Look away from the screen now if you’re against the idea of the Green Bay Packers drafting a successor to Aaron Rodgers in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.
In Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft 3.0 for NFL.com, the Packers selected Utah State quarterback Jordan Love with the 30th overall pick.
Jeremiah, a former NFL scout and current lead draft analyst for NFL Network, believes the Packers would be a “great fit” for Love because he’d have the opportunity to sit and develop behind Rodgers.
The Packers were one of six teams to hold a virtual visit with Love last month. Teams are unable to meet with prospects in person due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Love possesses ideal size (6-4, 224), arm strength and playmaking ability for the quarterback position, but has been plagued by his decision-making and inconsistency over his college career. The Utah State product threw for 8,600 yards, 60 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in 32 career games.
On the surface level, drafting a quarterback in the first round makes sense. Rodgers turned 36 in December. Brett Favre was 36 when Green bay drafted Rodgers back in 2005.
But there’s a multitude of deeper reasons why taking a quarterback early would be detrimental to the Packers’ overall success in the current moment. The Packers were one game removed from the Super Bowl this past season and Rodgers has stated many times his desire to play into his 40s.
Love has the potential to be a great player down the line, but based on the Packers’ current situation, drafting a quarterback in the first round would be ill-advised.
Packers Wire detailed a profile of Love in our “Prospect for the Pack” series. You can view the full breakdown here.
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