Elgton Jenkins can play anywhere when given the reps

Wes Hodkiewicz

Tom from Keota, IA

Hi II crew. To wax less practical for a sec, the draft itself isn't part of baloney season, because it's one multi-day moment in the year when everything is going to be great. Life is hard, and everyone is pessimistic this century. But for three days, every name called is going to be a boon to their team, maybe a star. And we know it's not true, but we let ourselves believe it, just for a bit. No one has washed out, no one has been cut. Three days of dreaming. (Unless you're the Jets. Oh no!)

You have no idea how tempted I was to use "Everyone is pessimistic this century" as today's headline. But I stayed strong

Alyssa from Pleasant Hill, IA

Ready for the draft?

No, but give me another nine days or so.

Mike from Long Branch, NJ

The Inbox is always full of good stuff, Maynard! Do you think the young corps of receivers feel, like many of the Packers' faithful feel, that they underperformed last year? What specifically can they do in the offseason to improve for the upcoming season?

I'm sure they're disappointed, but there is neither a time machine nor a magic potion to remedy what happened in 2024. That's not what's needed, either. To me, Jordy said it best all those years ago when adversity strikes, all you can do is keep working and moving forward. That's all you can control and that's what these young guys are doing.Romeo Doubsis catching passes fromJordan Lovein California.Christian Watsonis busy in his rehab.Bo Meltonis putting out impressive workout videos and I'm sureJayden ReedandDontayvion Wicksare getting after it in Florida, too.

Matt from London, UK

I know everyone is excited about getting shiny new toys in the draft, but let's not forget about some of the almost unused toys from last year. Aside fromMarShawn Lloyd, who among the likes ofTy'Ron Hopper,Kitan OladapoandKalen Kingdo you think could have the biggest impact next season?

I'm very excited about Hopper. I was impressed with him in Denver (preseason) and don't think we've even scratched the surface with him yet. With a few exceptions, special teams have been a rite of passage for Packers inside linebackers. Hopper put the time in and is set to challenge for a role on defense.

Fred from Escanaba, MI

Do you see the Packers trading up or down in the first round or just taking the best available player?

I mean who's to say? Without knowledge of the draft board or how deep the Packers perceive the first round to be, I do wonder if this would be a year they trade up for a prospect they really like. All casual speculation on my part but that's how I feel.

Steve from Flagstaff, AZ

Hey II, do you guys get at your wit's end with all of us asking these crazy draft questions? I mean, you have to answer all draft questions about who, why, or why not before the draft and y'all don't have a clue on Brian Gutekunst's draft board. Given what you guys do, I can see why guys ask for time away. We do appreciate what you all do for us crazy rabid fans. On that note...with the 23rd pickthis could be a year again we trade down for more draft capital?

That's why I tend to favor the Packers moving from No. 23. Either there's a prospect they covet and move up for, or they acquire more assets for the 23rd pick if there's enough names left on the Round 1 board.

Randy from Gilbertville, IA

I loved yourProspect Primer on Matthew Golden, WR from Texas. He ran an impressive sub 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine. With Christian Watson's availability next season uncertain, he would help fill a possible void and with his speed stretch the field. ("I feel the need, the need for speed!") He also has experience returning kickoffs. I think he would look good in Green and Gold(en). Do you think he will still be around at No. 23?

Golden could be, though Lance Zierlein has him going to Dallas at No. 12 in his most recent mock draft. The closer we get to the draft, the more I like Golden. If the Packers think Golden plays bigger than his listed size, I think he could add a lot to the receiving corps. The same goes for Tetairoa McMillan. If those two guys happen to be there when Green Bay goes on the clock, Gutekunst will have an interesting decision to make.

Bill from Raleigh, NC

Hi II, I was looking at a mock draft last night and by the time our No. 23 pick came along all the premiere "edge" guys were taken. It's a stale II comment to say, "In Gutey we trust," but he's never been able to draft or sign a great pass rusher. Aaron Donald was 13th because he was considered "small" at 6-1. Jason Pierre-Paul was 15th. Their teams got HOF bargains, but that's still not No. 23. As little Wes Hodkiewicz asks: "How are we going to get a great pass rusher?"

Bill, I love you but what on Vince's green earth are you talking about? He's never been able to draft or sign a great pass rusher? Gutekunst acquired Za'Darius and Preston Smith andRashan Garyduring a transformative 2019 offseason. As much as fans have talked aboutLukas Van Nessthis offseason, hardly anyone mentions the growthBrenton Cox Jr.showed last year. So, I respectfully disagree.

Jake from Oshkosh, WI

Now that we officially knowElgton Jenkinsis moving to center, what are your thoughts on his future in his new position? He was/is a phenomenal left guard and keep hearing big praise and predictions he'll have huge success at center. I'm hoping and have a much better feeling about our OL with this year's offseason changes. Thank you!

Jenkins can play anywhere when given the repsand often even without them. As Jenkins digs his teeth into center, I think you'll see the All-Pro player the Packers believe he can be. What Jenkins accomplished in Corey Linsley's stead in 2020 remains one of the more impressive things I've seen on the Packers' beat. He filled in three games without working center at all and didn't skip a beat.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

If you could send any Packers player, past or present, to space to take silly zero-G photos on the International Space Station, who would you send and why?

Carrington Valentine. That should require no explanation if you know anything about C.V.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Tyler Davisis an unrestricted free agent. Any updates on him? Does he have a chance to make the roster? He has fallen on hard luck. Sure would love to see him on the team this fall.

It seems like everything is trending in the right direction for Davis with his rehab. I'd love to see Davis back, but that's a football decision. The room got slightly more congested on Tuesday with the re-signing ofJohn FitzPatrick, though.

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Tom from Nolanville, TX

Hey guys, here's a couple Taco Tuesday-inspired questions for you. Considering recent years' performances and GMs who may be on the hot seat, which fanbase, in your opinion, might be most desperate to get wet this week by a big splash trade....and why? Any idea how many teams are draft and develop vs. revolving door, like Chicago QBs?

It's probably Joe Schoen in New York. The Giants need a splash after letting Saquon Barkley leave for a rival andXavier McKinneyturning in an All-Pro season with Green Bay. Indianapolis' Chris Ballard is up there, too. The Colts have just two wild-card appearances in his eight seasons.

Jerry from Rockford, IL

Good morning Insiders. Is anybody else excited for this draft like never before? It's been mentioned that guaranteed contracts should be a thing, me personally I would rather see performance-based contracts. The better you play the more you make. Am I the only one that feels this way? And by the way, Go Pack Go.

It's called unrestricted free agency.

Beau from Indianapolis, IN

One item that hasn't been addressed considering the removal of the chain gang is losing the ball carrier nearing the sideline and reaching the ball out to get that little extra in front of the first-down marker. Are they going to still have something there to help the players know where they need to cross to get the first down?

They're still going to be down there but only in case of emergency. The players will still see the sticks.

Ryan from Rosemount, MN

Another fun hypothetical from yesterday's question about the draft. Would the NFL ever get full access to all 32 teams' draft rooms, phone calls, conversations, etc. and document it, with the catch being they wouldn't release it until years later when none of the executives calling the shots are working in the NFL? Not sure if anyone would care to look at a draft 20 years later, but I'm guessing the NFL could make it interesting for fans to see.

I doubt it. Even if it was mandated, what you'll see on TV won't be an accurate depiction of an NFL draft room.

Josh from Seattle, WA

The Super Bowl is not going to land on Presidents' Day weekend! Presidents' Day is going to land on Super Bowl weekend!

It's the NFL's world, man. I'm just an ant climbing up a cold mountain.

Tom from River Falls, WI

Hi guys. After the draft, will we be able to look up players in the Prospect Primer? Is there a place to find that in packers.com? You guys do a great job on those Primers. Wes is there another way to pronounce your last name? Polish question.

Coincidentally, Pa Hod and I say our last name differently. He favors the Polish pronunciation "Hod-Kay-Vitch" (like former Twins first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz) over the more phonetical way I do. The Primers are available today, tomorrow and after the draft on theProspect Primer sectionembedded inside the video tab on packers.com.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Thinking backwards (not an uncommon occurrence in the Inbox), which of these position groups are least likely to be added into during next week's draft? Running back, tight end, safety or specialist (PK, LS, P)? Thanks.

Definitely specialist, but I'd be slightly surprised if the Packers drafted a running back, too. It's a deep class, but I'd leverage that depth to draft other positions that fall to you.

TK from Grafton, WI

Am I the only one that noticed three straight Pauls in the Inbox yesterday? Northglenn, Ledgeview, and Nevada City gotta be crazy proud! OK, enough of that. Let's get back to how long a player's arms have to be to go in the first round!

I gotta find a way to humor myself in the heart of baloney season.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

As both a NASCAR fan and NFL fan, I wouldn't mind at all if the Super Bowl was on the same day. I'd watch both, no problem. The only problem I can see is in years when FOX televises the race and the game. Then, start times might become an issue. But otherwise, I'd be parked in my recliner from the start of the race till the end of the game.

And I hope it's the comfiest day of recliner-filling possible, sir. When the dust settles, I'm confident the networks will find a way to generate the most revenue as possible from those two premium events.

Jeff from Green Bay, WI

Hey Wes, I'm wondering what parakeet owners use now that hardly anyone gets a newspaper these days. P.S. I sure miss having a newspaper in my hands.

Old Inbox columns printed on recycled paper?

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

Based upon the description to Steve from Cedar Falls, it sounds like someone HAS seen the inside of the war room. Quit holding out on us! What name is already at the top of our board?

Some guy named "Player."

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

If we draft a WR in the first round, I think Wes should have to sew his head to the carpet. Spoff gets to film it, and Larry is there for play-by-play. How about that for a "Three Guys"?

Sounds more like "Saw 14."

Neill from Hot Springs Village, AR

More of a comment than a question: With all the football pundits and their mock drafts, I'm throwing my hat in the ring. I think the Packers should trade to pick at the No. 88 spot and choose either a running back or a wide receiver.

Why are you the way that you are?

Matt from Janesville, WI

With regards to Walter Nolen being smallish? Not really. I believe that Aaron Donald was 6-foot-1 and about 280. He was pretty good.

Walter Nolen has a unique build for an interior defensive tackle is what I should've said. But yes, thank you for pulling out the greatest example ever of an undersized NFL defensive tackle as evidence in your argument.

Nhoj from Waterloo, WI

Wes, I'm trying to figure out if "Gotta alotta" is a new competitor to Lotzza Mozza pizza, a new TD celebration dance (and what it might look like), or a great new catchphrase I might start using.

Or maybe all the above?

Wendy from Winneconne, WI

On draft week, will "Three Things" be beer, brats and curds?

The new BBC.

Markus from Aurora, CO

Insiders, today is Tax Day. Don't come crying to me now. I warned you now for a while even if my comments were not always posted. File an extension (which is an extension to file, not an extension to pay). And listen up: There is no extension for the draft. Be ready or be eaten!

Death. Taxes. Draft. Have a good Tuesday.

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