I legitimately read “Spotify” as “Spoffity” in your response to Colin from Milwaukee. That’s what reading Inbox has done to my brain.<\/p>\n
You were not the only one.<\/p>\n
Is it that hard now days to find a run-stuffer like the Gravedigger?<\/p>\n
The Packers hopefully found a new one in Javon Hargrave<\/a>. But the challenge in the modern NFL is teams want defensive tackles who can do it all, not just be a 340-pound plugger. In Green Bay, that philosophical shift started when the Packers drafted Kenny Clark in 2016. The Packers didn’t just want a gap-filler like Ryan Pickett. They wanted a defensive tackle who could play all three downs. Without Clark last season, Green Bay was sort of sent scrambling for someone who could hold the point on first down. That’s one of the key issues the Packers must solve this offseason whether it’s personnel, scheme or a mix of both.<\/p>\n John from Stevens Point, WI<\/p>\n As Ted Thompson once said, “You never know what your needs are going to be.” That having been said, in order, what do you see as the Packers top three priorities in the upcoming draft?<\/p>\n Cornerback, offensive line and defensive tackle.<\/p>\n At this point in the offseason, has any position group improved “overall” from last year?<\/p>\n DT is off to a good start with the addition of Hargrave and re-signing of Jonathan Ford<\/a>, but there’s still more work to do.<\/p>\n Benjamin from Evergreen Park, IL<\/p>\n Zach Tom<\/a> is an incredible player when available…but given the wear and tear and the nature of patellar tendons, is tackle a more pressing need we seem to be ignoring or taking for granted? Is a trade up for Max Iheanochor or Monroe Freeling the best possible scenario to completely avoid a Chargers-like season?<\/p>\n I don’t see the Packers moving up on the first two days, but Brian Gutekunst told reporters in Indianapolis he’ll do whatever he needs to do if there’s a game-changer within Green Bay’s reach. To your point, I think what Green Bay lacked last season was that “sixth man” off the bench who could play anywhere on the line at a high level. That’s what Tom and Elgton Jenkins did so well early on.<\/p>\n Good morning, Wes. With a new defensive coordinator calling the shots, does Collin Oliver<\/a> have a more defined role this year other than designated pass rusher? Assuming he can get\/stay healthy, at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds and with a 4.56 time in the 40, how does he get more snaps? Thanks.<\/p>\n That’s what we’re all wondering, but I’ll say this about Oliver and his brief introduction last season. The guy plays at his listed speed and has the ability to drive tackles backwards despite only hovering around 240. That makes him an intriguing chess piece for Jonathan Gannon and these defensive coaches. How much Oliver plays is to be determined, but 1,121 snaps were vacated with the departures of Rashan Gary and J.J. Enagbare. Whether it’s Oliver, Lukas Van Ness<\/a>, Brenton Cox Jr.<\/a> or Barryn Sorrell<\/a>, it’s all there for the taking.<\/p>\n I realize it is clickbait season and get trapped into opening some of the ridiculous articles. Anyway, I see that Brenton Cox is almost looked at as an afterthought for DE\/OLB. I believe he was disruptive when he played in 2024 and was primed to do so again in 2025 before getting injured. I envision him champing at the bit and being a contributor if he can remain healthy. What are your thoughts?<\/p>\n I’m really excited about Cox’s return. It’s easy to forget the boost Cox provided to the pass rush during the latter half of the 2024 season when he had seven QB hits and four sacks in just seven games.<\/p>\n Yes, we agree the Micah Parsons<\/a> trade was great for the Packers. And yes, it’s also true that we approach this year’s draft with a bit less enthusiasm than normal without a first round pick. I was reflecting back on recent history, thinking about Packers first-rounders that had a significant impact in year one. I came up with Jaire Alexander and Clay Matthews, and that was it. Am I missing anyone?<\/p>\n Bryan Bulaga (2010) and B.J. Raji (2009) each made massive contributions to the Super Bowl XLV team. I believe Bulaga remains the youngest player to ever start a Super Bowl. Plenty of others have contributed in Year 1, but those four gave Green Bay the biggest immediate return on investment in recent history.<\/p>\n Is the Parsons Project the impetuous for bringing in experienced veterans with proven results and durability? Are the Packers looking for players with the “it” factor that helps win individual battles and games?<\/p>\n I’m not sure about that. If you’re referring to Hargrave’s addition, I feel like that was more about needing someone who can eat snaps while buying time for the Packers’ young defensive line to develop. But Parsons is the 1% of the top 1%. He’s the exception to every rule. Yes, Parsons has plenty of experience but also possesses generational talent. Those guys don’t come around very often.<\/p>\n Brendon from San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico<\/p>\n Two things to consider. Thing 1: Are you as excited as I am that Sorrell is working out with Micah this offseason? Could a young man who already has a strong work ethic possibly have a better mentor? Thing 2: What are the reasons to believe MLF cannot work his magic with Desmond Ridder<\/a>, who appears to have similar physical traits to Malik Willis, but with much more NFL experience?<\/p>\n I’m not discounting that happening with Ridder. There are parallels between the two QBs. I’m simply urging caution when using Willis as the expectation for the Packers’ next QB2 because that’s an impossibly high standard to meet. Like I wrote in an Inbox earlier this offseason, it’s great to see Sorrell on Parson’s hip pocket. He has a strong work ethic and insatiable desire to learn. That makeup is going to take him far in this league.<\/p>\n Christian Watson<\/a> received special rehab treatment for his injuries, I believe at Wisconsin. Has MarShawn Lloyd<\/a> also received any such treatment?<\/p>\n Lloyd made the same trip to Madison that Watson did last offseason. When Lloyd aggravated the hamstring again, the Packers sent him to the West Coast to undergo further examination. The organization and Lloyd felt they finally got to the root cause \u2013 a knee injury dating back to Lloyd’s college career. This is a career-defining offseason for Lloyd. The stakes don’t get much higher entering a pivotal Year 3.<\/p>\n Christopher from United Kingdom<\/p>\n Hi Wes, hope the pressure of being yourself is satisfying while Mike’s away. My question is…in your opinion, what is the difference (especially this year) between a top 70 CB and a top 300 CB? I’ve looked at some late-round corners who are blazing. Also, we sent scouts to Arkansas, allegedly to look at top 300s, but I’m watching who’ll grab Cameron Ball… he’s a bull-rusher!<\/p>\n Production, size, measurables and the level of competition. It’s not easy to find prospects who check all four boxes, even in the first round at times.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"I legitimately read “Spotify” as “Spoffity” in your response to Colin from Milwaukee. 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