Bram from Colorado Springs, CO
Vic, can you give an example of a team that drafted a QB, developed him and never played for that team but went on to be a great QB for another?
Mark Brunell.
Jim from Grafton, WI
In Monday's column, you answered a question about safeties being centerfielders by saying a single-high safety "has the speed and instincts to cover." What do you mean by instincts? I wrote about journalists' use of instinct in 1989, and I am wondering how you're using the concept.
A safety with instinct feels the play developing. He sees the quarterback look to his right and knows he's being looked off. He pictures the route tree and understands where the ball is designed to go. He feels body language and knows how to interpret it.
John from Bozeman, MT
Mel Kiper likes the Jake Ryan pick. Does this validate or invalidate the pick?
What's not to like? Frankly, Ryan reminds me a little of A.J. Hawk. By the way, the hate Kiper thing is kind of trite and worn out. He was sensational this past weekend. He's the best. He blew them all away.
Bob from Seattle, WA
Vic, first, I loved our draft, but how can anyone say we took the BAP? We needed corners, special teams and an ILB. QB was the only BAP.
We really need to let this go. I don't understand what the big deal is. A man of integrity stands up in front of us and explains in great detail why he is committed to taking the best player available, and we respond with some obsessive need to prove he's lying. It's starting to chafe me.
Max from Victor, ID
Vic, why does Ted Thompson always have to pick project players, players that will need to switch positions, or have played more basketball than football? Why can't we pick a cornerback who is going to be a cornerback, or an inside linebacker who is going to be an inside linebacker?
You find football players where you find football players. How many teams in the league wouldn't trade rosters with the Packers? Think about that.
Kevin from Minneapolis, MN
Vic, overall it was a good draft for Green Bay, but I would have loved to have had Malcom Brown. I think Rollins would have been enough to give depth to the secondary. Hopefully, the run defense holds up.
When Brown was available when the Packers went on the clock, I was sure he would be the pick. Of course, I knew absolutely nothing about Damarious Randall because, in my mind, he was a safety and the Packers didn't need a safety. What we must accept is the Packers had a higher grade on Randall than they had on Brown. It's just that simple.
Karl from Green Bay, WI
Vic, what is your opinion of Mike McCarthy's beard? Is this a new look this offseason to turn the page completely?
My first reaction was to recall the "Is that a new look for you?" moment in Minnesota last season.
Andy from Watertown, WI
James Jones back in green and gold. Could it happen?
The Packers have a lot of young receivers. They need playing time to develop. You don't get better by retracing your steps. Developing young talent is how this team has stayed on top as long as it has. Once upon a time, Jones was one of those young players. When was the last time the Packers lost a player in free agency and it hurt them? Just draft, baby.
David from Fort Atkinson, WI
I agree a thumper and a chase ILB is a great combo to have. Do we have it without pulling Pro Bowl pass rushers off the edge?
I think the answer is yes. Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan are thumpers, and I'm going to be interested to see if Carl Bradford can be that chase guy. He impressed me last summer as someone with a high motor. He was a playmaker in college. That's what a chase guy does; he makes plays.
Richard from Yankton, SD
Looking back, Vic, you now see who was left on the board. What are your first- and second-round picks?
I would've probably picked Malcom Brown and Paul Dawson. Why? Because those were players we knew and had discussed in the weeks leading up to the draft. They were on our radar. So what does it say that I knew nothing about Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins? It says I'm not qualified to make those picks. You have to know everybody. You can't just focus on a few players.
Kevin from Santa Fe, NM
I enjoyed the draft. I'm excited to see what Jake Ryan will be able to do at ILB for the Packers. I see him as a just-as-athletic Clay Matthews.
Easy, now, easy.
Jeff from Loves Park, IL
Vic, what do you believe caused Ryan to fall to the fourth round?
Generally speaking, that's where you find inside linebackers.
Ken from Long Beach, CA
Vic, do you expect any of the draft class to start on opening day against the Bears?
I don't. I think that would be an unrealistic expectation, but if there's one guy that could, it would be Ryan because of the opportunity that exists at that position.
Chuck from Horicon, WI
I love your "Video Ask Vic" because when you show your first taste of coffee on your video, it reminds me of my first taste of my coffee in the morning.
I can't get that music out of my head. It's haunting me day and night. I hum "Hail to the Victors" just to stop thinking about that "Video Ask Vic" song.
Barry from Hayward, WI
Vic, I don't understand why a team strictly practicing BAP would ever trade up or down in the draft. Could you explain?
*No, I won't explain. Please, let it go. This BAP stuff is as bad as that "Video Ask Vic" song. *
Steve from Preston, UK
Vic, I think I get it. Ted Thompson must secretly read your column for advice. He got worried that too many people were calling you GM Vic, so he decided to throw a curveball and draft a load of players you'd never mentioned. Put you back in your place.
GM Vic? That's a joke. Of the Packers' eight draft picks, I only knew two of them going into the draft.
Ross from New Berlin, WI
Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
I believe in fate.
Dale from Kettering, OH
What does Tony Pauline think about the guys the Packers got as a group?
**
I asked my man Tony. Here's what he said: "Some really good choices. I love Damarious Randall. I'm just surprised they took him off Ha Ha," Tony said. I then informed him the Packers are going to play Randall at cornerback. "I'm glad to hear that. He can play. He can cover," Tony said. About Rollins: "He's got a high upside. Very athletic. Silky smooth. Did not look out of place last year. He's got to polish his technique. He's good with the potential to be outstanding." Montgomery: "An enigma is the best way to describe him. Looks the part. Will flash. If he plays to his ability every down, you're going to have an every-down No. 2 receiver and kick returner." Ryan: "Terrific football player. Real mean, nasty, instinctive football player. Moved around so he never settled in at one position. You'll have a starter on the inside." Hundley: "Great physical skills but inconsistent mechanics. That's the coach to go to. Perfect player for their system." Ripkowski: "Terrific triple-threat fullback. Nasty blocker. Terrific out of the backfield and can also be used as a short-yardage runner." Ringo: "Explosive short-area guy. I don't know how he fits in a three-man front." Backman: "Could be a sleeper. Terrific athletic that can get down the field."**
Adam from Green Bay, WI
We didn't get any jars this draft. That is odd; what do you think about that?
I can't remember covering a draft that didn't include an offensive lineman. What does that say about the Packers' opinion of the depth on their offensive line?
Jared from Wichita, KS
Who is the Packers' best steal of this draft?
Tony thinks it might be Kennard Backman. I didn't even know he was in the draft.
