Did the Packers work to improve the TE room enough? They lost Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick. Tucker Kraft is coming off a major injury even if he is ahead of schedule. Rookie FAs and Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney, Messiah Swinson, and Luke Musgrave return but the production after Kraft injury was down. Do you see them looking for a blocking TE?

I was just about to write that I wouldn’t be surprised to see another body added to that room, but then LaFleur told reporters before practice that Tucker Kraft could be back for the start of training camp. Tight end is one position the Packers did not address this offseason outside of college free agency. An argument could still be made about adding a blocking tight end. Green Bay tried to claim Luke Lachey, but he didn’t pass the physical here. Kraft is on his way back, though.

Gene from Winston Salem, NC

As the dad of an SMU student/now grad, I’ve been able to attend a few games in Dallas and have tuned in when they appeared on non-streaming television. Several times it appeared to me that RJ Maryland could be a game changer. Any insight on why he dropped completely out of the draft and, perhaps fortunately, into the Packers’ lap?

Maryland tore his ACL in 2024 and sort of falls between two positions at 6-4, 236 pounds. He’s athletic but must prove he can gain separation from nickel cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers at the next level.

I just finished reading “The Tipping Point.” Compelling stuff which got me wondering about the NFL’s “tipping point” to its dominance over American sports. For me, it’s the early ’90s with the advent of the salary cap and free agency, essentially creating real parity. Curious if you guys agree or have other thoughts.

Free agency and how the NFL structured its salary cap were game-changers. That’s the water that helped grow the seed that became America’s No. 1 sport.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hm, Wes, interesting post from you about Cam Achord having punt returners throw a tennis ball in the air as they catch a punt, then try to catch the tennis ball. Do you guess this is a focus drill to ensure staying present for securing the ball, or is it teaching ability to simultaneously catch and process field of vision and make a first move?

All of the above. To my eye, it tests the returner’s concentration and forces him to secure the catch before doing anything else. That was a new drill for me. I hadn’t seen anything quite like that before. I’m interested in chatting with Achord about the drill this summer.

Curtis from Moreno Valley, CA

I said it before and I’ll say it again…letting Emanuel Wilson go was a big mistake.

Only time will tell. At some point, the Packers needed to find out what they have in Lloyd and keeping Brooks was a smart insurance policy while they wait for those answers. We’ll see how things go for Wilson in Seattle, too. His signing seems somewhat precarious now after the Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price in the first round to pair with Zach Charbonnet.

Michelle from Darlington, WI

Obviously, the Packers and Bears have a long and storied rivalry. If the Packers are able to disrupt Caleb Williams’ passing game, how will they also be able to limit his ability to scramble to extend plays and drives?

That’s the problem the Packers face for the next decade. Williams can be very dynamic when plays break down – perhaps even more dangerous than when he’s playing on time from the pocket. Unlike Aaron Rodgers, though, he’s not terribly accurate – or at least hasn’t been. In Year 3, the key for Green Bay’s defense will be maintaining pressure when things aren’t clicking for the young quarterback.

Wes, in regards to Jeff’s question on players negotiating for natural grass in the new CBA you stated, “Too many teams desire stadiums that are domed, revenue-generators 12 months of the year.” By my count, there are five open-air stadiums with turf (Bills, Panthers, Bengals, Giants/Jets, Seahawks), and another additional four with retractable roofs (Cowboys, Rams/Chargers, Cardinals, Texans). I see no reason they couldn’t be converted to natural grass. This could be a chip in the 18th game negotiations.

Sure, but everything is compromise, right? So, what would the NFLPA be giving up to press owners to mandate grass fields? I’d love the league to utilize strictly grass fields, but I don’t see it happening. In regards to the New York and Los Angeles markets, you’re also playing twice as many games on those surfaces. It would be difficult to keep that field surface up to par.