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Inbox: The Packers are happy to have him

Seeing smiles on fans’ faces is what makes it all worth it

T Rasheed Walker
T Rasheed Walker

Jeffery from Brooklyn, WI

Hi Wes, what position group are you most excited about watching come together this year?

The defensive line, easily. The possibilities are endless with this pending merger of the defensive line and outside linebackers, especially with how Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Colby Wooden can be utilized inside or outside. The philosophical shift also should bring out the best in Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks.

Monty from Velva, ND

Quay Walker and Micah Parsons are roughly the same size and both athletic and strong. Do you think Quay could make a similar impact if Jeff Hafley decides to employ him similar to the way Parsons is used?

There aren't many comps for Parsons, who's sort of the Aaron Donald of edge rushers. He wins in ways most 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass-rushers cannot. Both are "linebackers," but Walker is more of the traditional off-the-ball variety. While Walker could be very dynamic as a blitzer in Hafley's defense, he won't be rushing the quarterback enough to be a 10-sack linebacker. Walker's impact could be significant, though.

Adam from Madison, WI

So, Wes and I have dogs named Kevin, and Mike and I worked at DQ. I go hot fudge in my PB cup Blizzard. Along with the questions on the draft being a prediction and second-year jumps, I wonder when Carrington Valentine would have been drafted if he tested now.

Significantly higher, especially with how he looks today compared to a year ago at this time.

Gordy from Plymouth, WI

A lot of talk about Rasheed Walker being drafted in the seventh round. I remember following those who know that draft year. Several had Walker going in the first round. I always wondered if Walker had health issues or attitude issues, which resulted in him falling. Any idea if there was a perceived problem? Either way, I think they got a steal.

I've read many of those same articles. I couldn't tell you why Walker fell as far as he did, but it didn't have anything to do with health or attitude. Lance Zierlein gave Walker a third-round grade in 2022 but questioned whether he had the range and balance to play tackle in the NFL. Walker put his "redshirt" year in Green Bay to good use and proved last year he has the tools to play the O-line's most coveted position. Regardless of how Walker ended up here, the Packers are happy to have him.

Roger from McGrath, AK

Another game-watching strategy: My high school coach taught me to key on guard first, motion next, and he knew if I was by watching my facemask swing from inside to outside and back. I used to watch caribou do the same if they swung their antlers in unison they knew, individually, they were confused. Watching where players are looking, especially the OL and LBs, helped me see quick processing, first steps, and progress. Any merit?

Absolutely. There can be no wasted movement at football's highest level. Every millisecond means so much. Every millimeter can be the difference between winning and losing on a given play. It's critical to know your assignment because it's instincts that allow a player to move that much faster. To see a player's eyes is to know what he's thinking and what's about to come next.

James from Ottawa, Canada

A sad day for Packers faithful across the world. Randall Cobb always delivered when we needed him, the definition of clutch and reliability. Big things await him to be sure and I'm happy to hear of the new role he will be walking into in the SEC, but a sad day for Packers fans, nonetheless. Thanks for the memories, "18." They made us rich.

First, congratulations to Randall and his family. While Cobb said he isn't officially retired from playing football, Thursday was a good reminder of what he meant to the Packers. He was a warrior during his 10 seasons in Green Bay, an absolutely tenacious playmaker who fought through so much to be there for his team. I'm excited for Randall and his new endeavor. He's going to do great.

Lori from Heredia, Costa Rica

Hey Weston, I know Cobb hasn't officially retired, but when he does, I hope he does it in Green Bay. So many great memories watching "18" play. What is your favorite catch you saw him make? And what's your favorite interaction you shared with him when you were interviewing him?

I don't think you can answer this without mentioning his fourth-and-8 catch in Chicago and also his Hail Mary against the New York Giants in the 2016-17 playoffs. Both plays will live forever in the hearts of Packers fans. My favorite interaction with Randall came shortly after I joined the Packers in 2016. I was assigned to cover the team-building event at a local bowling alley. To be honest, I was kind of nervous because I covered like 80% of that roster as a member of the outside media. I was unsure about how I'd be received by the locker room. Randall was one of the first players, along with Tim Masthay and Morgan Burnett, to come up to me and welcome me to the team. I never forgot that.

Jim from Fishers, IN

Hello Mike/Wes. I see daily talk about our WR group, and I am as excited as anyone for the upcoming season. One thing I learned from last year was to enjoy EACH GAME. We have a lot of talent on this team and, if all things stay the same (which they will not, but we can dream), we can't sign everybody. But we can shed those tears in a couple of years! We are rich with talent and hope today. Let's get to camp! GPG!

My advice is to stay present and enjoy the moment for what it is. Because as soon as you know it, the first NFL player born in the 1990s is suddenly a 13-year veteran who's exploring the next chapter of his life.

Jake from Marina del Rey, CA

Can you expand more on the LOS moving answer? Does the LOS moving indicate more or less confidence from the play caller?

I was surprised how many people got tripped up with this. Let me put it this way – if the walls are closing in, does that give you more or less comfort in your current situation? Conversely, both the play-caller and quarterback are going to have more confidence if their O-line is pushing the opposition backwards.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

In response to Mark from Carlsville you mentioned the "bird's eye view of the press box." With the caveats of you're not required to be in the press box and money is no option, where is the best place to watch a game at Lambeau? Leap territory? Row 1 of the 50-yard line? Up somewhere with some elevation?

We have it pretty good at Lambeau. There's a reason more franchises are pushing their media to the corners of the end zone. The Packers' press box is choice real estate. For example, Green Bay's coaches and video department are on the same level as us, albeit closer to the 50-yard line.

Mike from Pewaukee, WI

I've never been to a training camp practice, but I'm thinking of going to one or two this year. Does it make any difference what day I go? Is there any formal rotation or emphasis on specific sub-packages or teams on any given day of the week?

The first week draws a lot of fans because it's "Back to football" season, but the padded practices after Family Night are the most fun for me. As far as rotations go, we're not privy to the installs ahead of time unless Matt LaFleur says something at the podium.

The following is the seventh installment in a series of photos examining the Packers' roster position-by-position. This installment examines the defensive backs.

Chuck from Richfield, WI

With all the angst on Josh Jacobs' 200 pass receptions without a TD, could you imagine if the odds evened out and he threatened Johnny Blood's team record for most TD receptions in a season (11) by a running back set back in 1931? I've always wondered if that is the oldest-surviving individual record in Packer annals.

I don't see Blood's ever being broken. According to my research (which could be wrong), no running back has caught 10 or more touchdown passes in a season since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. Shoot, just six wide receivers had double-digit TD receptions last season and only three the year before that.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes: Not sure what you did during your time off, but I hope it wasn't experiencing an F2 tornado that went through Rome, NY, Tuesday. I was right in the middle of it, safely, inside a strong building! No injuries just a lot of damage. Can you shed some of your expertise information on what the private investment into NFL teams will look like? Can the Packers have another stock sale to offset the loss of revenue? Thank you.

I'm sorry to hear that, Bob, but glad everyone is OK all things considered. Unfortunately, I don't know much about the private-equity options the NFL is weighing or how that could affect any future stock sales on the Packers' behalf.

Samuel from Skokie, IL

Still not time to get worried? BG said something would be done by the beginning of training camp. I know officially that's Monday, but the rookies and QBs are here. I already started to worry about guys on the PUP list. Help!

I see you took my plea not to take silence for stillness seriously. Worrying is weakness, Samuel.

Nicholas from Lodi, WI

What is your favorite part about the Green Bay offseason?

Inbox only being five days a week.

Jim from De Pere, WI

Greetings Spoff and Hod. In your job requirements, what is your favorite thing to do while working at training camp?

Walking down to practice each morning and hearing kids' laughter. Training camp gets long. We don't see our families very often in August. Seeing smiles on fans' faces is what makes it all worth it.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Welcome back, Wes. The Paris Olympics are just around the corner. Will it still be OK for Packers fans to root for Simone Biles now that her husband has been traded to the rival Chicago Calebs?

Of course! In addition to being the greatest of all-time in her sport, Biles was a wonderful ambassador for the Packers during Owens' season in Green Bay.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, the best Blizzard needs to be made with chocolate ice cream, with chocolate cone dip...start with that and then pick your mixers. You can't go wrong. Just sayin'.

I don't touch Blizzards. When I go to Dairy Queen, there are three options: twist cone, cherry-dipped cone or Dilly Bar.

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