Matt from San Luis Obispo, CA

Which round was Mecole Hardman drafted in? Asking for a friend.

Yep. Round 2. That seems to be the magic number in Green Bay.

Jason from Mt. Prospect, IL

I think the signing of Mecole Hardmen is great for Keisean Nixon. He spoke out. The Packers listened. I'm excited to see him as a full-time corner. However, I don't believe the signing changes anything in regard to our needs on offense...Is there any ONE player you like in this draft that can fill the void Christian Watson has left?

Again, nothing has been decided or finalized with Nixon and the kickoff return situation. We still have nearly six months between now and the regular-season opener. There are few wideouts comparable to Watson in the entire NFL, let alone the draft. This year's receiver class possesses a lot of speed – 10 guys ran sub-4.4 at the combine – but lacks size. Tennessee's Dont'e Thornton Jr. could be an interesting sleeper on Day 3. He had erratic college production but ran a 4.30 in Indy at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds.

Damien from Sacramento, CA

Are we going to draft Matthew Golden?

He's fast, a good route-runner and could be there at No. 23. But that would be a premium pick to invest into the receiver room with more pressing needs elsewhere…in my opinion.

Arn from Kenosha, WI

Good morning. After viewing Mecole Hardman's college highlights, all I can say is 'Wow' ...just get him the rock. What is the likelihood that he can return to anything close to that? If so, we have the "steal" of free agency.

The Packers are looking to find out. If you read our “Five Things” story on Hardman, you see why Kansas City drafted him in the second round despite only playing receiver for two seasons at Georgia. He's an explosive athlete and still only 27 years old.

Herbert from Palm Desert, CA

Good morning, Wes. Let me see if I have this straight. Brian Gutekunst signs a former second-round receiver who can stretch the field, run the jet sweep, return kickoffs and punts and our fan base decides he's just a gadget player. A fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Am I wrong to be excited about the skill set Hardman brings to the table?

Not at all, especially when you bust out some Thoreau. Listen, the Packers aren't breaking the bank to bring Hardman in. It's definitely worth a look-see.

Jay from Land O Lakes, FL

Guys, if Hardman can run that fast, he can stretch the defense, no?

If that's what's asked of him. It's been a few years since Hardman ran a 4.33 at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he's still a premium athlete. I think it's good to bring in a veteran's perspective, too. Sammy Watkins didn't find much success on the field for the Packers in 2022, but he provided a lot of leadership to Green Bay's young wideouts.

Darrel from Pueblo, CO

II, do you think there is a chance that we will see Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper as the linebackers on the field at the same time? That speed and coverage on passing downs would be something to see.

For sure. The Packers wouldn't have let Eric Wilson go back to Minnesota if Hopper wasn't ready for a bigger role. To that end, Jeff Hafley showed last year he's more than willing to build packages for players who earn opportunities.

Al from Hartford, WI

Good day to you Wes. I smile every time you (or Spoff) refute someone's belief with facts. Most recently, it was regarding first-quarter scoring and "fast starts." Is there a tried-and-true data source you can share to allow us to maybe research before we insert our foot in our mouth? I think Over the Cap is reliable for salary cap stuff. Is Pro Football Focus a "Bible"? I harken back to the first trainer I ever had. When I asked a question, her first words were "Did you check the manual?"

Ha, no bibles and I wasn't trying to dunk on Keith. However, I really don't think the story of the 2024 Packers was slow starts. They obviously didn't score in the first half against Philadelphia, so maybe that has something to do with that perception. Where I think the 2025 team must improve is building and sustaining momentum through four quarters; just too many fits and starts. I'm sure you could find some analytics to summarize that, but what you see on Sundays tells the truest story.

Al from Green Bay, WI

This talk of the Packers signing a "gadget player" is interesting, and who knows how it will work out? Still, I'm reminded on another "gadget player" the Packers signed a few years ago. He was on the roster bubble going into final cuts, but he made an impact play in the preseason, and he made the roster. His name – Desmond Howard. Remind me, how did that work out?

In the range of well to very well.

Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN

I remember Vic educating us on the draft. A team passes on a better player because it isn't a position of immediate need. Like not drafting Barry Sanders because a team doesn't need a running back. Who doesn't need a Barry Sanders? Best player available is the way to draft!

Sure, but the Packers aren't drafting second this year, Jeff. The deeper you go in the draft, the more prospects start to level out.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

I agree with Wes, the running back room is in great shape. I expect Emanuel Wilson to probably even be a starter in the league soon! Tell Steve best of health and let him know he can write more often than every half decade!

Steve, you're always welcome to jump into the waters whenever you like – even if it is another five years. Competition is critical at every position and the Packers have plenty of it right now in the backfield. Wilson has been a real find. I felt he already was pushing AJ Dillon for playing time before Dillon's stinger issues last summer. That stats bear that out. Through two NFL seasons, Wilson is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. That'll play.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, QB2 is such a strange bird. In a perfect world, he never plays, right? So, what does success look like for Malik Willis in 2025? Pretty hard to improve on Year 1 with the Packers, especially if Jordan Love is as healthy all season as we would all like him to be. What would a breakout look like? Is it best for the Packers for Willis to prove capable of an opportunity to be QB1 somewhere?

The breakout has already happened. You can bet the NFL took notice of what Willis did on an interim basis last year. If Willis has a solid preseason and doesn't take another snap in 2025, he'll still enter free agency in a good spot.

Jake from Decatur, GA

Mecooooooooole! Glad to see we'll at least break even on Bulldogs this offseason. Who's left on the defensive-lineman tree? Kinda have to think at this point if we see another free-agent signing before the draft, that's where it'll come from.

The pickings are getting slimmer. Sharp Football has Matt Judon, Von Miller, Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Charles Omenihu as some of the best remaining free-agent edge rushers while Calais Campbell, John Jenkins, Jonathan Bullard and Benito Jones top the defensive tackle rankings.

Jeff from Montclair, VA

Morning, Wes! Do you have a rundown of all the proposed rules changes? If so, your thoughts on a couple key ones? Thanks for all you do. I mirror the other submitter's comments that you and Mike aren't just journalists and our link to inside 1265, but friends that most of us haven't met yet.

We already went through most of the big-ticket items. Philadelphia is proposing a measure that grants both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime of regular-season games regardless of the outcome of the first possession. If I understand it correctly, it also would re-extend overtime period to 15 minutes. In addition to proposing playoff teams be seeded by record instead of whether they won their division, Detroit wants any player placed on injured reserve before or on the day of the roster cutdowns to not count against the 90-man roster limit unless such player is designated for return. There are a few minor club resolution proposals we'll revisit if enacted, including video interviews with perspective free agents during the two-day negotiating window.

Tristin from Morristown, TN

I've been researching something (as in 12 hours straight) we haven't got too...the ongoing Jaire Alexander saga. Given Ja's recent performance trends, the evolution of his role in the Packers' defensive schemes under defensive coordinator Joe Barry, and the team's salary cap situation, how should Green Bay balance the need to retain one of their top playmakers with the long-term finances required to address other roster weaknesses in the coming seasons?

I'm sure the Alexander topic will again be broached in Florida, but there just isn't much to say about it right now. Alexander is on the roster, there's no pending roster bonus and the Packers are in good financial standing.

Bill from Fort Worth, TX

If our request to ban the tush push fails, I'd love to see the Pack work up some chicanery out of that formation, like taking the snap, backing out, with Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft running downfield for the pass. Of course, we'd unveil it against the Eagles.

Ha. You see, the shoe is on the other, uh, table…which is turned.

Vince from Green Bay, WI

Wes, I disagree with the idea to get rid of the automatic first down for holding and illegal contact. All that will do is encourage more of this "strategy" for playing defense. There is already a LOT of it that happens and isn't called. The Lions' wanting to get rid of this reinforces what my eyes have already told me...that they do a lot of it. And now they don't want the sporadic punishment they receive for this to be as harsh.

Good point. I might have let my emotions get the best of me there.

Tom from West Salem, WI

I love the signing of Nate Hobbs. He's a very confident player that will fit nicely with a very confident DB room. It would be cool to see a sit-down interview with Rich Bisaccia and him. I know Rich was on a trip with his son when Hobbs came to sign but I hope packers.com can make that interview happen.

That's not a bad idea, Tom. It may get a bit dusty in the studio, though. I can't wait to chat with Bisaccia about Hobbs. You can tell the old ball coach made a big impression on the young corner during their time together in Las Vegas.

Keith from Lincoln, IL

When old what's his name gets back ("…great guy…we'll never forget him…"), is it straight on to the draft? Or what other events are you gents covering between now and then? Thanks.

We'll have the Packers Tailgate Tour sprinkled in there for a few days, as well. The draft engine is revving up. It'll be lights out before you know it.

Sharon from Ash Fork, AZ

Hi, first-time submitting. I am a 77-year-old lady and diehard Packer-backer. Born in Sheboygan but family moved to Arizona when I was seven. I had a rough year in '24 and missed most of the games, but not Inbox. Thanks for keeping me up to date on everything Packers. Enjoy all the different submissions and answers, many bring a smile when needed most. GO PACK, always.

Simply awesome. I hope 2025 brings you joy and more than a few Packers victories.

Brian from Twain Harte, CA

Giving a shout out to Dar from Mansfield (No. 4 on his list)! Does getting two submissions during the Outsider's Inbox count as a double submission? I would also add to his list: having your question featured in the Outsider Inbox.

Speaking of which, we need more OI questions. I only have three written down right now.

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

Gotta agree with Dar on "The Double," though getting mentioned with Lori is right up there. Thanks Dar for mentioning me in a post. Geez, I mentioned Dar twice. Argh, make that three times!

Can't stop. Won't stop. Have a great weekend everyone.