretty sure the Vikings aren't banking on Kirk Cousins being the best QB in the NFL next year. The same way the Packers did not pay Graham to be the best TE. He just happens to have the most recent contract for an elite TE.
I couldn't have said it better myself. I should just sit back and let Joe handle the rest of these questions. Elite players who hit unrestricted free agency always set the market for their position. It's been that way since 1993.
Kevin from Starr Pass, AZ
The various Q&As regarding the promising Packers running game reminds me of the challenges of attaining offensive balance. I have to think the offense will be looking at speedsters at WR to stretch the defense to capitalize on AR's talent. Who are the fastest WRs on the roster? It will be interesting to see them take the next step this year.
Trevor Davis probably holds that title with Jeff Janis currently a free agent. There's more to being a receiver than your 40 time, but it certainly doesn't hurt when it's paired with crisp route-running and comfort in the offense.
Patrick from Inver Grove Heights, MN
Would you bring in a veteran like Marcedes Lewis as a well-rounded complement to Graham at TE? Seems we're light on blocking TEs with Kendricks, Graham and Rodgers (FA). Or do you look to the draft now that Graham is signed?
I'm not sure how the Packers plan to handle Richard Rodgers, but I'd lean towards drafting a tight end rather than bringing in an outside free agent. We saw how long it can take for even veterans such as Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks to get comfortable. A rookie tight end also needs time to develop, but he could learn at his own pace behind Graham, Kendricks and maybe Rodgers.
James from Rochester, IL
We didn't see much of Emanuel Byrd last year, but he did have a nice catch and run against Detroit last year? Can he make the jump and become the No. 2 tight end?
I had a great conversation with his college quarterback, Chase Litton, at the combine. Byrd has proved people wrong his whole career. A one-year starter in college, the guy caught every ball thrown to him and maximized every yard. He's in that conversation for No. 3 tight end, too.
Bryan from Thayer, MO
I am excited for the defense this year. Even though we have a lack of proven depth at DB, the pass rush is looking like something to fear. Add in a first-round pass rusher or DB and it looks even more formidable. Being able to choose a rusher from Clark, Daniels, Lowry, Wilkerson, Matthews, Perry, and a possible rookie is something to drool over.
Draft picks keep wheels moving from one year to another, but I think everyone understands the six veterans you mentioned need to be the foundation of the pass rush. It's a solid group when everyone is healthy. That's not to say the Packers can't find a rookie who can step in and play well right away, but veterans are the starting point.
Matt from Kula, HI
I realize that the distinction between a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense may no longer be that rigid. That said, with the signing of Wilkerson and the numerous other talented D linemen on the roster, do you think that the Packers will keep more of them on the roster than in recent years and will use more four-down linemen formations?
I've known Pettine for the space of a 15-minute news conference, so anything is possible. He says he's multiple and believes his system can accommodate all kinds of rushers. I don't know what it's all going to look like, but I say this with relative certainty – Pettine is going to shake it up.
Darrell from San Antonio, TX
Not a question just a response to the concern of Brian from Fairfax, Va., on Marcus Davenport and his ability. I'm live in San Antonio and support UTSA football. Not only is Davenport a heck of a player, he's also a good citizen. He will be a star in the NFL and I'm just afraid he won't be there at No. 14 when the time comes to draft. Also, no one mentioned this last season when we drafted Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones from small programs. How did that work out?
I'd say it worked out quite well.
Brett from Omro, WI
If a team has back-to-back picks in the first round, could they use the full 20 minutes and make the two picks together?
Yes. In any round, for that matter.
Michael from Berrien Springs, MI
I can remember people disliked Ted Thompson when he first came in and started jettisoning so many veteran stars, including Favre. And though I am not thrilled with some of the recent moves by our new GM, especially paying top money for an aging TE, I am more than willing to acknowledge that these people know a heck of a lot more than I do. Maybe it's worth letting it play out before we rush to judgment?
Rushing to judgment is an interesting phenomenon because it puts a fan in a lose-lose predicament. If it turns out to be the right move, you look like a fool (anyone see that video of a fan berating Ted for trading Favre?). If it's unsuccessful, all you've done is cheer for your team's failure. Let the picture come into focus. History is history. It will always be there, so why rush to conclusions?
Jim from Vienna, VA
Brady, Ryan, Stafford (twice), Wilson, Cousins (twice), Goff vs. Clinton-Dix, King, Rollins, Evans, Hawkins, et al. Who wins? I hope we have a plan other than we will outscore them.
**
Going out on a limb here and guessing you didn't read what I wrote Wednesday about team-building and how it "isn't a one-month process. It takes an entire offseason"?**
Bobby from Green Bay, WI
Will Aaron Rodgers be eligible for "Comeback Player of the Year" or did the Carolina return mess that up?
Good question. He did finish the year on IR. I'd say he'd be eligible.
Al from Green Bay, WI
Wes, I was scanning the current Packers roster in search for other players that might be inappropriately viewed as a potential tight end (like Kyler Fackrell at 6-5, 245 pounds) and I ran across WR Jake Kumerow, a wide receiver out of WI-Whitewater. Can you give us any insight on him?
I have a great deal of respect for Kumerow. This is a guy who broke into the league with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent in 2015 and spent the next two seasons on the Bengals' practice squad. An ankle injury ended his time in Cincinnati, but Kumerow caught on with New England and Green Bay last year. He has great size for the position (6-4, 210) and a football pedigree (his dad was a former first-round pick and he's cousins with the Bosa brothers). I'm excited to watch him work this summer.
Chase from Sunnyvale, CA
How many people are panicking about the new catch rule? Lots of people are claiming there will be an increase in fumbles from receivers getting hit legally. However, the rule clearly states a third step, a reach, or the ability to do either is required. If a WR is hit after two steps, then he clearly cannot do the third step or reach. I think all that this new wording does is remove the "going to the ground" component, which is the piece that brought forth all of the confusion.
Surprisingly few so far. I bet Spoff will take the brunt of it next week once the vote takes place in Orlando. I don't have much complaint with the how the new rule is worded to be honest with you. How will it play out? We have to read the rest of the book to find out.
Chris from Denton, TX
As a Packers fan in the Dallas area, the competition committee isn't making my life any easier right now.
If any Cowboys fan gives you trouble, I want you to look that individual square in the eye and say one word: "SCOREBOARD."
Mitch from Bettendorf, IA
Wes, you have now become my favorite due to your 2011 remark. You need to get on Spoff's beer level, though. The 2011 defense was not as awful as everyone thought. That offense was scoring on first or second possessions more than I could believe. How is the defense supposed to perform when they are playing prevent half the game?
The defense was what it was that season, but losing Nick Collins in his prime was the real blow because it impacted more than just 2011. That spot would have been on lockdown for another four or five years if it hadn't been for that injury.
Dave from Shorewood, WI
How about the Colts with the first two picks in the 1992 draft and whiffing on both? Older Packers fans will remember that draft as the one where we picked "T-Buck" at No. 5 instead of fan favorite Troy Vincent.
Someone pointed that out to me on Twitter, as well. I was looking for whomever was the most recent team with two picks in the first four, but you couldn't draw it up any better than 1-2. At least, in theory.
Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL
Wes, thanks for answering my question. Now can I be the first to suggest that Michael Clark drop some height and put on weight in order to play safety.
It undoubtedly would be the first time a player returns for OTAs and discusses how he got shorter in the offseason.
Lee from Daytona Beach, FL
Hey Wes, I think we should move Aaron Rodgers to punter. Just imagine the fake punts we could run! And as an added bonus, he wouldn't even have to change his number!
Here's the thing – the guy can punt. I don't want to open a can of worms here, but Rodgers booted some beauts in training camp last year.
Kurt from Phoenix, AZ
You are right, and I apologize.
What? You apologize? But no one ever apologizes? What am I supposed to do with this, Kurt? How am I supposed to respond? You're sorry? No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you're sorry.
Taylor from Mobile, AL
Morgan Burnett has been signed by the Steelers. This means your role within the organization must be bigger. How do you plan on making an impact to our secondary?
By being nowhere near it.
Keith from Lincoln, IL
All right, Hod, here's an idea for you to run up the Packers' flagpole. I think it could enhance your career when the higher-ups see your creativity and desire to help the bottom line. You ready? With the new sod being laid down at Lambeau Field, you need to suggest that the team lay down good night crawler bedding under the new turf so they can raise and sell "Lambeau Crawlers." It's neat now when volunteers scoop the snow off of the seats, but can you imagine the spectacle when volunteers show up after a big rain to gather the crawlers? It would be quite an enhancement to the whole Titletown experience, don't you think? This idea is all yours - take it and run. You're welcome!
Still better than the mausoleum.
Tony from Plano, TX
It seems a new football league is gaining some ground. From recent articles I've read, some former NFL players and staff are getting into it, including the great Troy Polamalu. What is your take on it?
Great. Are they playing?
Joseph from East Moline, IL
Who was your favorite Ninja Turtle as a kid? Mine was Donatello. Michelangelo was too silly, unprofessional, and tried too hard to be funny.
Mine was Michelangelo…
Ray from Clark, NJ
Do you and/or Mike look any further back than yesterday to write today's inbox? Do you expect the Packers to make some minor moves up in the mid rounds to consolidate their picks? Seems like too many rookies to bring to camp.
Spoff does a better job of it than I do. I usually close my eyes, place my pinky on the screen and starting checking emails until I find 31 good questions.
Dan from Muskego, WI
Yesterday was a bittersweet day for me. I learned that Morgan Burnett had signed with the Steelers, leaving a larger hole to fill in our secondary. But later that day on my way to get gas for the car, I swung into the local drug store to pick up some items for the family. I walked out with a HAIRNET for the wife and a pencil ERASER for the son. Then at the gas station after filling up I went inside to pay, grabbed something to eat and purchased a wash for the dirty car. I drove around and without waiting pulled right into the CARWASH and ate my CORNDOG all while listening to Living on the EDGE by Aerosmith. Some days life just turns out good.
Looks like my work is done here.
