Dario from Novi Marof, Croatia
Vic, not considering the quarterback position, which teams have the strongest rosters in the league? Where would the Packers be in that case?
I think the Cardinals have an especially strong roster; I've been of that opinion for more than a few years. The Packers have the kind of roster I love and respect because it favors youth.
Roger from Auburn, CA
Vic, do you think the Packers intend to fill all of their defensive needs from the draft?
I think they intend to address their needs on defense, but I think they know it's unrealistic to expect to fill them all. If they can find a rookie or two that can make an immediate impact, they'll be ahead of the curve. It's from the last few years' rookie classes the Packers hope to address their needs on defense. We're talking about players who've been in the system and have had a chance to develop their skills.
Brett from Green Bay, WI
Vic, some teams have been starting off the season sluggishly the last few years. Has this always happened, or do you think the new CBA is causing more slow starts?
I think the new CBA, which eliminated two-a-days, and the reluctance to play starters in the preseason, has caused the September product to be less than NFL caliber.
Scott from Appleton, WI
Vic, having the Badgers advance reminded me "March Madness" is the only sports competition resembling the crunch-time rush I feel when watching my favorite sport, the NFL. All other major sports have the seventh-game scenario, which pales in comparison. Single elimination is a beautiful thing.
In my opinion, "March Madness" has become the signature event in college sports.
Maximillian from Sydney, Australia
Vic, has there been any memorable moments when a team has drafted a player in the first round who may have been projected to go in the fourth round?
A lot of draftniks thought the Broncos did that when they drafted Tim Tebow.
Ross from Hudson, WI
Vic, during your career covering the NFL, which moments defined the turnover or transition to new eras of the game?
The first one was the weekend of Dec. 23, 1972. The playoff games that weekend included the "Immaculate Reception" and the Cowboys' fourth-quarter rally in San Francisco. That weekend launched pro football to a higher level. In my opinion, that weekend made pro football America's favorite sport. The games that weekend were blacked out in the markets in which they were played, and it created a furor that resulted in the 1973 Act of Congress by which the NFL still largely abides. The second major turning point was the rules changes of 1978. They gave us the game that's played today. No. 3 is the advent of unrestricted free agency and the salary cap era in 1993, both of which worked in concert to change the game forever.
Eli from Village of Superior, WI
Vic, what do you think about Dennis Dodd throwing an absolute fit over Aaron Rodgers not wanting to be interviewed after a basketball game he was watching as a fan?
As soon as I saw the TV camera catch Aaron Rodgers at Saturday's game, I knew he'd be a subject in today's column. I don't know why we have to make a big deal out of every little thing, but I knew somebody would.
Joe from Bloomington, IN
Vic, what does Tony Pauline think of Jaquiski Tartt?
Tony doesn't like mixed drinks.
Jeremy from Garden Prairie, IL
What positions, besides QB, typically are drafted before BAP because of a team's perceived need?
Pass rushers are probably the most over-drafted players.
Rob from Green Bay, WI
I just watched Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith tear the Packers apart for not grabbing any free agents this offseason. What do you and Ted Thompson know they don't?
They don't seem to understand the Packers' philosophy for the acquisition and development of talent. It's been successful.
Alen from Tilburg, The Netherlands
Vic, what do you think about going for two from the one-and-a-half yard line?
If I was a coach, I would seriously consider creating a two-point package that would feature an option quarterback.
Pete from Crystal Lake, IL
What was the reasoning behind limiting the draft to seven rounds? It used to run through 12 rounds.
When I began covering the NFL, the draft was 17 rounds long. The players and owners negotiated the seven-round draft; it was part of the CBA that ushered in free agency. Obviously, the players wanted to limit the number of rookies coming into the league, for the purpose of promoting free agency. Very little is done unilaterally in this league. The owners and players are involved in a partnership.
James from Liverpool, UK
If the draft is more or less a case of picking the name at the top of your board, why do teams take so long to make a pick?
What's the rush? Maybe teams are waiting for a call from another team wanting to make a trade.
Taylor from Temecula, CA
Vic, do you think Wisconsin can win it all? They look pretty impressive.
That is a wonderful, wonderful basketball team that is superbly coached. I marvel at that team's ability to shoot the basketball. Bo Ryan built a team for how it plays and for where it plays. I think they can win. Kentucky is the ultimate challenge, but I think Wisconsin can beat anybody anywhere.
Tim from Spokane, WA
Has your inbox begun to reveal this year's Ha Ha?
The group of inside linebacker prospects are this year's Ha Ha.
Bob from Green Bay, WI
Vic, are you as tired as me of all the talking heads and endless analysis there is today in professional sports?
It's in all sports, especially "March Madness". I think we spend too much time on analysis and not enough time on the event.
