Inbox: These three days have been years in the making

Mike from Baraboo, WI

How long has the Green Bay area been in the planning phases of getting everything ready for the NFL Draft?

From the day it was announced to the day it's finally here. So many have put in so much work to help prepare the Packers and city of Green Bay for this moment. I could name so many people but don't want to leave anyone out. These three days have been years in the making.

Douglas from Johnson Creek, WI

Do teams have a scout dedicated to knowing the needs of other teams and keeping track of their pre-draft visits to know what players may fall or be snatched up before their team picks? Or is that a responsibility that falls to the GM?

All the top personnel guys, especially on the pro side, survey the NFL and consider which teams may be interested in specific players and positions. The pre-draft visits are on the NFL wire, too, so teams can freely track who went where. The tea leaves are there if you know how to read them. Unless, of course, it's all a ruse.

Jerry from Green Bay, WI

Good morning. If you were a GM, how would you ideally try to set up your team/allocate the salary cap (ignoring rookie contracts)? Would you prefer a few superstars who are the highest paid players at their positions and have the rest of the team be "average" players? Or would you like all your starters to be above average but no superstars?

Draft good players. That's it. It's not who's making the most money. It's how many good players does a team have on rookie contracts? Look at the Philadelphia Eagles this year. Yes, they signed Saquon Barkley and Zach Baun, but Howie Roseman also hit some major home runs over the past three years in the draft.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

Is it accurate to think if the Packers get more of a pass rush push from their defensive tackles that would logically lead to more sacks from their edge rushers?

One obviously helps the other, but interior defensive tackles aren't freed up to "jet" rush as often as defensive ends. They also must deal with double-teams and clogging up lanes in the run game.

Joe from Swansea, IL

According to my weather app (wcbw), looks like a fair chance of rain on Thursday and Friday. Will the crowd have much protection from the elements? Does that depend on crowd size?

We'll see how the week goes, but Lambeau Field and Titletown will be open to the public throughout the draft. The main stage of the theater area also has a roof that can fit approximately 2,000 beneath it.

Chuck from Waterloo, WI

Hi guys. I can't argue with anyone's guess of the first draft choice – OL, CB, WR, edge, or DT. But wouldn't it make the most sense for Brian Gutekunst to trade pick 23 and move down to acquire a little more draft capital? Since all are positions of need, he has a better chance at some of the top picks in the early rounds.

Sure, but isn't it more fun to talk about whom the Packers might select at No. 23 than potentially trading back for a nameless, faceless third-round pick?

Steve from Hazlet, N.J.

I know when a free agent comes to visit the Packers, the team pays for the hotel. What about transportation? Does the team send a taxi to get him, or is he assigned someone to drive him around for the visit and getting meals, etc.? Thanks for the great job you folks do.

A scout often picks them up at the airport. The Packers have vehicles for that sort of thing. When we travel to the NFL Scouting Combine every February, we typically borrow a Suburban to drive down.

Ron from Attica, OH

Hi II, there are so many ways to measure a player's physical abilities when preparing a draft board. I am curious if you have insights into the mental measurements. In today's world of super technology and AI, and the value the Packers put on "being a good fit in the locker room" and "the Packers' culture," what goes into judging that value beyond good old gut instincts? Thank you.

While analytics and AI grow in reach and scale, it's critically important for scouts to get to know these prospects and understand whether they'll be a good fit for the Packers' locker room. The only way to do that is to step on these college campuses, get to know coaches and understand what makes these players tick. That was a big part of Gutekunst's pre-draft news conference on Monday.

Zak from Huntington Beach, CA

The NFL draft is seven rounds. A week has seven days. Is it just a matter of time before the draft is spread over a full week, with one round per day, so the league can milk as much attention as possible from the event?

I could see the draft expanding past three days during my career. Mike may escape it, but I'm fully prepared for that in my future.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

Last year at this time I predicted the Packers would select Cooper DeJean at 25. I have learned my lesson about picking the crowd favorite, although I don't know if there is a crowd favorite this year. Maybe Walter Nolen? Anyways, my prediction this year is going to go a little off the rails. I predict the Packers select Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri. I'm predicting this because of the depth at DT, and the lack of good options at edge and CB in the first round. Either way, Go Pack Go!

You weren't the only one to mention Burden over the weekend. His name is picking up steam among Packers fans. In Lance Zierlein's writeup on NFL.com, an NFC national scout is quoted as saying "his playing style is like Jerry Jeudy with Amon-Ra St. Brown's hands and toughness." That'll play. The Packers have a big decision to make, but I feel like they enter Day 3 with a new wideout in the room. The only question is which round.

George from Edinburg, VA

Good morning. Anthony from Southington, CT, asked about A.J. Hawk at pick 5, and Wes had him as a gimme. I know he was solid and amazingly available (oxygen tent), but the evaluations of him were all over the map. What was your impression?

Hawk tested through the roof in the pre-draft process after a prolific career at Ohio State. He registered a 40-inch vertical with a 6.82-second time in the three-cone drill at the NFL Scouting Combine. Hawk took some grief from Packers fans, but he wasn't a bad pick – especially compared to his contemporaries in a weak 2006 draft. Vernon Davis had a fine career but was a headache for San Francisco early on.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Last week, you reminded us that this year's draft picks are mostly about the future and less about the upcoming season. It was a simple but profound reminder. Still, we have fond memories of players including John Brockington (going way back), James Lofton, Clay Matthews, Casey Hayward and others who came on the scene and splashed in Year 1. Do you see anyone who may be available at No. 23 that may make an immediate impact?

I think Golden and Emeka Egbuka could hit the ground running at receiver. Derrick Harmon also might a plug-and-play guy straightaway on the defensive line or possibly Will Campbell or Tyler Booker on the offensive line. Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron may be the Hayward-type cornerback you're referring to, as well. But again, there's only one true way to find out.

Pat from Redgranite, WI

In regard to Malik Willis' value, I think it goes without question that not only his own physical skills and innate intelligence allowed his quick assimilation of the GB offense, but also the outstanding QB coaching staff he had as his mentors, Tom Clements and (now head QB coach) Sean Mannion. Willis kind of found himself in a perfect storm of opportunity for the near term and for his future prospects when he leaves in free agency. Good luck to the young man!

It takes a village. But having stability and a solid foundation from which to build remains one of the greatest gifts any team can give a young, developing player.

Tony from Panama City, Panama

I taught Isaiah Simmons when he was in sixth grade. Great character, and an incredible athlete. I would love nothing more than to see him end up in Green Bay. That's all.

Wow. Insider Inbox…bringing worlds together since 2017.

Vincent from Milwaukee, WI

Is there any benefit of a player being selected in the city they are drafted?

In what context? Speaking strictly in terms of football, there really isn't much benefit since all the prospects return home after they're drafted and don't report back until rookie minicamp. From a brand standpoint, however, it's cool for the player and fanbase to have photos of the hometown first-round pick walking across the stage.

Bryan from West Salem, WI

I think a lot of NFL players have the ability to play both sides of the ball. They just can't play both simultaneously at an NFL-caliber level. Do you really see Travis Hunter locking down, then turning around and catching contested balls against Jaire Alexander a few minutes later, and doing that for 60 minutes? Because I don't. At best, I see a decent part-time player both ways, with a lotta baggage. This is the big show, not the Big 12.

And that's a conversation prospective clubs will need to have with Hunter. Playing strictly receiver or cornerback in the NFL is a track meet. Trying to do both is an ultra-marathon. Maybe Hunter can handle it. But in addition to the increased risk of injury, the question must be asked whether you're getting the best version of Hunter if he's playing both ways. If Hunter can, this draft could cause a tectonic shift in how the NFL views elite prospects.

Jeremiah from Middleton, WI

To respond a little further to Stephie Rae, I'm sure the NFL (and players) want to be certain that whoever is invited will definitely be taken in the first round. It's a little embarrassing for the NFL, not to mention the player, to sit there all night and not be called up. Our own first-round pick in 2005 can attest somewhat to that

Yeah, but at least Rodgers still got drafted in the first round. Two years ago, Will Levis sat all day Thursday before heading home and finally getting drafted at No. 33. I think about Omarion Hampton this year. He should be a first-round pick, but you just never know with running backs not named Ashton Jeanty.

Michael from Novato, CA

Morning, II. Regarding Ted Thompson paying attention to media pundits, the landscape was much different back then. Among others, Dr. Z was pretty well-respected, Buchsbaum's Pro Football Weekly was well-respected, etc. Some of those old guys were borderline scout quality (nobody's 100%) and put a lot more work into their stories than "Thompson's a moron if he doesn't draft XYZ" quality we often see today. Just my two cents.

It's a good point. Nolan Nawrocki's draft guide was a must for NFL scouts and media alike.

Jerry from Rockford, IL

Good morning gentlemen, and all Insiders. Talking about free agent visits, how does that work with you two? Was there a medical exam to make sure you didn't have carpal tunnel? More excited for this draft than any other. Enjoy your week.

HR had to check the "WriterFax" before approving my hire.

John from Omaha, NE

Following up on Phillip from Wonder Lake's query regarding Jordy Nelson. Not only is he back on the family farm in Leonardville, KS, but I also read he holds a position with the NFL as an NFLPA hearing officer in which he along with Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster and Kevin Mawae, will review player suspensions and fines. In this role, he will emphasize fair decision-making and uphold the league standards and professionalism, just as he did for so many years as a player.

I heard Nelson's name pop up a few times last year in that role. He's the perfect man for the job.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Draft week is finally here, and many out-of-state and international fans, including yours truly, will make the pilgrimage. I'll have on my "Dar from Mansfield" T-shirt. I'd say it's important we offer newbies a sense of structure as they experience happy 'Sconsin traditions for the first time. That said, let's pick a shake-of-day number in advance, so everyone is ready. Should it be "1" for Curly Lambeau? Or "3" for Tony Canadeo? Maybe "4" for Brett Favre? This is critical. The world is watching.

Or "5" for Vince Lombardi's five NFL Championships in Green Bay? Safe travels, sir.

Michael from Berrien Springs, MI

I have seen a lot of movie references in II over the years, including yesterday's homage to "Bull Durham," but I think yesterday's reference from Shakespeare may be a first. Is that correct? Hamlet and I would like to know.

I'd be shocked if Spoff hasn't quoted "The Taming of the Shrew" at least once over the past nine years without me noticing.

Greg from Perkasie, PA

Mike and Wes, not a question, but sincerely I hope you two thoroughly enjoy covering this draft in Green Bay. As Wes alluded, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I hope you can find time amongst the chaos to breathe it all in.

We will do our best. As always, we'll have wall-to-wall coverage all week long on packers.com, the Packers app and our social media accounts.

Bryan from Madison, WI

Though I know it is not the only one, I just saw a piece of clickbait projecting All-Pros and Pro Bowlers from the 2025 draft class. REALLY!? C'mon, man. As fun as it is to think about, treating that as anything other than a double-decker baloney sandwich with a side of ridiculous sauce is well...ridiculous. Are we there yet? Alas, I know we are not.

Soon, Bryan. Very soon.