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Inbox: Hope is a good thing, right? Maybe the best of things

A proven process is in play for Green Bay

QB Jordan Love
QB Jordan Love

Jack from Black Mountain, NC

The WR chatter is becoming tiresome. The drops will decrease, different receivers will step up in different game situations. Two healthy tight ends will provide more opportunities. While we'll miss the explosive potential of Christian Watson, I'd rather have consistent third-down conversions from the current receiver room than the occasional explosive play. The coaches will adjust and create game plans that fit the existing skills of our current receivers.

That's a startlingly rational take.

Brad from Atlanta, GA

Love "The Big Lebowski" deep cut, Wes. Speaking of "The Dude," how does Jordan Love take those next steps after a mixed season last year? Is it improving his footwork?

Footwork and decision-making are probably the two biggest things and Love getting healthy again would help in both of those areas. Really, it comes back to learning from mistakes and applying it to Sundays. Love is smart and coachable. He'll take the good with the bad from 2024 and adjust accordingly.

CJ from Marshfield, WI

Wes, I do not have WR fever and will sew my head to the carpet if we draft a WR in the first. That said, Savion Williams is a freak at 6-foot-4, 222 pounds slotted for the third or fourth round. I double-dog dare all Inboxers to watch his highlights and not visualize him in GB wearing No. 88 (negotiated from Luke Musgrave, of course). I'm manifesting it for you, Hod, and Spoff, too.

I've placed him on my radar. For the record, there is no right or wrong answer with receivers. There's just overreaction. If Brian Gutekunst and Co. believe there's a wideout worth taking at No. 23, go for it. Streaks are meant to be broken. But if not, a proven process is in play for Green Bay when it comes to developing pass-catchers. With how the college game has evolved, there seem to be more plug-and-play rookie wideouts available than ever before.

Mark from De Pere, WI

Good morning, Wes! Will the Packers receive draft compensation next year for losing Eric Stokes and Josh Myers to free agency? Both were high draft choices or how does the system work.

It's based on a net-loss formula, with average per year salary factoring heavily into the equation. Over the Cap is already projecting 2026 compensatory selections and currently does not have the Packers receiving an extra pick. The numbers on Eric Wilson's and AJ Dillon's contracts are not out yet, but so far, the signings of Nate Hobbs and Aaron Banks cancel out whatever Green Bay would've gained for losing T.J. Slaton, Stokes and Myers.

Bob from Abilene, TX

What are your thoughts regarding Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart if he falls to No. 23? He sure seems like a superb athlete that could line up just about anywhere along the line or at LB. All my A&M friends – who are a bit jaded – think he goes early to mid-first round. I do, too, just not sure where. Pairing him with Edgerrin Cooper could be pretty special. Thanks for all you do.

We still have a lot of time and footsteps between now and April 24, but I'd be smiling if Stewart is there at No. 23. He's one of my pre-draft favorites. I just don't know if Stewart stays on the shelf that long.

Tom from Keota, IA

Hi Wes, it has struck me in a year like this regarding free agency: a lot of people seem to mistake movement for improvement. Such-and-such team picked up so-and-so player...that means they must be destined for glory. But most of these guys were on teams that missed the playoffs, as did most teams picking them up. Something, something, quality over quantity. First rule of the shell game – don't get distracted by the movement.

I could not have said it better, Tom. When it comes to the court of public opinion, successful teams don't get enough credit for talent already on the roster compared to lesser teams that desperately need to generate a buzz in unrestricted free agency. The Packers made two key moves to improve their team this past week, but there are also 68 other individuals under contract who are ready and willing to do their part in 2025 and beyond.

Josh from Seattle, WA

Can we extend Zach Tom or any of his draft class this offseason? If yes, when does that start?

The extension window is now open for the 2023 draft class. It begins upon completion of a player's third NFL season.

Chris from Weston, WI

Well, Wes, we will find out how many active players read your column...I am assuming with all of the competitive, proud athletes on the team, you may have about 90 guys that would like a word with you regarding your starting five...

Ha. It's not easy as it once was when the Packers had three Division I basketball players (Julius Peppers, Quinten Rollins and Demetri Goodson) on the team at the same time.

Chuck from Richfield, WI

Whether it's scheme, people, movies, etc., I always learn something from the II! My questions stem from Duffy Daughtery's quote, "Football isn't a contact sport, it's a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport." Do GMs weigh the league average of games missed due to injury per position when they draft? Outside of RB, what positions are highest in this area?

NFL teams put massive amounts of time and resources into gaining as much information as possible into a player's health and injury history. Every position deals with injuries, though some are more deal-breakers than others. For example, some neck injuries have career-ending implications for safeties while a half-dozen pass rushers are currently playing after underdoing fusion surgery. It's not always one big injury, either. Sometimes it's a million small things, too.

Justin from Waupun, WI

Do you think the Packers will make any more big moves in free agency?

I guess that depends on your definition of "big," but I don't feel like Green Bay is done yet.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

Talk about a tale of two ball clubs here – Packers looking, hoping a WR they will step up while the Bengals sign two receivers to massive contract extensions. With that amount of money tied up in three players, I believe the Bengals' draft strategy just became a little more transparent.

Cincinnati might be the greatest show on Kentucky bluegrass (or whatever surface the Bengals play on at Paycor these days). But you gotta be able to stop teams, too.

Steve from Grawn, MI

Hey Wes...wondering if you ever get tired of answering questions on the business side of things? Like the intricacies of contracts, free agency, what position to draft and when, retractable roofs, etc.? I read the Inbox every day but sometimes my eyes cross on the umpteenth version of a familiar question. Kudos to you for your patience!

I love it. The business side of this sport fascinates me. I got a kick out of chasing down and dissecting free-agent contracts when I was at the Press-Gazette. It's a wild, wild world Russ Ball, Brian Gutekunst and the player finance folks live in.

John from Belleview, FL

With the comment yesterday about Aaron Rodgers' fruitless search for weapons...all the weapons in the world won't help you if you don't have time to fire them. It all starts with the offensive line. I hope AR can find a team with a strong OL so he can go out with head held high.

The Bears made the same mistake last year and now have invested a king's ransom into the offensive line. It's difficult to build out if you don't build in first. The Packers recognize that, which is why bringing in a veteran guard like Banks was one of their top priorities this offseason.

Rick from Caledonia, WI

Hey Wes, other than Lambeau Field, which other football stadium do you believe has the must-see atmosphere for a game? Thanks!

U.S. Bank for the game presentation. Lumen for the vibes. SoFi for the "My God, how did humans build this?"

Peter from Benton City, WA

I know that RAS is all the rage right now, but how do you balance being a football player (Jack Bech) vs. an "underwear all-star." I would love to see Bech in green and gold. I know he is not the deep threat everyone seems to want, but man, the guy's a baller.

It is a delicate balance for GMs and scouts. The Packers have metrics and measurements they like on prospects and positions. I'm not sure where Bech fits into all that hierarchy but catch radius and ball skills are essential for the position. Bech certainly checks those boxes.

Benjamin from Bear, DE

I truly believe the Packers are done with acquisitions via free agency. So now it's on to the draft. I'm wondering, even if you swear the most solemn oath of secrecy, are you guys allowed to see the "big board?"

My four eyes have never seen the draft board, but the room itself is spectacular. Gutekunst was kind enough to give me a quick tour while I was working on a feature last summer. It's no longer just a bunch of whiteboards and Expo markers. It's a buffet of computer screens, televisions and technology. Impressive stuff. Gutekunst credited John Wojciechowski and the football tech department for modernizing the Packers' draft room.

Gordon from Newport Beach, CA

There is a lot of buzz around the notion the Packers draft picks over the past two years are largely Senior Bowl participants. Are we to see more of the same in 2025? If so, why?

Every year is different, but the Packers have been vocal about how much they value the Senior Bowl and its participants. Testing is great but seeing how the best of the best stack up against each other on the field is ultimately what the game of football is all about.

Packers QB Jordan Love visited U.S. Venture, Inc. to hand out cleats to nearby youth sports teams on March 17, 2025. Love will continue to donate over 1,300 new cleats throughout the NFL offseason to 26 youth sports team in Wisconsin, one team for every touchdown he scored during the 2024 season.

Jerry from Rockford, IL

Good morning, Insiders and Weston. As much of a splash that the Bears have done this offseason, I believe Washington is going to push the envelope on going all in. My question is, what do you think of Jamis Winston? The man is a character and a Baller. I hope he finds a home this year.

All gas, no brake, with Washington. The Commanders recognize they have a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract and want to maximize that window of opportunity. Philadelphia prevailed in the NFC title game, but Washington reminds me of that young, hungry high school team set to return all its starters next season. As far as Winston, his star has never shone brighter. While I respect Winston's desire to keep playing, I feel like now is the time for him to make a Pat McAfee-esque leap into sports media. The guy is box office.

TK from Grafton, WI

I know you guys put in crazy hours during the draft. (Not ONLY then, but I digress.) Is it invigorating? Exhausting? Frustrating? Rewarding?

I've always had a soft spot for the draft because it's the first NFL event I covered. The venerable Mike Vandermause started having me help the Press-Gazette's draft coverage in 2010 and suddenly here we are prepping for No. 16. It's a grind, but the days fly by. I also enjoy getting together with a few beat writers for a root beer after all the draft dust settles.

Markus from Aurora, CO

Insiders, most of us don't like ambiguity, but many things in life are not certain since nobody has that crystal ball. How do you deal with ambiguity or uncertainty?

By using history as my compass and recognizing what I do not know.

Craig from Appleton, WI

Wes, as a QB of the II team, will you feel like your hall of fame resume is complete if you don't cover a Super Bowl winning team?

Winning a Super Bowl would be incredible but also very difficult. I would be disappointed if I never get to cover a Super Bowl, though. That's a huge professional goal of mine.

Paolo from Turin, Italy

It is my understanding that one of your interns is responsible for posting the II of the day on the website. On behalf of all of us living on this side of the pond, I would like to thank this person as, in the last few days, II has been released at 3 p.m. CET rather than the usual 4 p.m. Well done!

That's the hard work and determination of one Hailey Traina, aspiring writer and digital-media extraordinaire.

Doug from Lake Mills, IA

No question, just wanted to say as someone semi-retired, I find myself watching the clock each Mon-Friday for 9 a.m. to roll around so I can sit with a cup of coffee and peruse Inbox. With the increasingly insane world we live in, including the NFL world, I appreciate both Mike's and Wes' ability to bring the sane voice of "Keep calm and carry on". We, Packers fans, are very blessed to have you two speaking into our lives about something for which we're so passionate. Thanks! GPG

That sounds like the life, Doug. I hope you're enjoying semi-retirement. Appreciate you making us part of your coffee routine.

Mike from Ottawa, Canada

Apparently, Joe from Swansea may be unhappy with the II work product. How else can one interpret the following statement in his rant: "Yes, maybe we do need two new writers or a DL or WR, but can't we find them in the draft?" Are the two new writers to deepen the already talented bench, or are they replacements? And just when is the writers draft? Do they stream it? Inquiring minds want to know.

I don't know, but my contract doesn't say I have to get anyone ready to write.

Joey from Groveland, MI

II, fiscally sound leadership. Passionate HC. Creative coordinators. Youngest playoff squad ever, besting or own previous year record. Heading into the draft. Couple of productive free agents. Sprinkle in a couple more. Crowd at the gate. When I was a boy, the local pro team lacked, and fans stopped going to games. The TV didn't play football! Both channels! Instead, they showed vacuum infomercials. I'm not making this up. Thanks for 30-plus years of entertainment! Grateful to be a Packer fan.

I must say today's Inbox gave me hope. Not only because the Packers' future remains bright but also some really strong submissions from many of you. This organization remains in pursuit of the championship that's eluded Green Bay for the past 14 years and no one will be satisfied until it happens. But you need some hope first. Hope is a good thing, right? Maybe the best of things. The Packers still have it.

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