Ross from Summerville, SC
Gents, I know it would never be admitted by the Packer execs but drafting a first-round WR for the first time in years would be a nice addition for Jordan Love and a slight dig at Aaron Rodgers on his way out the door.
Nobody is digging anyone. If the Packers were to draft a receiver in the first round, it’s because Brian Gutekunst and the personnel staff feel that individual is worth the pick. But as we’ve said ad nauseum for years, Green Bay hasn’t drafted a receiver in the first round because it largely hasn’t been necessary. Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Greg Jennings would all be top 10-15 picks in a re-draft. Christian Watson is only one season into this thing, but he already looks to be the latest in a long line of second-round studs.
Andy from Wisconsin Rapids, WI
I’m a little surprised Ryan Longwell didn’t make your special teams Rushmore consideration list. I did not expect anybody to break his all-time scoring record so soon. And maybe I have a little recency bias, but Jeff Janis held on to his roster spot for a number of years because of teams, whereas Travis Jervey seemed like a flash-in-the-pan if I recall. Although, my memory research could be wrong.
There are no right or wrong answers here, but Longwell is an honorable mention in my book. He’s not a Pro Football of Famer (like Jan Stenerud) and didn’t win a Super Bowl (like Chris Jacke). Over the past 10 years, Mason Crosby has blasted Longwell’s records into orbit. In my humble opinion, Crosby is the only unanimous selection based on his production, longevity and success.
I like the emphasis on returning core special-teams players as they not only help impact that phase of the game but also are usually adequate backups at positions on the other two phases. I have always considered Janis a very good special-teamer as both a gunner and returner. I wonder why he didn’t receive more credit and playing time? Did anyone ever ask him why he was a “body” catcher versus a “hands” catcher? He would have had a great wingspan as a “hands” catcher?
I don’t wish to re-enter the debate of “why Jeff Janis didn’t become the next great Packers receiver.” However, I remain surprised his NFL career didn’t last longer. In my estimation, Janis was the best special-teams player the Packers had after Jarrett Bush wasn’t re-signed in 2015. I had no issue with Green Bay letting Janis walk in 2017. I just thought another team would bring him on as a returner or special-teams coverage player. Undoubtedly, Janis would’ve benefited from today’s expanded rules that allow NFL teams to carry a couple players on their practice squad with unlimited NFL experience. Janis didn’t make the Browns’ roster in 2017 and that was all she wrote.
In the days leading up to the 2021 draft, I asked what pick/trade/move would rile up the Insider Inbox the most. Wes basically responded by saying that nothing could top the events of 2020, but we all remember the drama that ensued on the first day of the draft. I’d kind of like to ask the same question again, but I’m afraid it may be grounds for being banned.
It would probably be drafting a QB early or selecting a receiver in the first round (for the aforementioned reason). Truthfully, I never know what Gutekunst is going to do on the first night of the NFL Draft. I’ve seen him trade back, trade up and draft players no one expected. Last April, Gutekunst broke a 16-year run of not taking an inside linebacker in the first round. All we know for certain is that we don’t know…not until that card is turned in April 27.
Guillaume from Nantes, France
After Jerry Kramer and LeRoy Butler, who should be the next Packers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Cliff Christl thinks Verne Lewellen. But what about Bob Harlan? He’s the one who turned the Packers around by hiring the right people and propelled the Packers into the 21st century!
If you haven’t read Cliff’s story on the top 10 players from the Lambeau era, please be sure to check it out. It’s been 89 years since Lewellen retired but Cliff has worked tirelessly to make sure his career gets the credit it so richly deserves. I’m not educated enough on the 104-year history of the NFL to tell you where Bob Harlan fits into the league’s hierarchy, but the man unquestionably pulled this franchise back from the brink of extinction. To this day, Harlan remains one of this franchise’s greatest stewards.
A shout-out thanks to Joe from the UK for the tip on the book, “When Men Win Glory.” Living in Phoenix for over 40 years, I was lucky enough to see Pat Tillman play at ASU and for the Cardinals. He was not big or fast but very intelligent and a “Bull Dog” competitor. To give up the fame and money of the NFL to serve your country and make the ultimate sacrifice – THAT IS A HERO! I am going out to get that book.
I’ll have to check that out, too. I’ve had several interesting conversations with friends who covered Tillman’s career in Arizona. He’s beloved down there for the way he conducted himself with the media, the people inside the Cardinals’ organization and the surrounding communities. Tillman was the real deal.
