Is there a better non-sport, sporting event than the NFL Draft? Heck, there’s even a movie about it. The drafts in the three other major sports in the U.S. aren’t even close. The NBA could quit after pick No. 20, and MLB and NHL drafts are guys that won’t play at the highest level in three years or more. The NFL Draft is pure gold!
Often imitated, never duplicated. First off, give credit to the NFL. The league realized it had something truly special on its hands and has done an incredible job of enhancing the spectacle of the draft every year. But part of the brilliance of the NFL Draft is how quickly fortunes can change in this league. You could be one pick away from a dynasty, whether it’s Patrick Mahomes in the first round or Tom Brady in the sixth.
Short of being over, what do you find most rewarding about covering the draft? Secondly, how does Packers’ staff distinguish between truth or sabotage when the inevitable past horror stories appear on draft eve?
I love the draft. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job. The days fly by and there is so much engagement on our website with fans hungry to learn about new players. As far as the second part of your question, I think it’s sort of like preparing for a final exam. As long as you do your homework, nothing will catch you off-guard. Gutekunst and his staff have a process that will guide them through these next three days.
Do you think there is a sweet spot for number of draft picks per year? For example, it’s unlikely a dozen drafted players would make the team thus why not package a few to hopefully get a single, more highly-ranked player?
I think seven to 10 picks gives a team enough competition without jeopardizing how many rookies you can retain. Maybe you could nudge that up to a dozen if you’re in cap trouble or rebuilding.
Michelle from Andover, MN
What Day 2 draft-night scenario would surprise you more on April 24: the Packers trading up inside the top 50, or selecting a non‑premium position early based purely on best player available and why?
Drafting a non-premium position would be more surprising because it seems like trading back would be the more prudent move at that point.
So, that’s a no for a “What Say You” T-shirt?
If you make them, we will wear them, Tom.
Brianna from Broomfield, CO
Over the course of Draft Day 2-3, do you find a way to celebrate the annual event to compensate for extra work, say maybe getting prime rib delivered? Also, if you use “What say you?” 88 times in submitting, are you permanently banned from the box?
You know the answer to that, and who needs prime rib when you have all-you-can-eat Pack ‘N Cheese?
I expect that Jacob Rodriquez is selected in the first round. I guess we will know tonight. I promise henceforth to refrain from using “What say you?” if you and Wes (mostly Wes) stop using “at the end of the day.” What say you?
Hmm…can you give me until the end of the day to think it over?
Wes, Rod’s mention of Roger from McGrath’s passing, and their II-forged friendship, lends itself to a potentially powerful Outsider Inbox question: “Tell us about an interesting human connection you’ve made or strengthened because of your Packers fandom.” I trust readers have some amazing, funny, and touching stories. It could make for the best kind of “onion-chopping” day. And skip me as the submitter; it would be more fitting to call it the Rod and Roger from Alaska question.
Sharon from Lakewood Ranch, FL
Just sent in a submission and forgot to edit the “OM” at the beginning that meant “Oh My!” Sometimes 500 just won’t cut it when trying to get my “message” across. BTW, entering the best season – “Draft Day” til next February with my daily dose of packers.com for this soon to be 88-year-old fan! Blessed to be a Packer backer, no matter what! Thanks for being there! Hoping there’s one more Super Bowl for this ol’ gal to cheer for! Make it happen in ’26 – Go Pack Go!
Amen, Sharon. Enjoy these next three days, folks. This is the weekend championship teams are built.