The history of excellence at receiver is…

Derek from Eau Claire, WI

When Khalil Mack signed with the Bears, everyone was clamoring for him to be a Packer. Fast forward and Bears haven’t won anything. Mack is owed more money than robbing the cage at the Bellagio on a fight night, and the Bears need to get him off the books. Meanwhile, the Packers have an ascending star in Rashan Gary and can afford to continue to pay Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Can we please stop judging in the moment every time a high-profile free agent isn’t acquire? Please?

It was startling watching the waiver wire last week. Mack, Wilson and Carson Wentz grabbed headlines, but did you guys notice what else happened? The Lions reportedly cut Trey Flowers. The Raiders are letting go of Cory Littleton and Washington is set to release Landon Collins. The Cowboys also were going to cut Amari Cooper, too, until they found a trading partner in the 11th hour. All these major acquisitions from a few years ago are now on the league’s discard pile. It’s your yearly reminder nothing is won in March. Take care of your own, mind your checkbook and trust your process.

I love all these silly draft lists that everyone and their mothers publish. That being said, who do you think are likely targets for GB in Round 1? I’m predicting one of the Georgia DLs if they are still around.

Ted Thompson was big on using top picks on defensive tackles but Brian Gutekunst hasn’t turned in that direction yet. To date, Kingsley Keke (fifth round, No. 150) is the highest interior D-lineman Green Bay has drafted in the BG Era. The presence of Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry undoubtedly has played a role in that. Jordan Davis and Travon Walker both could be off the board by the time the draft gets into the 20s, but Devonte Wyatt might be there at 28.

We need another strong good WR to help Rodgers and Adams, some extra DBs and LBs, and an extra good running back just in case Aaron Jones or AJ Dillon get hurt. OL and DL are fine y’all know what y’all doing and can’t wait for the season Go Pack Go!

Like I said last year, I want to surround Adams with as many talented young receivers as possible. Because I want those wideouts learning from him the same way Adams learned from Jordy, Randall and James Jones. The history of excellence at receiver is unparalleled. Like last year, the Packers don’t have a pressing need in the draft. It’s just rebuilding depth wherever they lose it in free agency.

David from Fort Collins, CO

I simultaneously love and hate the draft. I never really care much of post draft grades and commentary about players. Are there any recent players that made you go “wow” immediately in June when the pundits didn’t like the pick? There’s got to be a bunch.

AJ Dillon. Or more specifically, AJ Dillon’s quads. There tends to be this sentiment around NFL fanbases that running backs a dime a dozen. Dillon is 247 pounds and runs like a stiff breeze through a wooden forest. You can’t find that guy on the waiver wire. Then, there’s Aaron Jones. He was a more modest fifth-round pick but some wondered if Jones’ skills would translate to this level. I think it’s fitting the Packers’ backfield is made-up of two elite backs who had a lot of skeptics when they entered the league.

Ivan from Little Chicago, WI

Hey guys, saw the eye-popping numbers for Badgers linebacker Leo Chenal both at the combine and pro day workouts. Sure, looks like his stock ramped up a bit. Would the Packers jump on him and where would he fit in the defensive scheme? I see special teams immediately. Or am I dreaming?

You’re not dreaming. He’s caught my eye, too. I didn’t know much about Chenal until a few weeks ago, but 34 bench reps and a 40-inch vertical for a 6-foot-3, 250-pound linebacker will grab anyone’s attention. He’ll still likely have to take the late-round road into the league, but his makeup and natural position correlate well to special teams. That gives any Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent a chance.

Hi, it looks like both the Vikings and Bears are in full clean-house mode. Do you believe it’s to get a head start for when Rodgers leaves and we have to do the same?

I think it has more to do with Chicago and Minnesota trending in the wrong direction. I was serious when I said the Lions have the second-best foundation in the division right now. At least, they’re on a path. The Lions and Bears are in total reshuffle mode.

Chuck from Gold Canyon, AZ

Welcome back Wes. In response to the question of those in a win now situation drafting a prospect coming off a serious injury. I think that obviously goes towards those picking early in the draft. Looking back to 2019, Jeffrey Simmons appeared to be a consensus top five pick before a devastating knee injury. He fell to 19th. Ask Tennessee how that worked out for them? Spoff was spot on with his response about if you think it is a generational talent, you pull the trigger.

Yes and no. The questions surrounding Simmons extended well beyond the injury. I understand what Spoff is saying, though. Everyone wants to find those rare gems in each draft class, but teams also have to look at all the available data. Finding the right player in the NFL Draft isn’t just about talent. It’s about the person, too.