The Packers are building their best 70-man roster, not just the 53

Wes Hodkiewicz

Al from Green Bay, WI

Happy Independence Day, II! No question today, I just want to express my appreciation for all those who gave us a free country in which to dwell and thrive, and for all those who keep us safe today. Blessings!

Happy Fourth of July, everyone. I wish you all a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, food and fireworks (at a safe distance). Let's entertain a few questions before we turn this popsicle stand into Outsider Inbox next week.

Shannon from Ovilla, TX

As we prepare for the last MT5, I just wanted to say thank you to Mark Murphy for all he has done for this organization over the past 17 years. I hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. I don't believe there is another team executive in any sport that regularly answers fan questions in a public forum like he does.

I'm excited to read it, as well. There's no executive in pro sports quite like Mark and these next few weeks will be highly emotional for those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him. I was asked Thursday about legacies of the most recent presidents and CEOs. Yes, Titletown is a big part of what Mark accomplished here, but I feel like his real legacy is being a man of the people. He relished his place in the community and enjoyed engaging with fans each day he was on the job. In my nine years punching the clock at Lambeau, I never once saw Mark turn down an autograph or photo. That's the sign of a true leader. It's not year-over-year earnings, fancy suits or gala appearances. It's being present with the people who ultimately pay all our salaries. We can all learn something from Mark Murphy. I know I certainly did.

Matt from Kula, HI

On the comparison of their running styles, from the small sample size it seems thatMarShawn Lloydhas a bit more wiggle in addition to burst. I'm excited to see more of him this season.

Lloyd is built for the position, too sturdy shoulders and low center of gravity.

John from Stevens Point, WI

The competition at WR this camp/preseason should be something to watch. I have a feeling there will be WRs cut by the Packers showing up on the rosters of NFL teams. There's a lot of talent in that room! Usually that means some guys end up on the practice squad. What are the NFL rules regarding stashing guys on the practice squad?

You can put anybody on the practice squad now, though there are limits to how many "veteran" players teams can carry. As difficult as it can be to reduce the roster to 53, good players always sneak through. Allen Lazard had as strong of a preseason in 2019 as a receiver can have and still didn't make the initial 53. You just have to take it as it goes and see where the dust settles. Like Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur always say, the Packers are building their best 70-man roster (including IPP exemption) not just the 53.

Bob from Emmaus, PA

During the draft, minicamp and OTAs, players from the receiver room demonstrated their leadership. Does the room need a single leader or is it more important to compete and catch passes?

Leadership matters. There's a lineage of Packers wideouts who not only played a Pro Bowl level but also paid it forward. I mean, what must it have been like for Davante Adams to enter the league when Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb were in the prime of their careers in 2014? But I don't think there necessarily needs to be one individual if everyone is rowing in the same direction.

Glen from De Pere, WI

Christian Watsonwas tested in Madison following his hamstring injuries and it was discovered that there was a strength variation in his legs. Are the Packers now testing all players to determine if they have the same issue so they can work on correcting it?

I would love for you to go back andread my story on Watsons visit with Badger Athletic Performance. It not only outlines Watson's trip to Madison but also the preventative measures he and the Packers are taking in Green Bay, including the NordBord.

Ty from Kaukauna, WI

Which Packer rookie has the most long-term upside?

The more I watch and learn aboutSavion Williams, the more I think we haven't even scratched the surface of that young man's potential. Development doesn't happen overnight, but Williams has boundless potential.

Dan from Kenosha, WI

Wes, Mike mentioned the Packers having the best run defense they have had in 15 years. However, with our new D-line coach, it is said we are going back to the technique focus we had previously under Joe Barry. Why change something that was the best it's been over 15 years? That seems counterproductive in two ways. The younger linemen have to learn a new system and it hinders growth resulting from being in the same system for a second year.

I think you're conflating things a bit. Yes, there's a new D-line coach, but Jeff Hafley still runs the defense. To me, the biggest hurdle for the run defense is replacing T.J. Slaton, who signed with Cincinnati following a career year in 2024. But everyone else returns for Green Bay. I feltRashan Gary, in particular, had his best season against the run while Green Bay's linebackers tackled exceedingly well across the board.

Josh from Newhall, CA

It seems like the biggest obstacle to consistency on offense last year was the drops. Not just the amount, but the critical downs/situations in which many occurred. Drive-ending drops, especially early, just made it impossible to establish rhythm. My question is, if drops are mostly a concentration issue, are you aware of anything the coaches can actually do to help fix that? Or is it pretty much all on the player to be more intentional in their focus?

Technique is part of it, too. I could concentrate as intently as humanly possible but still would be unable to catch aJordan Lovepass at full blast. Like everything in football, it's a balance between the person and the player. It's up to the coach to know how to manage both.

Andy from College Grove, TN (formerly Darien CT)

With the recent conversation around coach preferences, I'm reminded of a question that seemed appropriate for the dead zone. Which means more to a player winning a Super Bowl or selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame? We have all seen the joy of winning "The Big One" (and the dejection of the losing side), but it certainly gets misty watching those videos of the HOF representatives knocking on doors. Thanks!

I think winning a Super Bowl takes professional precedence, especially for those who never touched the Lombardi Trophy. I don't want to put words in Julius Peppers' larynx, but based on my three years covering him, I think Peppers would trade his place in Canton for the Super Bowl ring that eluded him during his 17 NFL seasons. Individual accolades are great and obviously the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the crme de la crme, but nothing compares to capturing football's greatest prize.

Yotam from Atlit, Israel

Hey Wes, you mentioned that the NFL hard cap and the draft allow all teams to have a chance to succeed every year. I agree, but it still seems puzzling that some teams succeed more than others. I am not just talking about a stretch of a few years/decade of success, but long runs. How do you explain it? How can the Packers (for example) have more 30 years of success while others have never even been to "The Big Game" in over 50 years? And I'm sure it's not just having a HOF QB.

You still gotta draft well and make smart signings. The Packers certainly hit on a few quarterbacks over the past 30 years, but they also put pieces around their franchise pillars. That's how you stay in the hunt year after year.

Tom from Lisbon, WI

Training camp starts in three weeks?! I...didn't realize that we were that close until you mentioned it. Wow, where did the time go? I guess that's what I get for having four of my five kids on three different baseball teams this summer.

That'll do it.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

My parents are from Seattle. How did I not know salmon jerky was a thing?

It's a game-changer, Ben. Check out Totem Smokehouse Smoked Salmon in Pike Place Market.

John from Cosmos, MN

Longtime reader first time responder. You mention the Blue Angels and it brought back a fond memory. From 1974-78, I was in the USMC stationed in Yuma, AZ. One year the Blue Angels came for an air show and a buddy, and I went to see them. At that time my cousin was part of their ground crew, so we got to watch the show from the ground crew view. Thanks for bringing back a great memory. May the Packers stay healthy all season. GPG

That's the one regret of my trip to Vegas. I would've loved to watch the Blue Angels fly over Lambeau. Thankfully, oursocial team was on the scene.

Tinger from Red Wing, MN

Every year, when our boys were young, we would always take a mini vacation. One year we went to San Diego. On the day we picked to go to Sea World, we were waiting in a long line to buy tickets and since it was a cool day, we were all wearing our leather Packers jackets when a stranger walked up to us and said, "These boys are good Packers fans, they can have our extra tickets free." Any similar experiences?

I'm sorryyou were wearing leather Packers jackets in San Diego? Was it the playoffs?

Cliff from Alexandria, VA

Gents, what's a question you wish someone would ask, but hasn't?

How has Nico Hulkenberg, in a Sauber tractor, managed to finish in the points over the last three Formula 1 races?

Mark from Madison, WI

In regards to best Fourth of July celebrations, I joined the Army in 1976 and was in Fort Jackson, in South Carolina, during the Fourth. Fireworks, parade, and military band all celebrating our country's 200th birthday. No Fourth celebration has come close since.

I can't imagine how much fun that must have been. Thank you for your service.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

I lived in Arizona for 13 years and now Florida for 20. I would love to be Dennis from Las Vegas someday! Even if it's only for three months when I retire in 2031!

I intend to split my year between a cabin in Northern Wisconsin and someplace warm.

Graydon from Menomonie, WI

Hockey's nonstop pace requires players to make split-second decisions for minutes at a time. Unlike football where plays last under 10-second plays with resets, hockey demands constant reaction and communication without huddles. One missed assignment can quickly spiral into a larger breakdown, making the mental demands just as intense, if not more, in a faster, continuous environment.

All excellent points. I covered the United States Hockey League when current Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was on the bench for the Green Bay Gamblers. I didn't know much about hockey at first but turns out it's a magnificent sport that marries physicality, grit and toughness with focus, coordination and intelligence. It takes a very skilled coach to drill those attributes into players.

Tim from Augusta, WI

All of this talk about catching baseballs reminds me of a story my dad told me. He grew up on the south side of Chicago during the depression and WWII. They couldn't afford tickets to the White Sox games, but he and his friends were allowed into Comiskey Park (the original and only Palace of Baseball) during batting practice. They would chase the balls down then throw them back onto the field. After practice some of the players would chat for a minute, then dad and his friends were ushered out.

I used to do the same thing at Brewers spring training in Maryvale. For whatever reason, they stopped allowing fans to do that. Maybe too many people were pocketing balls, but I haven't been back since. That was 14 years ago now.

Hannes from Glendale, WI

Wes, with your dad owning the share, that clearly makes you an "heir" like Gracie Hunt or Jerry Jones Jr. Happy Fourth!

So, I have that going for mewhich is nice.

TK from Grafton, WI

Do non-athletes also suffer slumps? Say, a frequent contributor to II who hasn't had a question make it to the big-time lately? Any hints on how to snap out of it? (Asking for a friend, of course.)

I fear the game has passed you by, my friendbut we'll bring you back on a one-day, prove-it deal. Now or never.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Who is your favorite Founding Father, or other Revolutionary War figure?

John Adams, a man of impeccable character whose leadership and presidency have stood the test of time.

Mike from Baraboo, WI

What's your favorite tradition regarding the Fourth of July holiday?

I've never really had one, but my son is throwing out the first pitch at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game tonight. So, maybe I finally found oneOK folks. Outsider Inbox starts Monday, with the regular Insider Inbox format returning on Tuesday, July 15. Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

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