The Packers are part of this football planets inner core

Wes Hodkiewicz

Chris from Delafield, WI

The media in general talk largely of the offseason acquisition of players in terms of each team's needs. The Packers' front office has long insisted on the importance of drafting the best player available. I remember hearing Jack Vainisi saying "best player available" in the "Legacy" videos. Is there a parallel to free agent acquisitions, or is free agency different enough from the draft that the team's strategy is significantly different?

I don't know if I fully understand what you're asking, but the Packers are out to find the best players regardless of whether they come through free agency or the draft. I suppose an argument could be made the Packers sign unrestricted free agents based on perceived "needs," but sometimes it's bringing in anAaron Banks, Marcedes Lewis orKeisean Nixonwho just make your entire team better regardless of the depth at their respective positions. As many resources as Green Bay devotes to the draft, it also has a pro personnel department constantly surveying the NFL landscape in search of the best available players, regardless of position, based on its scouts' eyes.

Hank from Centennial, CO

When draftingSavion Williams, do you think Brian Gutekunst and Co. had visions of Taysom Hill dancing in their heads? Williams had some success taking direct snaps at TCU. I doubt the Packers would want to take the ball out ofJordan Love's hands very often but having another ball-handler who could do a lot of things, including perhaps hitting an open receiver, is a nice addition to the toolbox that could complicate the picture for the opposition.

The Packers have done it before withDontayvion Wicks, who completed a 14-yard pass to Aaron Jones on his lone NFL pass. In the end, however, I think Gutekunst saw a talented receiving prospect whom the Packers feel could blossom into something special in Matt LaFleur's offense. It'll be fascinating to see how Green Bay uses Williams, who was apt at doing so many different things at TCU.

Gary from Denver, CO

Wes, your reference in "8 things to know about Packers' 2025 draft class" onAnthony Belton's pancake blocks brought back memories, and not good ones. The last time I recall a lot of pancake block superlatives was when the Pack drafted Tony Mandarich. Here's hoping there's no jinx with this draft pick.

Respectfully, I think your worry is a bit of a stretch. You're talking about a man once billed as the greatest offensive line prospect ever. But the reasons for Mandarich's downfall are pretty well-documented (and somewhat telegraphed). All Belton can do is excel against the competition he was givenand he did. The NFL is an obvious step up, but the potential is real.

John from Jupiter, FL

Morning Wes. Can you recall if you felt more excited after last year's draft or this one? Thanks.

It's comparable based on how young these rosters have been. I will say over my 13 years covering this team on a full-time basis that this is the most excited I've been to see how big a jump this team can make. Promising youngsters are becoming established veterans.

Ted from Findlay, OH

With the discussions on depth at position groups, I got to thinking about the positions that rarely have true depth. Given that, who backs up our placekicker, punter and long snapper? I am guessing that many punters could placekick in a pinch, but on the depth chart, who were the backups to these positions last season?

Kickers and punters often back each other up (Remember Mason Crosby punting in place of JK Scott a few preseasons ago when Scott had tightened up?). The Packers usually have a designated backup long snapper, but I no longer know who that person is. During the latter half of Mike McCarthy's tenure as head coach, Ryan Taylor and Don Barclay backed up Brett Goode.

Scott from Sauk City, WI

So, you're telling me that not only does an NFL GM have to think five seasons ahead in regard to his roster, but the head coach also has to think five years ahead for his coaching staff? There are too many moving pieces in this puzzle.

It's not that complicated. The rolodex kind of writes itself with how small the football world can be, especially once you put a successful foundation in place. LaFleur's done that several times over during his six-plus years in Green Bay and it's not all on him, either. For example, Jeff Hafley's connection to new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington began with the New England Patriots and Boston College dropping by each other's practices from time to time.

Dan from Waupun, WI

I will be at the Dec. 20 game. Like Clay said, "THE BEARS STILL SUCK!"

Who doesn't love a little Saturday football in December?

Rich from Grand Rapids, MI

It will be very interesting to watch Ben Johnson and the Bears this year. Johnson earned his reputation as a game-planner and play-caller, but his success always came with a veteran QB (much like Jon Gruden years ago). Game planning and calling plays require a different skill set than molding a young talent into an NFL QB. Lots of parallels here with MLF (inheriting Aaron Rodgers, developing Love) and Johnson (Jared Goff vs. Caleb Williams) two talented play-callers developing young QBs.

Well, it's all on Johnson's shoulders now. Chicago can be a pressure-cooker and he's thrown a little petrol on the bonfire with his interviews this offseason. Words are great to fire up your fanbase, but at the end of the day, the game is played on the field.

Derek from Lexington, KY

In regards to which NFC North team has the best offense, is it too much to hope that the Lions regress without Johnson, but also Johnson (and Chicago's offseason additions) aren't enough to make the Bears any better?

It's plausible, especially in an extremely competitive division like the NFC North. Johnson isn't only a play-caller now. He's responsible for the whole ship while Dan Campbell's Lions have new play-callers on both sides of the ball. Those are some seismic shifts around the Great Lakes.

Matt from Greensboro, NC

Thinking on the questions about teams being sold and required three-fourths owners agreement, ever get a feel for how the owners feel about us not having a traditional owner? For, against, indifferent? I wonder if anyone with really deep pockets has had their lawyers send quiet inquiries about whether the team could be bought? Yes, bylaws, so no. But enough money solves everything.

No one thinks about it. Pondering the Packers' ownership structure is to question the very existence of the NFL itself. Some things simply aren't for sale. This team is not a rock on this league's surface. The Green Bay Packers are part of this football planet's inner core.

Neil from Tunbridge Wells, UK

Does the NFL set a limit on how many consecutive games a team can play at home or away? Could a team play two home games, have a bye week and then play two more home games straight after?

I don't know of any specific rules about how long home stands/road trips can last, but it seems like the NFL polices that part of scheduling well. Competitive fairness is one thing, but you also want a relatively balanced schedule for the fans paying their hard-earned cash to watch live.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning. The much-hyped 2025 regular-season schedule release is due out this week. Will they also announce the dates and times for preseason games? Thanks.

I definitely think we'll know the preseason slate, but I'm not sure on game times.

Joe from Swansea, IL

What's your best guess on Ireland? Over/under on primetime games for the Pack? Lastly: Will you guys get to spend the holiday(s) at home with your families?

It would be nice to have at least one major holiday without a game. It feels like we've worked at least one or two each year since COVID. I offer nothing on Ireland but would be stunned if the Packers don't get scheduled for at least five primetime games and likely the maximum of six.

Jeff from New Lisbon, WI

Guys, thanks for writing Inbox. I'm retired so reading it helps complete my day. Just love watching the Packers play but I constantly find myself telling J-Love to run when he has an easy few yards needed to move the chains. Many times, from the comfort of my Lazy Boy, it seems like a no-brainer. Is that just me thinking way too conservative? On the other hand, I do hate to see him running aggressively into a defender. I wish he would never do that!

Jordan Love is a pocket passer. I've been saying it since Day 1, folks. Love has the speed to run (comparable 40 time to Aaron Rodgers) but stands tall in the pocket and looks to find an open receiver at all times. Honestly, I prefer that approach because established, patient QBs can learn how to scramble over time. It gets tough when a young QB panics and bolts from the pocket at any sign of turbulence.

Paul from Ledgeview, WI

Wes, if each team has seven WRs on its roster and three WRs on the practice squad (hypothetical averages) that means in any given year there are 320 NFL-capable receivers in the US. That is not a lot. Of those you might have 32 true No. 1s? Really not a lot. With 22 million age-appropriate males, you would think finding a true No. 1 would be easy, right?

NFL scouts are the ultimate recruitersand simply identifying prospects is only one small part of the journey.

Gary from Chippewa Falls, WI

In your opinion, is the request for retired numbers by rookies a sign of entitlement that the NIL has given them, or is it the players' lack respect for history?

I don't know, but I agree with the assertion I saw on social media over the weekend that it's up to each individual organization to step and say numbers cannot be unretired. It shouldn't be on the player who earned that right to say no.

DT from Bozeman, MT

Reflecting on Mike from Geneva's comment regarding Drew Bledsoe's injury opening the way for Tom Brady's career, I was reminded of Brett Favre's response to being asked why he never took a game off even when seriously injured. "I remembered how I got this job."

He wasn't wrong.

Ian from Kirkwhelpington, UK

Gents, with the schedule release imminent and the booking frenzy about to start, are there games you would recommend fans avoid due to safety or other reasons? Hopefully see you at a pep rally soon!

The Eagles play in Green Bay this year. You should be good.

Mark from Rochester, MN

In regards to the IPP question posed by Ed from Green Bay, IPP players cannot be citizens of the United States or Canada. Elgersma is not IPP eligible because he's Canadian.

This is confirmed. I looked this up with the NFL. A qualifying player is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada.

Matty from Durango, CO

Every year around this time, when we have highly regarded draftees, new free agents and UDFAs who should have been drafted in the third round, we start talking Super Bowl. We don't see any major holes in the lineup and start projecting how many wins we should get. I imagine almost every team's fanbase, except those with quarterback issues, have the same mindset. I'm calling this the "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" stage of the football season.

It's called "Having a chance" and it's a privilege the Packers have had almost every season of my lifetime.

Kevin from Jenison, MI

Is it possible to delete the submissions when posters are bragging about themselves? Or should we all post our resumes before asking a question?

That whole submission was one of the least surprising submissions in the history of Inbox submissions. But hey, it's your 500 characters. Use them however you wish.

Dave from Marana, AZ

Dumas and no "Shawshank" mention? I'm surely not the only one.

You know what that's about?

Richard from Greenwich, NY

Good morning, I've been meaning to submit a question, but I got knocked a little woozy while working on a home improvement project. A strong draft came and a 2x4 fell on my head. Sometimes that's just how the board falls.

I wish that to be a joke but fear it may be reality. Either way, I appreciate the punchline.

Mike from Winchester, TN

Hi Wes, first of all, thanks to Josh from Vero Beach for the shoutout. To answer your question, I have established my own Scientific Method when it comes to my wife:

1. Make observations

2. Formulate a hypothesis

2a. Consider the consequences

2b. Take into account that she doesn't share your sense of humor

3. Conduct experiments on someone else

4. Analyze the data

I may be crazy but I'm not stupid.

That, my friends, is a man who's lived this long not by pure coincidence alone.

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