And your 12 questions for the 2026 Outsider Inbox are

Wes Hodkiewicz

TK from New York, NY

Is it realistic to thinkJager Burtoncould push for a starting spot this season, or is being the top backup a better goal? I wonder if the expectations are getting too high. He's definitely versatile. Just question if this is overhyped because the Packers really needed someone to step up on the interior offensive line.

Many of us watched rookie fifth-round pick Corey Linsley come out of nowhere to start the 2014 opener against Seattle after barely taking any snaps with Aaron Rodgers in training camp. So yeah, anything is possible. But we still have so much to learn about Burton and really all these young offensive linemen. To your point, narratives form in July, but August is when the story begins to be written.

Clay from Waurika, OK

Growing up I loved middle linebackers and tight ends. They were always the toughest, most exciting players to watch because of the contact. Now it seems they are all about speed, instinct and less about intimidation and toughness. Do you see that ever changing back to the black-and-blue-division days again?

Sure, ifTucker Krafthas anything to say about it. I think you're gonna like what you see fromZaire Franklin, too. Look up his NFL.com 2018 draft profile once. Spoiler alert there barely is one. Franklin hasn't been given anything during his All-Pro career. He's earned every blade of grass his feet have touched.

Brian from Chaska, MN

Christian Watsonhas had an incredible journey, navigating a tough ACL injury that ended his 2024 season to earning a major contract extension this month. In your discussions around Lambeau, how much did the front office factor Pauley's hiring into their long-term vision for Watson's peak production, knowing how well he blossomed under him at NDSU?

I'm sure that's part of it. As weoutlined in the story, Watson is just one of several NFL receivers Pauley developed over his time coaching at North Dakota State and Iowa State. To that point, Pauley was on the Packers' radar before Watson even caught a pass in Green Bay. He not only earned a fellowship with the Packers in 2022 but also impressed Matt LaFleur, Jason Vrable and Green Bay's coaches. That laid the groundwork for his hiring now.

Michelle from Darlington, WI

Despite the ACL injury last year, Tucker Kraft has developed into one of the best TEs in the NFL. This is a contract year for him. What do we think Green Bay will need to pay him to keep him in Green Bay?

What he's earned.

Mick from UK

Do you think the current defensive roster is better suited to more aggressive defense rather than bend but don't break?

I do. You could see the defense stepping on the gas during the offseason program. Again, aggression must be weighed and measured. Driving with your foot to the floor is the fastest way to wind up in the ditch, but I like what Jonathan Gannon is cooking up. He has a scheme that challenges an offense both physically and mentally. I think that's how you win in today's NFL.

Glen from Green Bay, WI

With the conversion to a new defensive scheme, and little to no playing of starters in the preseason, how far into the regular season is "typical" for the defense to begin functioning as an instinctive, reacting defense rather than a "thinking" and reacting defense?

It's gonna take time, but naturally talented defenders will adapt. I have no concern whatsoever aboutXavier McKinney's ability to fit into a new scheme. Shoot, McKinney was an All-Pro player for the Packers from the jump in 2024. There's enough parallels between Gannon's scheme and what Hafley ran that I think it should be seamless. Like I said, I feel like the bigger challenge is the possibility of beginning the year withoutMicah Parsons. In Parsons' stead, the entire defense needs to elevate its game.

Glen from Bellevue, WI

Which positions/players might benefit or thrive most under the new defensive scheme? Can young players see the field more quickly or does experience in the system mean veterans are more likely to function better?

The switch to Gannon's defense will be good for the interior defensive line. I know fans feel some type of way about Joe Barry, but Kenny Clark made two Pro Bowls in his defense. So, I'm excited to see how disruptiveJavon HargraveandDevonte Wyattcan be in this scheme if Gannon can free them up in one-on-one situations.

Doug from Neenah, WI

Good morning. We didn't hear much aboutDomani Jacksonduring the offseason program. With his size and speed, Jackson could be a formidable special teams weapon. What were your first impressions?

I don't really have any yet. We only saw Jackson at rookie minicamp, which was more like a pregame walkthrough. He then sat out of OTAs and minicamp with an apparent injury. I'm eager to learn more, though. Jackson's five-star pedigree and speed are unique for the round in which he was drafted.

Sam from Curitiba, Brazil

Good morning, Wes! You mentioned thatTrey Smack"needs to master the wind conditions coming off the Hutson Center." That makes sense for practice, but does it help for gametime kicking? How often are the kickers able to practice in Lambeau? BTW, I'm normally Sam from Beloit, WI, but have been in Brazil for two weeks. It's super cool to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about their team. It's been fun joining in the celebrations even though I'm not a huge fan of futbol.

I love it, Sam. Brazil is truly a wonderful country. I hope to get back there again someday. To your question, kickers will occasionally work inside Lambeau Field, but have you ever heard the expression, "If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball?" I think if you ask Mason Crosby, he'd be the first to tell you Nitschke and Hinkle prepare Packers kickers for pretty much everything, especially when you're practicing there from the summer heat to the frigid winter.

Al from Green Bay, WI

When I see highlights from the '70s, it strikes me that today's players are faster, more agile and more athletic. Fast forward another generation or two, what differences might be noted then?

Players are always going to get bigger, stronger and faster. That's just the human condition, right? But I doubt the differences will be as pronounced as they've been the past 50 years. We went from guys using training camp to get back into shape to professional football players never not being out of shape (relative to 98% of the country). Mix in that change in football philosophy with all the technological development we have witnessed on the strength-and-conditioning front, and you get a game that's significantly faster than it was in 1976.

Carl from Greenville, WI

Hello fellas. With the understanding that the Pack has a tendency to ease their young players into the fold, do you foresee them still taking that approach withMarShawn Lloyddue to his limited gametime experience, or do you think they consider the two years of studying the playbook from the sideline while taking "mental reps" as quality experience and allow him to enter the fray (as long as he can stay healthy)? Just hoping to see a legitimate one-two punch behind 10 that opposing defenses can't ignore. GPG!

A lot depends on training camp and how Lloyd's body holds up to padded practices and preseason action. But let's say Lloyd gets to September no worse for wear. Then, you treat him like any young skill-position player give him a few touches, see what he does with them and adjust your gameplans accordingly. It's a delicate balance the Packers must strike, but ultimately, they need to know they can count on Lloyd. There's only one way to know for certain he needs to play football.

John from Stevens Point, WI

"You gotta use the science and data and make the best decision for your football team." Interesting statement. Has FB become like Moneyball baseball? How much is data used in the draft, on roster selection, training, play calling, etc...? AI is the hot thing right now. How is the team using AI? Do the Packers have a separate analytics department?

Football analytics are a living, breathing organism within the walls of Lambeau Field that have grown in scale over the past 14 years, but I know little about them. That's to the Packers' competitive advantage. AI is a bit dicier, though, because there's so much we still don't know about how data is collected, archived and disseminated.

Bil from Stateline, NV

I went to my first Reno Aces AAA baseball game on Friday. I spotted two other fans sporting Packers' regalia near my seat. We truly are everywhere.

We've had some raucous pep rallies over the past 10 years and Vegas ranks right near the top.

Erwin from Oklahoma City, OK

I have been to GB six or seven times to see games and have always enjoyed the brat. My only recipe is red onions and brat boiled in beer about six minutes and then let them both marinate another 10 before grilling. Then, topping the bun with mustard after the brat and onion have been placed in the bun. Sometimes I add peppers but that's a "Chicago Dog" thing. Any other ways to do the brat you wouldn't mind sharing?

You have a good formula there, Erwin, but it is badly in need of pickled asparagus. I'm with you on the peppers, though.

Mark from Big Bear City, CA

Good morning II, so we have planned our trip to Wisconsin in September, being my wife grew up in Wausau. We are going to stay in Oconto the first few days, catching the Thursday night opener at Lambeau and then down to Milwaukee to catch the Brewers' last game of the regular season against the Cards. My wife is really excited about both games. It should be a fun trip.

Sounds like the dream, Mark. Oconto is beautiful that time of year, too.

Jesse from Colorado Springs, CO

When will our Nike Rivals jerseys come out? I've been saving up money to get one. I just can't decide. My current home jersey is Aaron Jones, and my away is Xavier McKinney, so who should I get? Whoever you tell me, I'll get.

"Whomever." Maybe with "88" underneath it. Last year's rivalry unis were revealed in late August and available on Sept. 10. For those unaware, the NFC North and AFC South are the featured divisions in 2026.

Ryan from Satellite Beach, FL

Thanks to all II contributors for making this place special for the last 15 years. In that time, I have been Ryan from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Frisco, McKinny, Bloomer and Chippewa Falls. Getting published is always fun, but this column has brought me so much more understanding of the nuance of the game both on the field and in the front office, not to mention the laughs. II has helped me to become the best "Packer Fan" version of myself, if there is such a thing. Here's to a new adventure!

And here's to the 2026 Outsider Inbox and 12 questions that come with it (see below). Like previous years, the responses will be posted in groups of two from Monday, July 6, to Monday, July 13. A reminder it is better to answer one or two thoroughly than 12 short, flippant responses. Also, Mike is still going to be knocking out three more Inboxes this week before we flip the format, so be sure to keep submitting your regular questions. Thanks allI'll see ya next Monday.

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