Inbox: There's a lot to manage on the horizon

[Cheesehead]

Jenn from Peoria, IL


The Patriots just released Gostkowski to save less than $4 million. I've been stuck in the house with young kids so maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but is this the true sign of the apocalypse? Other than Kenny Rogers "foldin' em" in the middle of this, that is. You'd think teams would realize there aren't a plethora of consistent kickers out there after the Bears debacle!


I don't want to jump to conclusions, but Gostkowski did have hip surgery last year, so how that might affect a kicker in his mid-30s could be a factor here. But regardless, with Brady gone, everything the Patriots do in their rebuild will be fascinating to watch.


John from Rhinelander, WI


Saturday's Inbox after-the-game photo of Aaron Rodgers and Brady makes Aaron look much smaller than Tom. I know that camera angles and how close they are to the camera makes a difference, but what is their actual size difference?


Two inches. Brady is listed at 6-4, Rodgers at 6-2.


Jesse from Bonita Springs, FL


Between OTAs, minicamps and other offseason events being disrupted this year, I'd think that certain positions (like CB) may be more valuable when the draft takes place for the first round at least. That's what I like best of Gutey getting OT and LB help so far. I feel people with WR fever will be very disappointed if we do pick one in the first round and there's not instant improvement in that room. I'm looking for improvement in that room coming from Allen Lazard and other in-house guys.


I think the plan is for the room to improve via the in-house guys as well as outside additions.


Zachary from Kathleen, GA


Earlier this year ex-Packer Casey Hayward came to the local mall where I live. He offered to buy $100 shoes for the first 100 students with all A's and B's on their report card. But over 200 showed up. I was near Casey when he was told about the massive number of people who showed up. He said with no hesitation, "I don't want to disappoint anyone. I will buy shoes for them all." I wanted to share the story with ya'll because it's nice to see rich athletes giving back to the community.


Doesn't surprise me in the slightest with Hayward. I know from talking to him when he finished his college degree in his Year 2 offseason that he considered himself fortunate to have the opportunity to go from Perry High in Georgia to Vanderbilt. He never took his scholarship for granted, and it sounds like he's trying to pass that message along in a tangible way for kids in his hometown area.


Mike from Ames, IA


Do you ever want to shout "NOTHING IS OVER!" like John Rambo when someone says "Now that *enter position here* is fixed......"?


Sure, except the movie John I more frequently channel is Blutarsky, not Rambo.


Ted from Bruce, WI


More of a comment than question. Now that the Queens traded Diggs, that will most likely mean another wide receiver will be gone before the Pack picks, although they are pretty short in the defensive backfield as well. Seems like they're gutting their team this year.


From the outside looking in, it would appear the Vikings are trying to fix both their cap and their locker room in the same offseason. Not an easy task.


Mark from Sturgeon Bay, WI


How much does strength of position count in the draft? Specifically, if there is a higher-ranked receiver available at 30 and a lesser-ranked OT, does the fact that this is a deeper draft for receivers count much so that the tackle is selected in the first round?


That can happen when there's, as they say, "a run" on a position. The degree of difference is what matters. It's never a good idea to leave considerably better players for your competition to draft.


Scott from De Pere, WI


The Packers took the more swings at the plate approach when drafting three RBs ( Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, Devante Mays) and then the following year with WRs (J'Mon Moore, MVS, EQ). The RBs hit on two of three, and the WRs I would still consider TBD. All picks were later-round picks. This year would you try a similar approach to fill WR or would you use a higher pick hoping for an impact player?


With this being just two years later, a higher pick is in order if the right guy is there, but I wouldn't be against a late-round addition, too. Back in 2018, those picks were made with Cobb and Geronimo Allison both on the team behind Adams.


John from Evans, GA


The Falcons took a big step in their second year with Kyle Shanahan calling the offense. Looking at both teams comparatively, the only thing we seem to be missing is a solid WR2 like Sanu and a shifty slot WR like they had in Gabriel to pair with Adams. I know BPA is the mantra, but I can't help but hope we double dip early in this deep pool of WRs in the draft. Not to mention guys like MVS and Lazard making huge jumps this year. Is it too much to ask for an updated Nov. 7, 2011, SI cover shoot?


Whoa, slow down sir. Build the stable first. One step at a time.


Nate from Bowling Green, KY


Hey guys, just saw the new Rams logo, love the LA, not crazy about the ram head. What are your thoughts on it, and do you think we'll ever see an updated Packers brand?


I'm indifferent on the former, strongly opposed to the latter.