Inbox: What’s not to love?

Jerry from Des Moines, IA

Thanks so much, Shawshank Wes. Is there a chance the key to building the next Super Bowl winner is hidden in a tin box under a shiny black rock in a hayfield near Bushwood? Or should we stick with draft and develop and get the big guys early?

One strategy is probably more prudent than the other.

Steve from Charlotte, NC

Wes, I am a long-time reader and have not asked a question in many years. Big picture question, what was the most significant aspect each coach brought to the Packers’ franchise beyond the two Super Bowls – Mike Holmgren, Mike Sherman, Mike McCarthy, and Matt LaFleur? I am now in my third year of remission from stage III (almost stage IV) cancer. I read the II, my Bible, and wrote devotionals during my time of chemotherapy treatments. Thank you for being a friend during that time.

My goodness, Steve. No, no, no…thank YOU for your readership. I’m happy to hear of your good health and pray your cancer stays in remission. I’d say Holmgren brought the West Coast offense, vision and unparalleled leadership. He also has one of the most impressive coaching trees in NFL history. Sherman was ahead of his time with how running backs are utilized. Ahman Green was a naturally gifted ball-carrier but became an all-around weapon in Sherman’s offense. McCarthy helped develop Aaron Rodgers but also epitomized what it meant to be the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. I don’t know if anyone has understood the deep connection between this organization and the community as well as McCarthy. LaFleur’s story is still not fully written, but he brought an innovative offense to Green Bay that buoyed Rodgers’ resurgence to an NFL MVP. LaFleur also has shepherded a pivotal to transition to Jordan Love under center.

John from Palmdale, CA

Very much agree with Jack about wanting consistency over explosiveness. Any points are the goal but long, time-consuming, multi-play drives wear out defenses and eat up the clock. Your thoughts, sir?

Just keep matriculating the ball down the field, boys. Hank Stram quotes aside, the object of the game is to wear down your opponent, but explosive plays factor into that, too. The best NFL offenses, and pass-catchers, can do it all. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Jack from Chicago, IL

I agree with Jack from NC about the WR room, especially about a chain mover on third down. I know Christian Watson has the big-play, speed-guy stigma, but I felt last year he really was developing into a solid third-down, gotta-have-eight-yards kind of weapon. I can think of a few plays where he was showing up as a go-to-guy, not just a home run.

Indubitably. I feel that’s where Watson shined in 2023, too, before aggravating his hamstring injury against Kansas City. Like I said at the end of the year, the only thing missing right now is that go-to target in end-of-game situations (e.g. Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and Davante Adams). Many of these young receivers can do it. The only question is who’s it gonna be when the game is on the line?

Gary from Sheboygan, WI

Wes, if the Packers sign a player, say, by the name of Hardman? What would be his primary attraction: as a special-teams player or as a speedy WR?

The answer is “Yes.” Versatility is the sun touching every corner of the football universe. Even if Keisean Nixon and Jayden Reed remain the primary returners on kickoffs and punts, respectively, it always helps to have depth. Offensively, Mecole Hardman has a toolset the Packers value in skill-position players. I’m excited to add him to the mix…reportedly.

Brian from Philadelphia, PA

I wouldn’t place running back very high on the Packers’ hierarchy of needs, but this draft class is allegedly deep and talented. Brian Gutekunst may be looking to add some lightning to Josh Jacobs‘ thunder. Have any of the RBs in this draft class caught your eye?

Honestly, I haven’t spent a minute of time researching running backs. Never say never, I suppose, but I consider the Packers’ backfield in good standing with Chris Brooks, Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd behind Jacobs.

Grant from Green Bay, WI

Mecole Hardman…kind of a surprise, huh? Sure, he’ll take the load off Nixon for return duties, but he’s a small speedster – at best, another gadget player – and not the tall perimeter guy we thought the Packers were looking for. Presuming the Packers are still searching for that perimeter WR this offseason, won’t our WR room be a little crowded come late fall when Watson’s healthy?

Many of you are thinking way too hard about this. We’re not setting the 53 tomorrow. The Packers are bringing in Hardman to compete on both offense and special teams. He may fall into the category of “gadget” player, but he’s also a low-risk, high-reward addition to a team that loves having options.

Bob from Fisher, IL

Hello Wes! I have been reading up on Aaron Banks, and I love the signing. Only 27 years, 6-foot-5, 325 pounds. Technically sound, not many penalties, and seems like a great fit for the locker room. He gives the Packers a solid veteran on the interior and hopefully will help bring out the best in all of them. The best part for me – I noticed in his signing photo he is a lefty. That surely makes him one of the best, correct? I have no scientific evidence to support this, but us lefties have to stick together!

A natural lefty at left guard, perhaps? What’s not to love? Banks is not only a road-grading guard but also a veteran with big-game experience who knows how to handle massive expectations. The guy succeeded Quenton Nelson at Notre Dame. He fits right into what the Packers want to do up front.

Mark from Austin, TX

Thank you for the “Shawshank Redemption” quote! I like the signing of Hardman to fill Watson’s speed position. Is he now the only player on the roster with a SB ring?

Zayne Anderson has one from his time in Kansas City. Brandon McManus, Matt Orzech and Robert Rochell (if re-signed) are the others with Super Bowl rings.

Tim from Clear Lake, IA

Sentimentally, AJ Dillon will be the hardest free agent to part with. But as I read through the list of players that have signed with other teams, it looks like we have lost several big contributors. Who do you think will leave the biggest hole or be most difficult to replace? I’m thinking T.J. Slaton. On the other hand, I am admiring of how Gutekunst keeps finding non-sexy but efficient FAs that fit into the Packers locker room. P.S. half-marathon this year?

Right now, it’s Slaton for me. That’s the one departure the Packers don’t have a readymade (or signed) replacement. It’s also one reason I hoped Jonathan Ford might stick around another year. However, free agency is still ongoing, and the draft is right around the corner. There’s still plenty of time to beef up the D-line. And yes, one more half-marathon this year.