James from Chicago, IL
I recently read a statistic that 50% of WR drafted in Round 1 never have a 1,000-yard season and 30% have no more than two 1,000-yard seasons. It makes me wonder why so many fans believed trading up to draft a WR high in the first round, or in the first round at all was a great course of action. The law of averages says no matter where the WR was drafted he likely wouldn’t make a huge impact. Considering how many good WRs the Pack has gotten outside of Round 1, why not just trust the system that has worked for 30 years?
The only conclusion I can draw is that receiver is one of the more glamorous positions, so fans naturally gravitate towards it. I don’t begrudge them for wanting a first-round pick at receiver. My gripe has been, and always will be, these national sites getting fans stirred up about how “Aaron Rodgers has never thrown a touchdown to a first-round pick.” It’s lazy and it disrespects everything Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams have accomplished in their decorated careers. Those are six receivers who, in my mind, are all Packers Hall of Famers. I’m sorry none of them were first-round picks.
Tim from Greensboro, NC
Hello Wes and Mike. I know many consider Lazard lacks speed, which contributed to him going undrafted. However, I would submit MVS’s 74-yard TD against the Raiders in 2019 as a rebuttal. Take a look at the trailing Packer who appears to be running stride for stride with MVS and definitely not losing ground. Perhaps a bad rap?
It’s not a track meet. It’s a football game. I couldn’t care less what Lazard’s 40 time was then or what it is now. He’s a receiver in his prime who has Rodgers’ trust.
Joe from Wausau, WI
With all the talk about Romeo Doubs, and Aaron touting Allen Lazard as a No. 1, it seems to me Sammy Watkins is being overlooked. I was at practice Thursday and was very impressed. I realize it’s fair at this point to question whether he can stay healthy for an entire season. However, it doesn’t appear to me his string of injuries has robbed him of his speed and quickness.
Watkins still has his speed. It took me two practices to figure that out. Echoing what Larry McCarren said earlier this week, Watkins has looked the part. His catch off the deep over route from Jordan Love was one of the top five plays in camp so far. If he’s out there, Watkins is going to produce. It just comes down to staying healthy. Oh, and Watkins was a former first-round pick. I’m sure the pundits will like that.
Bil from Stateline, NV
Mike, you mentioned that your impression is that Romeo Doubs would rather not have the media attention. Does the team have a person, or crew, to help players with their dealings with the press? Not so much what to say, but how to present themselves, deal with nerves, etc. From a PR standpoint, I would think this would be advantageous to the team, as public perception of a player, reflects positively, or negatively, to the team as a whole.
Just for the record, Romeo Doubs has been nothing but respectful and courteous with the media so far. I think what Spoff is saying is Doubs isn’t the type of person who likes to draw any attention to himself (beyond what he does on the field). He’s handled himself well in the locker room and said yes to every interview request I’ve witnessed. He is just a lowkey personality and that’s OK. So was the other No. 87.
Andrew from Chicago, IL
I loved Spoff’s answer about weighing the balance in options present and future regarding roster construction. What’s more, why would Brian Gutekunst, et al, force a decision now while newer (and better) information will be shortly arriving? If you do not incorporate current information – and are not updating your evaluations as current information becomes available – I guarantee you’ll be behind your competition in short order. Let the information come to us, rather than us to it.
The thing I found most interesting about Kurt from Traverse City’s question is he tried to use a business analogy before offering a prompt that no successful business would subscribe to. You want to make money today and tomorrow. Not one or the other. If anything, Gutekunst has positioned his teams better to win now based on his willingness to sign De’Vondre Campbell, Dennis Kelly and now Dallin Leavitt to augment young position groups/units.
Tracy from Little Rock, AR
Is it probable Quay Walker plays on the edge some to blow Preston Smith and Rashan Gary? I’m worried about that position group’s depth.
Probable? No, but it is possible the Packers use Walker to get after the passer a little. He has the size and speed to do it. But I don’t think it’ll be as straightforward as him subbing in for Smith or Gary, one-for-one.
Dana from Eau Claire, WI
Really enjoy the quick videos, “Three Things,” and locker room highlights! Thank you for all the great content. Haven’t heard much about backup RBs, any insights into how the younger guys are doing?
I wasn’t at practice Thursday, but Andy Herman mentioned Tyler Goodson had a nice day. With Patrick Taylor a little banged up right now, this next week could be huge for Goodson and B.J. Baylor heading into the first preseason game in San Francisco. Goodson was a steady, reliable running back at Iowa and should get plenty of opportunity in the exhibition season to show what he can do.
Bob from Bryn Mawr, PA
A question about the forgotten two dozen or so gentlemen in camp who do not make the final 53 or practice squad. They obviously work hard at their craft. Do they have other football options like basketball players? Could you provide a general summary of what happens to them? I am sure there are some great human-interest stories out there as well as tons of heartbreakers.
Like anything in life, some players sign elsewhere, some play in different leagues and some move on to new careers, including coaching. What I like about the expansion of the practice squad is it keeps more players in the NFL system. As good as it is to have the CFL, XFL and USFL as secondary options, it’s much easier to stick in the NFL by learning your team’s playbook and getting called up.
Nathan from Manitowoc, WI
Is the starting TE two years from now currently on the roster?
Yes. Some folks call him “Bobby.”
Lori from Brookfield, WI
Wes, Jordy was here. In Green Bay. The long-awaited Jordy story was begging to be written and you were gone. Bummer. We missed you at Family Night, too. I hope you are enjoying Canton!
I saw that! It brought a smile to my face seeing all the Jordy-related posts, though. It’s always a good day when “87” is in town.
John from Oxford, UK
They say you always remember your first QB. Being a child of the early 1970s and discovering “gridiron” as a teenager, did I get the later years of Lynn Dickey? The early years of the majestic “Majik Man?” No, I will forever have a soft spot for Randy Wright. Waiting until the Tuesday morning paper here in the UK to find out my team had lost (again) and then the weekend to read a usually short piece on the sorry tale of the week-before debacle. Happy days. See you in London!
I’m glad you have plenty to cheer for these days.
Mike from Cascade, ID
Hi II, are the Packers scouring the league to sign a backup Jugs machine? I’m surprised they only had one!
JUGS machines are like punters. There’s only room for one.
Roger from Rice Lake, WI
Don’t know about everyone else but getting a bit tired of the stolen lunch references. If you need filler comments, try something else for a bit.
I take it you’re more of a breakfast fella?
Dan from Indianapolis, IN
Is it even legal to have half-things on “Three Things”!?!?
If Larry wants a “half thing,” he’s getting a half thing.
Brock from Waterloo, Canada
My girlfriend is entering her first season as a new Packer fan and wants to cook some pregame meals. She just asked me “Is cheese a thing?” How would you answer this question?
“It doesn’t have to be!” Have a great weekend, everyone.
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