The Packers have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time currently under center, and yet, for some reason, they appear to be taking him for granted, and made a move that will really hurt their franchise in the future.
Green Bay drafted quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft — trading up to do so — in what was the biggest head-scratching move of the major event. There are a few reasons why.
First off, the Packers actually had to give up a fourth-round pick to trade up and take Love with the 26th overall pick. It’s crazy, though, as it sure didn’t look like any of the four teams that were coming up on the clock were in the market for a quarterback, so the Packers likely could’ve still taken Love with the 30th pick, without giving up a fourth-rounder.
Jan 23, 2020; Mobile, Alabama, USA; North quarterback Jordan Love of Utah State (5) throws during Senior Bowl practice at University of South Alabama’s Jaguar Football Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Most importantly, though, let’s talk about the effect the move may have on Aaron Rodgers.
There’s a certain level of respect that sports organizations show their greatest players. It’s a big reason why the Patriots never looked to draft Tom Brady’s heir apparent, even when he was in his 40’s. As for the Saints, well, they never took a young signal-caller with Drew Brees on the roster. The Chargers did the same for Philip Rivers, and, unlike those guys, he never won a Super Bowl for the team.
And yet, Rodgers has won a Super Bowl, as well as an MVP award, at only 36 years of age, yet the Packers chose to draft the strong-armed Love, who will now essentially be breathing down Rodgers’ back. Should he have a bad game, then he’ll be forced to hear all about the possibilities of the team switching to love from reporters after the game It’s just the day and age we currently live in, unfortunately, with the media (like qq39.id) often pouring gasoline on even the smallest of fires. It’s a major distraction that the Packers clearly don’t need, with a young head coach and general manager calling the shots.
Jan 25, 2020; Mobile, AL, USA; North quarterback Jordan Love of Utah State (5) runs from pressure in the second half of the 2020 Senior Bowl college football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Rodgers has been saying all the right things when asking about the move, acting as if he’s unfazed by it. But he’s yet to have practiced with his new teammate, let alone play in a game, with the weight of Love watching on the sideline. It could certainly have an effect on his play, as it has on others that were in his situation in the past. The Packers really didn’t do right by him for a loyalty perspective, and we believe the move will have a negative impact on the team’s chemistry in the future.
