I have believed for a long time that the challenge in the NFL is to get young players up to speed with the mental aspect of the game (plays, schemes, adjustments) while they still have the physical aspect intact before injuries or aging take their toll. Am I all wet here?

No, but I wouldn’t call it THE challenge, just one of many. The aging part is down the road, but initially, teams want to get the most they can out of players on cheap rookie contracts before deciding whether or not to make a more significant investment for a player’s so-called prime years. Progression, projection, etc., are all part of the equation, which brings us to …

Mike, can we talk turkey? Can there be any tougher job than the GM? Knowing when to pull the plug on players who fail to perform to expectations must be tough. On the one hand, no one likes to admit they might have made a mistake. You research and vet them only to have it come down to what seems like uncontrollable variables. Let them play out their rookie contracts and you may be writing off a few seasons. I see some critical decisions at the WR position this year. Thoughts?

There will be ongoing decisions at receiver, with two in a contract year in 2025 (Romeo Doubs, Watson) and two more next year (Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks). The Packers can’t re-sign everybody. It’s just not practical or sensible. How do they choose? This year will tell us a lot. Making those calls to keep players or let them walk is what comes with the territory. The best GMs pinpoint a value range for their own players and stick (reasonably) to it, letting them go if other teams place a higher value on their services. To me, though, the position to sweat the least is receiver. The college game churns out more talent at that position than any other, so receivers can always be replaced via the draft – and the Packers took two more in the top 100 picks this spring. Decision time on contracts will be fascinating, but we’re not there yet.

There was talk about not being able to increase targets for everyone. I disagree – staying balanced and eliminating drops will lead to longer drives and more targets for everyone. Not only is this possible, I think it’s likely. I have confidence that Jordan Love and our receivers will take a step forward together this season. Am I crazy?

No. I’m just trying to caution against “progress” or “steps forward” (or whatever one’s favorite terminology is) being judged by statistics. That won’t be the only measure.

I enjoyed the Countdown to camp – OL edition. Although Jacob Monk took the majority of reps at center when Elgton Jenkins wasn’t there, is he really the backup center or do you think it would be Sean Rhyan and the rest of the OL moving accordingly?

That all has to get sorted out as players compete and rep different spots in camp. I’m sure the coaches want options.

Mike from New Orleans, LA

Can you think of a player who was maybe not up-to-snuff football talent-wise, but did one thing at such an elite level they were still a major factor in games? Not counting specialists.

I won’t say his talent wasn’t up to snuff, but your query brought Jarrett Bush to mind. He was a lightning rod for criticism – not always deserved – when he filled in at defensive back. But he was an absolute maven on special teams, as a blocker, tackler and leader, to carve out a nice career. Then lo and behold, when injuries hit in the Super Bowl, he picked off Roethlisberger to set up Jennings’ first TD for a 21-3 lead.

Will the offensive line competition truly be an open one in which the best player gets to start? I’m not a fan of draft status determining these things.

I expect the best players to play. If players don’t earn their spot on the field, other players know, and that doesn’t sit well.

I know you two prefer to focus on the players on the roster, but with what I think is a fairly universal concern of depth in the defensive backfield and strong veteran options out there in free agency (one of which I’m sure is getting a fair amount of “clamoring”), what do you think is the main downside for signing one? Is it the price tag, player development or something else?

It’s usually a combination of the price tag and the reps that would be taken away from younger players the personnel department wants to see compete and grow. Sometimes, the combo of the price coming down with a fuller assessment of what’s on hand can spark action.