We’ll see what the entrance workplace has in retailer for 2024 Wes Hodkiewicz
Lynn from Butler, IN
“The seeds of promise are sprouting.” Now that ought to be on a T-shirt. That is superior. Did you come up that or did you get it some other place?
That got here straight from the metaphorical backyard.
Dean from Leavenworth, IN
Concerning the brand new kickoff rule, how do you suppose this can have an effect on the Packers, each in protection and returning? And specifically, how will it have an effect on Keisean Nixon? I do know you mentioned yesterday you’d withhold additional remark till you talked to the coaches, however?
I’d suppose the proposal favors Nixon and makes an already harmful playmaker even scarier. No workforce had extra kickoff returns in 2023 than the Packers (31) and that quantity would’ve been far better if kickers hadn’t been attempting besides the ball by way of the again of the top zone. Inexperienced Bay’s 26 returns of greater than 20 yards led the league whereas Nixon’s two 40-plus returns tied for second. Listening to the convention name Thursday on guidelines proposals, I discovered the stat attention-grabbing that competitors committee chair Wealthy McKay introduced up in regards to the drastic decline in kickoff returns over the previous 13 years. In 2010, there have been solely 416 touchbacks and greater than 45,000 return yards. Final season, there have been 1,970 touchbacks and 13,530 return yards. Nixon was liable for 782 of that (5.8%). The measure, if enacted, ought to profit Inexperienced Bay’s particular groups however the Packers already stay in that world.
Lane from Hurricane, UT
Who’s the quickest participant on the Packers? I used to be re-watching the playoff sport vs. Dallas, and so they talked about that Bo Melton ran a 4.3 on the mix, which I hadn’t heard earlier than. Quickest on offense? Protection?
Melton, Christian Watson, and Jaire Alexander are the primary three gamers who come to thoughts. For extra on Melton and Watson, I wrote a narrative final yr about how the 2 skilled collectively main as much as the 2022 NFL Draft. Within the course of, they pushed one another to posting 4.3s within the 40 on the mix.
Sharon from Lakewood Ranch, FL
To comply with up on Mike from Allen TX remark/query, how would you describe what you witnessed by Jordan Love and what he completed with the youngest receiving corps within the NFL: a) shocked, b) amazed, c) shocked, d) ecstatic? And in your humble opinion, why was “10” so profitable with that many rookies, when “12” struggled to succeed with just a few of his newbies? Thrilling occasions at Lambeau forward! Love my Pack! GPG!
Love’s success was a product of studying from errors and never permitting early failures to have an effect on his confidence. He performed the identical approach all season however used what he discovered “on the grass” to develop into a greater quarterback and chief. That appeared to resonate with teammates. That is why I am going to go together with “D) ecstatic” to categorize my response to Love’s Yr 1 as QB1.
Grant from Janesville, WI
Thanks for answering our questions every day. Our developmental OT guys are so tall! Caleb Jones is 6-foot-9 and Luke Tenuta is 6-8. Do these guys line as much as block area targets? Or is obstructing area targets extra about velocity off the sides as an alternative of prolonged our bodies within the center? Is it extra invaluable to maintain a real defensive participant on the sphere in case a faux area purpose is tried?
That is a chance. Wealthy Bisaccia had no drawback lining up 6-7 Yosh Nijman inside, which helped produce a block of Daniel Carlson’s 53-yard try in Las Vegas final October. I feel the one motive we did not see Jones and Tenuta get a shot inside is as a result of they had been each inactive for many of the season.
Alberto from Barcelona, Spain
Wes, if gamers ranked similar, which place do you like the Packers deal with with their first decide? CB, IOL or LT? It appears there are usually not off-line LB value that top. Thanks!
I feel deal with provides you probably the most bang to your first-round buck. The Packers even have sufficient versatility on the offensive line to accommodate an incoming rookie if one proves able to beginning straight away.
Michael from Flint, TX
What do you suppose the ceiling is for the Packers’ receiving corps this yr? Is it attainable to have two 1,000-yard receivers (Watson, if wholesome, and Jayden Reed)? Or does Love have too many weapons to distribute too, for that to occur?
I imagine the shortage of a 1,000-yard receiver final season had extra to do with accidents than the rest. Six totally different wideouts began for Inexperienced Bay. Love adjusted to the items round him but in addition fed the new hand when one was constantly accessible.
Craig from Brookfield, WI
It is too early to place Matt LaFleur and Tom Clements on the Holmgren degree. However this teaching workers exhibits a uncommon potential to develop QBs! Do you suppose the Packers’ entrance workplace considers that, and will look to draft for future commerce potential? Is creating worth (see: Hasselbeck, M. and Brunell, M.) by leveraging the workers’s distinctive strengths a sensible technique, or only a completely happy results of attempting to make your workforce stronger yearly?
Once more, the Packers have been vocal this offseason about their need to draft extra QBs. Love and Sean Clifford had been two good finds, with respect to the place they had been chosen. We’ll see what the entrance workplace has in retailer for 2024, however LaFleur, Clements and Co. can coach QBs with the most effective of ’em.
Carey from Egg Harbor, WI
How quickly will the 2024-2025 schedule, together with sport dates and occasions, be printed for the Inexperienced Bay Packers?
All’s quiet on the schedule entrance, however final yr’s announcement was made on Could 11 for no matter that is value.
Edward from Canton, SD
A great Packers pal of mine agrees that the primary 4 video games of the common season ought to be with groups exterior of the division, to present groups the prospect to get their rosters settled. Neither you nor Mike suppose that it’s an concept value publishing. How about reconsidering and placing it on the market for Packers Nation to present its opinion?
It isn’t gonna occur, however what does everybody suppose? Personally, I do not care when groups play their division video games. My solely request is the NFL would eliminate groups going through one another twice in three weeks. That occurred approach too typically final yr, significantly on the finish of the common season.
Paul from Ledgeview, WI
Wes, I do know Xavier McKinney is just one participant, however when expertise, want, and alternative meet…Have you ever witnessed a single participant addition have a monumental influence past what might be anticipated? I anticipate that chance with McKinney. I’d not be shocked by an exponential enchancment in our turnover ratio, only one metric of many.
Za’Darius Smith, by way of my time on the Packers’ beat. There was loads of projection concerned with the choice to signal Smith in 2019 and he blossomed throughout that first season with the Packers. His 55 tackles, 37 quarterback hits and 13½ sacks stay private career-highs. He additionally introduced much-needed swagger again to Inexperienced Bay’s protection.
TK from Grafton, WI
So, the draft is 32 groups, seven rounds, plus compensatory picks, with greater than 260 gamers chosen. I learn not too long ago that groups routinely go into the draft with solely 150 gamers on their huge board. What provides? Additionally, impressed by basketball, it occurred to me that the precedence free brokers that groups pursue after the top of the draft are form of just like the “NIT” of the NFL., sure?
That is the draft inside the draft and each workforce’s technique is exclusive. Whereas one workforce might solely have 150 gamers on its board, that also might maintain up over seven rounds based mostly on how different groups decide. School free company is just like the NFL Draft’s NIT, solely the halves are like two minutes lengthy to frantically signal prospects.
Tom from Plymouth, MN
I have been listening to lots of people say that Josh Jacobs’ contract is probably going going to be for one season as a result of it has a one yr out and is for such a excessive quantity down the highway. Do you agree or do you suppose he is right here to remain? Or do you suppose we’d like extra time to see how he does?
I am positive lots of those self same individuals mentioned one thing comparable when the Packers prolonged Aaron Jones in 2021. The NFL is a production-based enterprise. If gamers produce, they’re going to stick.
Jason from Austin, TX
Wes, does the NFL have a restrict for what number of seats a stadium can have? Some faculty soccer stadiums maintain over 100,000, whereas the most important NFL stadium is a bit of over 80,000. I do know some groups battle to fill the seats, however bigger market groups just like the Cowboys, Steelers, and Packers (to call just a few) in all probability would not have any subject filling 100,000 seats. What do you suppose?
I do not imagine so. AT&T Stadium can seat 80,000 and holds greater than 100,000 with standing-room availability.
Darrell from Bishop, CA
What is the newest on our punter?
He is nonetheless punting…and testing some rugby, too.
Blake from Marion, IA
Good morning II, I’m curious along with your nearer relationships with gamers than me (clearly), are you aware in the event that they take pleasure in turning into free brokers? I’m positive guys that get prime greenback with a brand new contract are excited. What in regards to the “common” guys? Do they like to know they’ve a job/contract for the upcoming season, or do they sit up for potential change and the unknown? Go Pack Go!
I do not know if “take pleasure in” is the correct phrase, however I feel gamers embrace free company and discovering their value. In a fashion of some months, Jon Runyan Jr. went a former sixth-round decide to creating $10 million per yr with the New York Giants. How might you not be excited to see your exhausting work pay skilled dividends?
Dale from Port Washington, WI
Wes, I want to add to the response on middle and lengthy snapper. In addition to the time restrictions talked about, they actually require two totally different talent units. Heart mainly snaps his arm/wrist handy the ball to the quarterback. Lengthy snapper has to throw a go between his legs. It must be fast, on a rope and on course. To not point out secondary assignments of blocking or protection. Simply since you’re good at snapping a ball doesn’t suggest you might be good at lengthy snapping. Thanks! GPG!
Appropriate. I’m wondering if these questions largely stem from a technology of soccer followers rising up with their middle in “Madden” dealing with long-snapping duties.
Ingrid from Superior, WI
Robert Tonyan wore No. 49? Eww! That is loopy. I can not image him in any quantity aside from within the 80s.
Oh, it was actual…and it was unspectacular. Large Bob appeared higher in “85.”
Bret from Hertel, WI
Pricey Wes, quiet on the free agent entrance and breaking information! You had been part of a fantastic historical past night time occasion on Tuesday on the Packers Corridor of Fame. Chris Kuehn was our keynote speaker on what it takes to arrange for video games, practices, coaching camps, and touring with the workforce. It’s a large and very important a part of the NFL sport that followers not often see. Greater than 100 of us met in HOF theater to take heed to Chris and likewise go to with “Purple” Batty. Your story was within the presentation, QR code. Thanks!
Chris and Purple are two of the best individuals on this constructing and performed an integral position in serving to carry the Packers journey essay to life. Each had been beneficiant with their time and offered a lot background on what it means to work in NFL gear. I hope you had a terrific time on the occasion.
Jeff from Indian Lake, NY
I miss when the draft was in early April. At the very least we now have March Insanity and the upcoming NHL playoffs to maintain us entertained for some time. Though my grandmothers Midwest roots lead me to the Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes, I do help one native workforce within the New York Rangers. Hockey does not appear to be introduced up as a lot within the Inbox as different sports activities although. Does the Hod comply with and have a favourite workforce? Do most Packer backers help the Blackhawks or Wild? Although that is purple workforce nation?
I used to be a Chicago Blackhawks fan rising up, however I do not pay a lot consideration to the NHL anymore. The St. Norbert males’s hockey workforce is the one squad I am pulling for on the ice lately. By the best way, congrats to Tim Coghlin and his boys on one other NCAA event run.
Darren from Wakefield, MI
I went to grade faculty by way of highschool with Tony. A superb man, nice participant each faculty and quick professional profession. He is been an impressive coach and really feel a bit of dangerous for him for the result. His dad was no teaching slouch both…from Tips on up.
The Bennetts are one of many first households of basketball within the Badger State. As a child, it all the time astonished me what number of basketball gamers had been named “Bennett” throughout Wisconsin.
Mike from Granite Metropolis, IL
Wes, in your reply to Kyle from LA, you acknowledged “No person tells me which inquiries to reply or how you can reply.” I feel that may be a good factor. An excessive amount of administration over-site may take the humor out of the Inbox – for which I assume there isn’t any (implied) rule. Or perhaps we ought to be quiet about this in case somebody picks up on this? What do you suppose?
I am simply grateful to the Packers group for giving me a platform to make obscure film references and inform unapologetically dangerous jokes.
Dave from Folsom, CA
I am positive all 50 states have made the Inbox, however do you might have a quantity for the international international locations? Which one was the farthest or most uncommon?
Uruguay.
Gary from Davenport, IA
Wes, your reminiscence of a sport once you had been younger jogged my memory of the time when Spoff and I noticed we had been on the similar sport in 1980. UW-Platteville got here again from 33-0 to clinch a soccer convention title. It hasn’t gained one since then. I used to be a university freshman and Spoff was 8 years previous. If I might have seen the longer term and informed younger Spoff that he’d be writing for the Packers and answering questions from me on one thing known as the web, would I’ve risked altering the longer term?
I assume you may by no means know. Effectively, I am headed all the way down to the NFL Annual Conferences in Orlando. Please keep tuned to packers.com for tales, movies, and updates all through subsequent week. Within the meantime, good luck to Wisconsin and Marquette right this moment!
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