Jerry from Des Moines, IA

Thanks so much, Shawshank Wes. Is there a chance the key to building the next Super Bowl winner is hidden in a tin box under a shiny black rock in a hayfield near Bushwood? Or should we stick with draft and develop and get the big guys early?

One strategy is probably more prudent than the other.

Steve from Charlotte, NC

Wes, I am a long-time reader and have not asked a question in many years. Big picture question, what was the most significant aspect each coach brought to the Packers' franchise beyond the two Super Bowls – Mike Holmgren, Mike Sherman, Mike McCarthy, and Matt LaFleur? I am now in my third year of remission from stage III (almost stage IV) cancer. I read the II, my Bible, and wrote devotionals during my time of chemotherapy treatments. Thank you for being a friend during that time.

My goodness, Steve. No, no, no…thank YOU for your readership. I'm happy to hear of your good health and pray your cancer stays in remission. I'd say Holmgren brought the West Coast offense, vision and unparalleled leadership. He also has one of the most impressive coaching trees in NFL history. Sherman was ahead of his time with how running backs are utilized. Ahman Green was a naturally gifted ball-carrier but became an all-around weapon in Sherman's offense. McCarthy helped develop Aaron Rodgers but also epitomized what it meant to be the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. I don't know if anyone has understood the deep connection between this organization and the community as well as McCarthy. LaFleur's story is still not fully written, but he brought an innovative offense to Green Bay that buoyed Rodgers' resurgence to an NFL MVP. LaFleur also has shepherded a pivotal to transition to Jordan Love under center.

John from Palmdale, CA

Very much agree with Jack about wanting consistency over explosiveness. Any points are the goal but long, time-consuming, multi-play drives wear out defenses and eat up the clock. Your thoughts, sir?

Just keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys. Hank Stram quotes aside, the object of the game is to wear down your opponent, but explosive plays factor into that, too. The best NFL offenses, and pass-catchers, can do it all. It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Jack from Chicago, IL

I agree with Jack from NC about the WR room, especially about a chain mover on third down. I know Christian Watson has the big-play, speed-guy stigma, but I felt last year he really was developing into a solid third-down, gotta-have-eight-yards kind of weapon. I can think of a few plays where he was showing up as a go-to-guy, not just a home run.

Indubitably. I feel that's where Watson shined in 2023, too, before aggravating his hamstring injury against Kansas City. Like I said at the end of the year, the only thing missing right now is that go-to target in end-of-game situations (e.g. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams). Many of these young receivers can do it. The only question is who's it gonna be when the game is on the line?

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Wes, if the Packers sign a player, say, by the name of Hardman? What would be his primary attraction: as a special-teams player or as a speedy WR?

The answer is "Yes." Versatility is the sun touching every corner of the football universe. Even if Keisean Nixon and Jayden Reed remain the primary returners on kickoffs and punts, respectively, it always helps to have depth. Offensively, Mecole Hardman has a toolset the Packers value in skill-position players. I'm excited to add him to the mix...reportedly.

Brian from Philadelphia, PA

I wouldn't place running back very high on the Packers' hierarchy of needs, but this draft class is allegedly deep and talented. Brian Gutekunst may be looking to add some lightning to Josh Jacobs' thunder. Have any of the RBs in this draft class caught your eye?

Honestly, I haven't spent a minute of time researching running backs. Never say never, I suppose, but I consider the Packers' backfield in good standing with Chris Brooks, Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd behind Jacobs.

Grant from Green Bay, WI

Mecole Hardman...kind of a surprise, huh? Sure, he'll take the load off Nixon for return duties, but he's a small speedster – at best, another gadget player – and not the tall perimeter guy we thought the Packers were looking for. Presuming the Packers are still searching for that perimeter WR this offseason, won't our WR room be a little crowded come late fall when Watson's healthy?

Many of you are thinking way too hard about this. We're not setting the 53 tomorrow. The Packers are bringing in Hardman to compete on both offense and special teams. He may fall into the category of "gadget" player, but he's also a low-risk, high-reward addition to a team that loves having options.

Bob from Fisher, IL

Hello Wes! I have been reading up on Aaron Banks, and I love the signing. Only 27 years, 6-foot-5, 325 pounds. Technically sound, not many penalties, and seems like a great fit for the locker room. He gives the Packers a solid veteran on the interior and hopefully will help bring out the best in all of them. The best part for me – I noticed in his signing photo he is a lefty. That surely makes him one of the best, correct? I have no scientific evidence to support this, but us lefties have to stick together!

A natural lefty at left guard, perhaps? What's not to love? Banks is not only a road-grading guard but also a veteran with big-game experience who knows how to handle massive expectations. The guy succeeded Quenton Nelson at Notre Dame. He fits right into what the Packers want to do up front.

Mark from Austin, TX

Thank you for the "Shawshank Redemption" quote! I like the signing of Hardman to fill Watson's speed position. Is he now the only player on the roster with a SB ring?

Zayne Anderson has one from his time in Kansas City. Brandon McManus, Matt Orzech and Robert Rochell (if re-signed) are the others with Super Bowl rings.

Tim from Clear Lake, IA

Sentimentally, AJ Dillon will be the hardest free agent to part with. But as I read through the list of players that have signed with other teams, it looks like we have lost several big contributors. Who do you think will leave the biggest hole or be most difficult to replace? I'm thinking T.J. Slaton. On the other hand, I am admiring of how Gutekunst keeps finding non-sexy but efficient FAs that fit into the Packers locker room. P.S. half-marathon this year?

Right now, it's Slaton for me. That's the one departure the Packers don't have a readymade (or signed) replacement. It's also one reason I hoped Jonathan Ford might stick around another year. However, free agency is still ongoing, and the draft is right around the corner. There's still plenty of time to beef up the D-line. And yes, one more half-marathon this year.

Dan from Kewanee, IL

The picture of the young boy beaming as he stands next to Jordan Love in frame No. 15 of the cleats distribution photo collection is priceless.

I hope to write a story on Love and his charitable endeavors here at some point. In his own way, Love has become the face of the franchise and I tip my cap to him for how he's found ways to give back to his new home.

Gary from Chippewa Falls, WI

Ted Thompson liked to draft four-year starters. Do you think the NIL has changed that philosophy?

It's getting more difficult because of how much shuffling college players are doing these days. Spoff, with quotes from Gutekunst, did a nice job of laying out the evolving scouting landscape in the post-NIL world earlier this month.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Now that mock drafts are everywhere, it's easy for fans to develop a "crush" on a certain player based on perceived availability. So…do you have a crush yet? Do you have a story of a past crush that either broke your heart or provided euphoria?

It's funny how the pre-draft game works. Like NFL GMs, I've had plenty of misses. I loved Lamar Jackson, Justin Jefferson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ryan Shazier and Creed Humphrey but also had the Packers drafting Treylon Burks, Ross Blacklock and Datone Jones. Prognostication is a tough game to play and none of us know what it's like to turn in the card while your team is on the clock. We act like we know, but we don't, especially as the draft wears on.

Dan from Inver Grove Heights, MN

Hi Wes, greetings from Zihuatanejo (well, Mexico anyway) where the missus and I are defrosting and contemplating who the right man might be to help the Packers get their project off the ground. Do you have any under-the-radar draft sleepers you're hoping might be hopping the bus to Green Bay?

Taylor Rogers and I filmed a Prospect Primer on Shemar Stewart Wednesday, and it only further intensified my love for the Texas A&M pass rusher.

Keith from Springfield, MO

Wes, do you have any idea/information that the GBP coaching staff may be concentrating on getting a "faster" start in games? The reason I ask is that a sportswriter recently commented on the necessity of the Pack to start scoring earlier than last season. Also, it seems that the Pack may have given up more scores early in the game.

Interesting. The Packers may not have been the fastest starting team in the NFL, but they did outscore opponents 108-41 in the first quarter. Getting off to a fast start is a priority, but other than aimless speculation, it's tough to gauge what Green Bay is emphasizing this offseason until LaFleur talks in Florida.

Jeff from New Richmond, WI

Just wondering if you have an opinion on where you think Aaron Rodgers will go, if at all? Seems the only two options left are New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I would think he would be looking for a team that has a solid O-line, run game and receivers/tight ends to work with, and a chance at the Super Bowl. And can he commit to all of training camp and offseason workouts? I am thinking either team, probably the Steelers more so would want a full commitment from him being it would only be for a year or two of service.

My preference is still for Rodgers to retire. I've lost count of how many times I've said that now. He's one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. I just don't see what's left to prove. If Rodgers is set on playing, however, Pittsburgh is the only place that makes sense to me. I get it would be a major ratings draw for Rodgers to sign with Minnesota, but I don't know how practical that really would have been. The New York Giants would make even less sense with the current makeup of their roster.

John from Palmdale, CA

IMHO(WCBW), the Packers have the best management team in football. Every year they put together competitive teams and do a great job building for the future. Like you guys said, the playoffs are a total crapshoot so all any organization can do is hope they get the breaks they need to get to the big game. More bites at the apple are the goal and we do that as well as anyone.

You must stay competitive in this league. It's non-negotiable. Even if you win a Super Bowl, you won't last unless you win consistently. Just ask Doug Pederson.

Dale from Prescott, WI

I saw the Lions proposed a seating change for the playoffs, using best records, not division winners, as criteria. That would make winning the division meaningless. Hope that doesn't pass.

I would not be in favor of the change. I like how winning your division guarantees a home playoff game. It makes all those division games mean something. One Lions proposal I can get behind is defensive holding and illegal contact no longer being an automatic first down. I think there needs to be a discussion about it.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

Good morning. The Madness officially begins today. We all know Shedeur Sanders will be picked most likely no later than No. 10 but what are the scouts saying about his brother, Shilo? Will he be drafted and where do you think what round? Does he have the skills to be serviceable for 5-6 years?

Shilo wasn't among the 329 players invited to the combine amidst reports of his shaky draft stock. Colorado's pro day is set for April 4, so there's still time for the 25-year-old safety to impress.

Dave from Waterford, WI

Where did the Packers get Nate Hobbs from?

I assume Austin Straubel.

Bob from Vigardolo, Italy

Wes, regarding Pablo from Turin's comment about the hour difference in posting II: we haven't switched to Daylight Savings time in Europe just yet. We will on March 30, and the team will be back posting at the usual 4 p.m. But, hey! At least your crew is very consistent, so there's that.

Y'all just couldn't let me give a little credit to the hard-working intern, huh? Never let facts get in the way of a nice compliment.

Joe from Swansea, IL

To be clear, I wasn't calling for a wholesale change in the II writing room — simply a (evidently not) jocular callback to Hod's joking interpretation of a correspondent's assertion the team's two biggest needs have not been met. Once we get a HOF edge rusher, and this generation's Herb Adderley, and a Ray Nitschke or two, then we'll address the writers. But we're watching. Always watching.

Ha. You're one of the good ones, Joe.

Dar from Mansfield, TX

Wes, to help with Marc from NJ's query, I hope I'm qualified to assign satisfaction levels for posts readers get published. Lori's and Margeaux's rankings may differ. 1.) Two posts, one day. Nothing tops the rare glory of "The Double." 2.) Header/subhead. Very humbling to essentially be the theme of the day. 3.) Poem/haiku. Dean dominates on these, so it's fun to sneak one in. 4.) Post mentioned by another reader. 5.) Closing post (ranks higher if it's hilarious). 6.) Regular post. All are an honor.

Having two published posts in one day is like becoming a two-weight world champion in UFC or boxing. It's where we separate the Inbox loyalists from the casual reader.

Dave from Hollywood, MD

March Madness gets tucked in between free agency and the draft. Here's hoping for a deep run by the Badgers. Also, keep your eye on Badgers women's hockey in the Frozen Four this weekend!

…Go Golden Eagles (and Badgers women's hockey).

Jim from Eau Claire, WI

"I don't know, but my contract doesn't say I have to get anyone ready to write." That's gold, Jerry! Gold!

Did I know what I was doing with that response? 'Course. Happy first round of the NCAA basketball tournament to those who celebrate.