Inbox: The Packers are happy to have him
Seeing smiles on fans’ faces is what makes it all worth it
Hi Wes, what position group are you most excited about watching come together this year?
The defensive line, easily. The possibilities are endless with this pending merger of the defensive line and outside linebackers, especially with how Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness and Colby Wooden can be utilized inside or outside. The philosophical shift also should bring out the best in Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks.
Monty from Velva, ND
Quay Walker and Micah Parsons are roughly the same size and both athletic and strong. Do you think Quay could make a similar impact if Jeff Hafley decides to employ him similar to the way Parsons is used?
There aren’t many comps for Parsons, who’s sort of the Aaron Donald of edge rushers. He wins in ways most 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass-rushers cannot. Both are “linebackers,” but Walker is more of the traditional off-the-ball variety. While Walker could be very dynamic as a blitzer in Hafley’s defense, he won’t be rushing the quarterback enough to be a 10-sack linebacker. Walker’s impact could be significant, though.
Adam from Madison, WI
So, Wes and I have dogs named Kevin, and Mike and I worked at DQ. I go hot fudge in my PB cup Blizzard. Along with the questions on the draft being a prediction and second-year jumps, I wonder when Carrington Valentine would have been drafted if he tested now.
Significantly higher, especially with how he looks today compared to a year ago at this time.
A lot of talk about Rasheed Walker being drafted in the seventh round. I remember following those who know that draft year. Several had Walker going in the first round. I always wondered if Walker had health issues or attitude issues, which resulted in him falling. Any idea if there was a perceived problem? Either way, I think they got a steal.
I’ve read many of those same articles. I couldn’t tell you why Walker fell as far as he did, but it didn’t have anything to do with health or attitude. Lance Zierlein gave Walker a third-round grade in 2022 but questioned whether he had the range and balance to play tackle in the NFL. Walker put his “redshirt” year in Green Bay to good use and proved last year he has the tools to play the O-line’s most coveted position. Regardless of how Walker ended up here, the Packers are happy to have him.
Roger from McGrath, AK
Another game-watching strategy: My high school coach taught me to key on guard first, motion next, and he knew if I was by watching my facemask swing from inside to outside and back. I used to watch caribou do the same if they swung their antlers in unison they knew, individually, they were confused. Watching where players are looking, especially the OL and LBs, helped me see quick processing, first steps, and progress. Any merit?
Absolutely. There can be no wasted movement at football’s highest level. Every millisecond means so much. Every millimeter can be the difference between winning and losing on a given play. It’s critical to know your assignment because it’s instincts that allow a player to move that much faster. To see a player’s eyes is to know what he’s thinking and what’s about to come next.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72234500/1445272669.0.jpg)
James from Ottawa, Canada
A sad day for Packers faithful across the world. Randall Cobb always delivered when we needed him, the definition of clutch and reliability. Big things await him to be sure and I’m happy to hear of the new role he will be walking into in the SEC, but a sad day for Packers fans, nonetheless. Thanks for the memories, “18.” They made us rich.
First, congratulations to Randall and his family. While Cobb said he isn’t officially retired from playing football, Thursday was a good reminder of what he meant to the Packers. He was a warrior during his 10 seasons in Green Bay, an absolutely tenacious playmaker who fought through so much to be there for his team. I’m excited for Randall and his new endeavor. He’s going to do great.