Doug from Neenah, WI
Good morning, Wes. We've seen and heard the first round of the draft get over-analyzed ad nauseum. Or as Festus Haggen said in a 1966 episode of Gunsmoke, "Upside down and backwards, crosswise and sidewise." As a breath of fresh air, how about if Mike and Wes give us their picks for the Packers' three seventh-round draft choices? The field should be wide open with players ranked around 200 to 300-plus. I've already got my three longshot sleepers picked out. Thanks much for all you do 24/7/365.
Hey, I got the B.J. Coleman pick right in 2012!
David from Sheridan, WY
Based on website pictures, Mason Crosby is constantly with Pat O'Donnell. Do you think Crosby was quick to start building chemistry with his new holder?
As we learned on Wednesday, O'Donnell is currently living in Crosby's basement. If that doesn't make you close, nothing will. In all seriousness, Crosby and O'Donnell knew each other from the Green Bay-Chicago series and NFLPA meetings. So, the ice has already been broken in that regard. But I don't think the situation with Crosby and O'Donnell is any different than the other position players getting to know each other better during the offseason program. This is where it all starts.
Brian from Rochester, NY
I'm sure I'm not the only one, but I really enjoy the draft and looking at potential players the Packers might pick. There are ones I really like and then the draft comes along, and Brian Gutekunst makes a trade or selects someone complete off my radar. Sometimes it raises questions or feels like a reach at first. To be honest, I kind of enjoy that part of the draft, too, knowing this staff puts so much into the draft. Who is a player you think would be a "surprise" to many if they were selected at No. 22 or 28?
I'm not going down the player route, but the biggest realistic surprises would be on the O-line or at safety. I wouldn't categorize either position as a "need" like I would receiver or edge rusher, but those spots could be in play in the first round if the right player is available. You can never have enough offensive linemen (see: 2021 season) and the Packers currently don't have a safety under contract for 2023.
Will from Milwaukee, WI
I loved Mike's dream scenario answer for the first four picks. And although I would cheer for those positions drafted, it instantly made me think of Vic. You NEVER want the other teams to draft a better player because you reached for a need. If the BAP has potential as a monster middle linebacker, don't take an offensive tackle. Regardless of what the roster looks like today, it will be different with time, and you take the best player available. In Gute we trust!
That's very true, but you also start to wonder why a certain player begins to fall in the draft. Every team is trying to get the best player for the best value. That's why Green Bay builds, and trusts, its board. Because how something looks to you and me might not be how it appears in the draft room.
Jeffrey from Eveleth, MN
If Sammy Watkins can't wear No. 14, at least give him No. 4 so it is close.
I was thinking more like No. 1.
Rick from Trempealeau, WI
I thought about doing "Tremp from Rickealeau" just go get Lori's attention. Anyway, in your opinion, where does Malik Taylor fit in? He's not mentioned often but he appears to have the ball skills, speed and acumen and has improved every season so far. Maybe not quite a starter yet, but neither was Davante Adams at this point in his career. I think he might be a starter on many other teams.
Taylor is right in the thick of things but it's going to be a healthy competition at receiver for both roster spots and starting roles this summer. It's going to make for a very compelling preseason.
Steve from Wichita, KS
Deebo wants to be traded. Would you be calling SF and seeing what's up? To me, of the WRs talked about GB trading for, he best fits our system.
As these questions started to come in, I envisioned that meme where the guy is looking at another girl while his (presumed) girlfriend appears shocked and disgusted in the background. That's some of y'all with Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf right now.
Dennis from Parrish, FL
Aaron Nagler says don't believe ANY rumors you hear during "Disinformation" week!
Aaron is a smart man.
Shawn from Kissimmee, FL
Since there's time to play the hypothetical game, what are your thoughts about making a move for Deebo?
It makes sense. Because that's what you want to hear, right? Every fanbase in the NFL wants to hear Deebo Samuel to its team makes sense. So much so those fans couldn't care less whether it's true or even being reported at all. All they need is somebody, somewhere, saying it makes sense and that's good enough for them. I couldn't care less. Enjoy your fantasies. But inevitably, when a trade doesn't happen, that's when we get the crowd with the torches screaming about how the Packers didn't acquire the latest flavor of the month. I get it. People want clicks and views, and Deebo is a hot topic, so naturally this question is going to be asked and answered more times than it has any right to be. Unfortunately, I deal in reality. If I wanted to dabble in rumor, I would've applied at US Weekly. Show me a credible report about the Packers being interested in Samuel and I'll gladly discuss it. Otherwise, kindly return to the gossip section of the classroom. I don't have time for this.
Dave from Germantown, TN
I see the Packers have interviewed Christian Watson (NDSU) and Isiah Weston (UNI) before the draft. My original dream draft was Burks and Pickens, but I am leaning towards Watson and Weston. Combined with Sammy Watkins, do you think this receiver group could create utter confusion among game announcers?
There have been quite a few Sammy Watson submissions this week that made me chuckle.
Vince from Irvine, CA
Wes, what's your favorite position on the football field? Your reasoning can be whatever you want; favorite to see drafted, favorite to watch during a play, favorite to follow during a breakout season, favorite to daydream yourself playing while watching Mike eat your lunch – the choice is yours. Mine is running back, how every season some RB drafted in the late rounds ends up as a top 10 back in the league.
Shutdown cornerback. This is the ultimate team game, but there's something special about a top cornerback having to guard a top receiver one-on-one without a tight rope. That's why those positions are commanding big bucks right now.
Susanne from Eustace, TX
So wonderful to see you gentlemen back in studio! What's the odds that the Packers draft Treylon Burks? My husband is ready to hire him to help with our feral hog problem on our ranch (they're tearing the land and everything on it up)!
Spoff is sitting next to the conductor aboard the Burks train, so I'm assuming the Packers won't draft him.
Gary from Elk Grove, CA
Green Bay is now on the clock at No. 22. Treylon Burks, Nakobe Dean and George Karlaftis are still on the board. Who would you take and why?
I like Karlaftis but I'd go with Burks here. He's the best player available at a position of need for the Packers. Burks has the size, speed and backstory to become an immediate fan favorite in Green Bay. I take him if he's available at 22.
Joe from Wausau, WI
Starting to look like the schedule will again not be released until after the draft. Is that the new normal?
I know it's not great for fans looking to book trips but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like having the schedule release in May. From a coverage standpoint, it always felt out of order going from free agency to the schedule release and then back to the NFL Draft.
Patrick from Folly Beach, SC
II, my wife has tolerated and often encouraged my GBP obsession. She knows very little about the sport itself. Yet she has made many fresh and keen observations about the game. My question is, has any spouse or family members ever given you a fresh perspective on the team or sport?
My wife is not a football person and I'm eternally grateful for that. I live, breathe and regurgitate football. Don't get me wrong – I love what I do but usually the last thing I want to do when I walk through the door is talk about football. We all need our escapes.
Mathias from Leverkusen, Germany
Regarding the question about drafting a kicker, didn't the Packers sign Dominik Eberle in the offseason?
They did. The Packers also still have JJ Molson, whom they carried on the practice squad all last season. Rich Bisaccia told reporters last week Green Bay likely will bring two kickers into training camp. So, in a way, that competition is already off and running.
Sonny from Tucson, AZ
Football is an incredibly hard and painful game to play even without the 10 degrees and/or snow in Green Bay. Have you ever become aware of a former Packers player who didn't want to play in GB after being drafted because he just didn't like playing in such extreme conditions?
I'm sure there are some picks who weren't thrilled about it, but I don't recall anyone flat-out saying they don't want to play here. To be fair, winning on a perennial basis has a way of warming the mind, body and soul.
Hal from Lanesboro, MN
By specialists in the positions excluded answer, are you also counting long snapper? By my view, a definite need after last season.
I could see the Packers adding another long snapper next weekend to compete with Steven Wirtel, but they may not use a draft pick to do it. Pittsburgh's Cal Adomitis was the only long snapper invited to the combine and is considered either a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
Jeff from Oceanside, CA
Gene of Oconto Falls asked if this year is the most picks the Packers have ever held in a draft. It isn't even close. From 1943-47, the draft was 32 rounds. Twice in those years, the Packers drafted 30 players.
I bet Curly and his coaches needed a cold sarsaparilla after that marathon was complete.
Lori from Brookfield, WI
Wes, you are the digital storyteller extraordinaire. Is there any chance you could click your heels three times, go to Kansas, write about Jordy Nelson, and update us on his life? (If clicking your heels and going to Kansas are too hard, a phone call is acceptable.)
I have a small notebook with stories I'd like to explore at some point, but opportunities are often few and far between. Every day, there are words that must be written on this website and only two Packers employees responsible for it.
Jeff from Omaha, NE
I saw some of the USFL games last weekend, anyone else? Do you think any of their experimental rules (electronic spotting of the ball, going for three points after a TD, fourth-and-12 instead of onside kick...) stand a chance at being adopted by the NFL? Which quirk is most intriguing?
I watched a quarter of the Michigan-Houston game. It was interesting. My favorite moment was when the Gamblers' right tackle was called for a false start on back-to-back plays. My favorite quirk was the drone cameras. I don't think those would fly (pardon the pun) in the NFL, but it made the game more interesting.
Mark from San Antonio, TX
Good morning II! Is there a go-to pre-draft meal that you partake in? Something that doesn't make you drowsy and pairs well with a frosty-mugged root beer?
My body is a temple. So, yeah, whatever greasy pizza is being served in media dining works for me.
Andrew from Minneapolis, WI
Hey II, I wanted to say thank you for your work. I think you mean more to people than you may realize! Is there anyone working behind the scenes on the II that you both would like to give a shoutout to? Keep up the great work!
Jen Brien, our digital intern who pulls the photos, uploads our column and posts it to packers.com every morning. She is the motor that powers this vehicle six days a week. I'll be here for as long as she's here.
Bill from Wilmington, DE
Wes, with a week to go before the draft, I wanted to remind you of the idea I had that you were considering. A sort of Outsider Inbox where we make our predictions on the Packers' first- and second-round picks and you post them a day or two before the draft. It would be pretty cool to see the variety and quality of the predictions.
Deal. Send them in next Wednesday (April 27) and I'll post before the first round of the draft next Thursday.
Mike from Cascade, ID
Hi II, what's with the negative comments recently from "fans"? What: 39 wins in three seasons and back-to-back HOF QBs since 1992 aren't enough? If you're only satisfied with a Super Bowl win, you might be the type of person whose financial plan is winning the lottery. Playoff losses are tough but being one or two plays away from the Super Bowl gives me hope. To be a true fan is to believe. Don't stop believin'.
My grandfather was a lifelong Cubs fan. My family has letters he wrote to my grandmother while he was serving overseas during World War II, talking about his love for the Cubs and his undying hope that "This is their year." He lived his entire life without seeing them win a World Series, but not once did I ever hear him complain about it. Because listening to Cubs games brought him happiness and fulfillment on otherwise boring Thursday afternoons. You play for the Super Bowl and you're disappointed if you fall short. That's totally justified. But if that disappointment makes you lose sight of the joy fandom has brought you, then you're missing the plot – in football and in life.
