Inbox: That would be a major boon for this offense

Dennis from Parrish, FL

My money is on Spoff down here Florida way, soaking up the sun, drinking Yuengling, and just thoroughly enjoying some 83-degree days!

It sure beats running the snowblower yesterday morning for "2-3 inches of snow expected."

Barton from Tulum, Mexico

The Packers' offense needs to get more out of Malik Willis and Luke Musgrave. Malik is so great when he is on the field! Luke needs to find his niche. Can Willis play red zone wildcat and/or more plays with Jordan Love also on the field? Can Musgrave lose weight and play an H-Back TE role or a hybrid TE/WR?

Green Bay teased a Jordan Love/Willis package at the end of last year. Assuming the Packers don't trade Willis, Matt LaFleur and his offensive assistants now have a full offseason to brainstorm even more ideas for their QBs. Musgrave doesn't need to lose any weight. He can make plays. It's just a matter of getting a healthy No. 88 on the field. That would be a major boon for this offense.

Dale from Prescott, WI

Wes, you mentioned you felt old with Brandon McManus being 33 years old. How about having two kids that are older than him? Now I feel really old.

You're not old, Dale. It's called experience. I'm slowly learning this.

Roger from McGrath, AK

Before Super Bowl I, Vince Lombardi said "...you can do a great deal for football today; a great deal for the players and the league and everything else." Because beating the rival AFL mattered. Rivalries matter. Don't you agree that muting the division rivalries by seeding based on record, not divisional championship hurts these rivalries and our traditions?

That's what's happened in the NBA, right? I remember two years ago the Bucks had a social post after winning the NBA Central. I didn't even know divisions still existed. The Lions, Bears and Vikings will always be rivals regardless of playoff format, but it's a big deal anytime the Packers win the NFC North and earn a home playoff game. I don't want to lose that under any circumstances.

Reed from Myrtle Beach, SC

You can have the NFL's top OL or DL. Which would you rather have? I'd take OL, so theoretically you could score every time. Your defense would only need one stop. If you had the top DL, you'd still have to have an offense that could score. Besides, it'd be more fun having your team score a lot than playing a low-scoring game.

I'd take the NFL's top offensive line. As important as it is to pressure the quarterback, you gotta protect your own first. An elite O-line also makes life easier for your run game, too. That said, Philadelphia showed this year why it's essential to have strong lines on both sides of the ball.

Curt from Pine Island, MN

If you mess with the seeding, doesn't that also mean to be fair you have to change the scheduling, too? Might not even play your biggest rivals at all in a given year. No thanks.

That's the other thing, too. Why bother playing six division games?

TK from Grafton, WI

When reading scouting reports on cornerbacks, I'll often see "better in man than zone" or vice versa. After one season with Jeff Hafley, are the Packers primarily a zone or man-to-man team?

The easy answer is you gotta be able to do both, but the Packers played a lot of zone last year – more than many expected. However, I think part of the brilliance of Hafley's scheme was how he disguised coverages and kept quarterbacks guessing. It wasn't just dropping back seven and praying. There was a method to everything the Packers did on defense last year.

Josh from Waukesha, WI

Does every draft class produce at least one future HOFer?

Almost always…and often several in one class. Only three draft classes from 1936-2000 have yet to produce a Pro Football Hall of Famer (1992, 1984 and 1943). Darren Woodson has the '92 draft's best shot at Canton. He was a finalist again this past year. While 1984 doesn't have a Hall of Famer, Steve Young, Reggie White and Gary Zimmerman entered the NFL as supplemental picks that year.

Matt from Fitchburg, WI

Hi Wes! I hate to cast aspersions on anyone's story, but football played on a 45-degree angle hill…you'd be on your hands and knees playing uphill, and playing downhill would be deadly. Serious question, though. You talked about a couple of CBs in the draft, mentioning one as a press-man corner. Is that as big a factor in the decision as I think it would be? The Packers over the years seem to play a lot of man coverage when healthy, relying more on zone when depleted by injuries.

That's an interesting take and you might be right. I've never been too concerned about how a prospect fits into the Packers' defense. I think you could put a healthy Jaire Alexander in any scheme, and he'd still thrive. However, I know it was said Casey Hayward fit better into what San Diego did over Green Bay because he was more of a zone corner. So, I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

Bill from Graniteville, SC

Wes, your emotions did not get the best of you. Defensive holding/illegal contact penalties for five yards and an automatic first down is too harsh on the defense. While discussions should take place, it feels wrong when the offense is bailed out on a third-and-12 incomplete pass because the tight end away from the ball was contacted six yards down the field. Shenanigans are sure to take place, but maybe it's time to give the defense a break.

Rules will always get bent, in football and in life. I just lack confidence in NFL officials' ability to enforce subjective infractions, which is probably why I have a glass-half-empty view on defensive holding. It's called so irregularly.

George from North Mankato, MN

What can you tell us about Kadeem Telfort? Seems like a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing. Can't ever have too many "jars on the shelf" when it comes to the big guys in the trenches.

Telfort is the latest massive tackle Brian Gutekunst has brought in to develop as an undrafted free agent. It felt like the 6-foot-7, 322-pound Telfort stood in the shadow of the 6-9 Caleb Jones with fans the past couple summers, but he's someone Green Bay believes in. Telfort's development process continues in the spring.

Hannes from Glendale, WI

How do the Packers stack up in the NFC North? C'mon Wes. This time of the year, as usual, nobody can stop the Bears. Another great free agency run, and they'll be drafting their latest franchise savior soon.

Like I say every offseason, nobody stays in the cellar forever. Ask the 1970s and '80s Packers. Chicago will get it right one of these years and it'll be a massive challenge for the NFC North to fend off the Bears. I'm just over the platitudes. The internet quickly forgets the "How are you gonna stop this?" memes with Caleb Williams, D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. I do not. It's like the Black Knight in "Monty Python." The limbs are gone, but the talk persists.

Bill from Clive, IA

At what point in their careers do edge rushers tend to lose a step? Of course, there are exceptions, but when considering free agent acquisitions, what should generally be thought of as "past prime?" Five seasons? Seven? And on that subject, how much gas do you think Von Miller has left in the tank?

It depends on the edge rushers, though that position has staying power. Julius Peppers signed a three-year deal with Green Bay at 34 years old and still played two more seasons in Carolina after that. Miller has had an interesting run in Buffalo, which included a three-tackle, zero-sack 2023 season. He bounced back to register six this past year, but pretty much is a third-down rusher at this point. It really comes down to what he's willing to play for.

Lori from Heredia, Costa Rica

Hey Weston, I had a busy week last week, so just caught up with II. Can you share a link to your story from last summer when you wrote about the new technological advances in the Packers draft room? Did you actually get to step foot inside the room?

I'd love to, but that's an old-school story not actually posted on online. It also was just a part of a larger feature in last year's Packers Yearbook.

Bruce from Jackson, WI

Wes, ATMR(WCBW) during Gutey's tenure, the Packers have not benefited from compensatory draft picks as they had historically. Could our youth-orientated approach to roster building, player development and turnover be the cause of this? No second contract limits a player's value and compensatory ranking. It would be great to get those extra bites at the apple without having to trade down in the draft. Call me curious.

No, it's because the Packers are signing more unrestricted free agents these days. Gutekunst has inked 18 UFAs in eight offseasons as GM. Ted Thompson signed 14 total in 13 years, half of which came during his first two years on the job.

Fredrick from Okatie, SC

As a replacement for Christian Watson, would Allen Lazard be a consideration. I always like him but don't know his status with the Jets or whether he's worth the investment.

I'm a huge Lazard fan, but he and Watson are two completely different type of receivers. Also, the Jets can't officially release Lazard until after June 1 because they already used their designations on Aaron Rodgers and CJ Mosley. The Packers likely will have their guys by then.

Ken from Lancaster, OH

Why does everybody think we need a receiver? How about let's get a big defensive tackle who can knock a guard into a center and make a tackle?

"But I can't draft that guy in my fantasy football league!" -Some basement scout, probably.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, I read an article that suggested part of the issue with our WRs was the play of QB1. Aside from drops, the passing unit was not in sync. That doesn't really require new personnel (although I expect GB will add WRs later in the draft or after). Do you see a high ceiling for the passing game? A return to form?

I think the biggest problem some folks had with the Packers' offense last year is their inability to point a finger on one specific thing and it's created this endless Spiderman meme about whom to blame. Blame doesn't lead to answers. Everyone had a hand in the Packers' successes and failures in 2024. Right now, it's LaFleur and Co.'s job to shift the pendulum to the more successes next season. Love and the receivers are sure to be part of it.

David from Janesville, WI

Wes, did Sean Clifford get bumped to a new number again? His poor family is going to run out of room in the closet if this keeps up.

Correct. Clifford will now wear No. 16 with Mecole Hardman taking over '6.'

Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA

I understand your reluctance to make predictions on players but how about one on the draft? If you were to bring a decibel meter, who gets the loudest boo, the Bears or Vikings? I expect GB fans will be more forgiving of Roger Goodell, but he is Option 3 should you choose to take it. I assume there will be a familiar chant when the Bears are on the clock.

I hope it's the Lions, honestly. If it's between the Bears and Vikings, then Chicago.

Tom from Scottsville, KY

I was watching the tennis at Indian Wells last week. I noticed no line judges, just sensors calling the ball in or out. The serves were recorded at 120 mph. Hey NFL, the technology is there. GO PACK GO!

Tennis is the No. 1 reason why I ridicule the approach the league has taken with measurements/ball placement. From a technology standpoint, tennis is decades ahead of the NFL.

Dan from Livingston, United Kingdom

Al from Green Bay, WI gets to ask a question every day. Is he a) your brother b) always asks great questions or c) you had a great answer and nobody asks the question. You BOTH do great work. THANK YOU.

Al is a Hall of Famer, for a reason. He asks great questions and doesn't insult us. That's usually a productive way to get your submission answered.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning, Wes. Speaking of points of emphasis and new rules, were there any hip-drop tackles resulting in penalties during Packer games last season?

It was not called in a Packers game this year, though I'm unsure whether anyone was fined for it. That's how the league planned to officiate it.

Steve from Hurricane, UT

"The free-agency door is open until Mike Spofford steps back in the building." This reminded me of the time when I was young, asking my father why he had so much unused vacation built-up. He said, "You never want to take too much time off at once or they may realize how well they can do without you." That might be true for NFL players, too.

God bless your father. He sounds like a wonderful, hard-working man. Everyone is replaceable, but time off is well-earned. I once had an individual tell me there would be a line around the building for my job if I ever left. That's probably true, but good luck identifying the person who can actually do it to your satisfaction. I don't know your dad but feel confident in saying his boss wouldn't have been able to do it without him. I hope he knows/knew that.

Rhonda from Italy, TX

Does Spoff read II while on vacation? Or does he binge read two weeks' worth when he gets home? Or does he successfully put all things work behind until he returns to the office?

All good questions for the guy currently on vacation. I typically don't read II while I'm on PTO. I lean on Pa Hod to keep me up to date on what I need to know.

Joe from Colorado Springs, CO

This past week, I was afflicted by a nasty stomach virus. Got me wondering. Are you and your fellow IIers covered by Packers medical professionals? Do you get treated for the stomach flu by the same physicians who treat the players/coaches?

Ha, no. I'm on my own there. I hope you feel better.

Annie from Cincinnati, OH

Just a comment to say I love II. It feels like I'm friends with Wes, Mike, and all the question posters/readers. My husband asks why I'm laughing at my phone and the answer is just, "Oh, Insider Inbox jokes, you wouldn't understand" (he's a Colts fan). Thanks for all the laughs, knowledge, and community!

And we love you, too, Annie. Have a great Tuesday.