2020 Packers first round pick: Jordan Love, QB

[Curly Calhoun]

WOW!!!!!

Wolf & Holmgren wanted Favre.

Thompson & McCarthy wanted Rodgers.

Gutekunst & Lefleur want some Love.


This is the natural progression of things. I was as surprised as anyone, but, upon reflection, I get it.

On to the next pick.

 

[ThePerfectBeard]

So, you want to compare Love to Mahomes? How would you assess the probability that materializes? Quite low, I would say. Mahomes is one of fastest processors you'll ever see, in what he says and what he does. You have squint through rose colored glasses to see that in Love. Mahomes was and is a true natural.

Especially, since one of Love's biggest knocks is not seeing the field clearly and having trouble reading zone coverage. Something Mahomes doesn't have an issue with.

 

[fix8ed]

That’s the thing ... they can’t Trade Rodgers... he knows it... they know it .... and 2 years from now, when they probably could..
half of Love’s rookie contract will be gone...

I find it hard to believe that this QB selection would have been made without Rodgers being aware. It is ironic that this move is made only 10 days or so after Rodgers states publicly that he's hoping to end his career as a Packer. I have been wondering about this since the announcement last night. I sure hope Rodgers wasn't taken by surprise by the move; he surely needed no second big surprise on an NFL draft night. Either way, I don't think he will be happy. And yeah, once again GB management will ask its master carpenter to step on the field without a toolbox. We needed a tight end who manages separation and can catch. Failure to convert third downs will continue to hurt GB and make the team look lame. This selection was foolish from every angle...unless Gutekunst knows something about Rodgers health that we don't.

 

[gbgary]

I`m just sitting here shaking my head. What the hell is up with you guys ? You`re writing the guy off before he even starts, you complain that the coaching staff have screwed us over with this signing. How about giving the coach a chance to do his thing ? We're not going to win a superbowl in the near future and we all know it. Sometimes I despair of our fan base. TRY SUPPORTING THE COACH ! and let`s see what happens. It`s HIS *** on the line, not yours !

exactly right and gute sees the reality of the situation. last year was a fluke...an entertaining fluke but a fluke nonetheless. they're not in a position to go to a SB let alone win one. they need good starters at 5 positions...CB, ILB, DT, OL, WR. maybe 6 with TE. they need to extend Clark, 69, and Aaron Aones. Kevin King? all that isn't happening. they don't have the time or cap to do it while Rodgers is still good.
MLF needs to have the whole locker room. he needs to be man. i think Rodgers supplants him in the room. Gute loves the guy and it's clear this pick supports MLF. MLF will actually be able to coach Love and finally run HIS system.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

exactly right and gute. last year was a fluke...an entertaining fluke but a fluke nonetheless. they're not in a position to go to a SB let alone win one. they need good starters at 5 positions...CB, ILB, DT, OL, WR. maybe 6 with TE. they need to extend Clark, 69, and Aaron Aones. Kevin King? all that isn't happening. they don't have the time or cap to do it while Rodgers is still good.
MLF needs to have the whole locker room. he needs to be man. i think Rodgers supplants him in the room. Gute loves the guy and it's clear this pick supports MLF. MLF will actually be able to coach Love and finally run HIS system.

Spending a 1st round pick because your coach can't coach the current QB (which I don't think is the case but here we are I guess) is not a good way to run a team.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

% of uncatchable off-target throws when targeting OPEN RECEIVERS 5-18 yards downfield: Justin Love at 14.%,

Actual 1st round worthy QB prospects: Tua at 4.3% and Burrow at 5.1%

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Jordan Love has great upside but he is not NFL-caliber at the more consistent stuff NFL QBs need to do.

 

[PackAttack12]

exactly right and gute. last year was a fluke...an entertaining fluke but a fluke nonetheless. they're not in a position to go to a SB let alone win one. they need good starters at 5 positions...CB, ILB, DT, OL, WR. maybe 6 with TE. they need to extend Clark, 69, and Aaron Aones. Kevin King? all that isn't happening. they don't have the time or cap to do it while Rodgers is still good.
MLF needs to have the whole locker room. he needs to be man. i think Rodgers supplants him in the room. Gute loves the guy and it's clear this pick supports MLF. MLF will actually be able to coach Love and finally run HIS system.

All of your wildly speculative theories about Rodgers and MLF have been debunked yet you continue to spew it all over the forum as if it's absolute fact.

 

[gbgary]

Planning to have Rodgers as your QB for 3 more years rather than 5 or 6 is a very big difference.

3 is one or two years too many. if he's not gone at the end of 2020 he'll surely be gone at the end of 2021.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Especially, since one of Love's biggest knocks is not seeing the field clearly and having trouble reading zone coverage. Something Mahomes doesn't have an issue with.

Here's something I've mentioned a couple of times.

Before Gruden went to Oakland, he'd do pre-draft shows where he'd take some of the better QB prospects through their paces. He'd put them in front of a grease board with the offensive and defensive alignments drawn up and ask the QBs to go through their pre-snap and post-snap reads. Mahomes at that board was a "wow" moment. He ripped through those reads so fast Gruden wasn't keeping up. Everything he does is very fast, talks very fast, analyzes very fast, processes the field very fast in once-in-a-generation fashion.

Reading and processing the field fast is the most important QB trait, more than athleticism or arm strength once those latter traits reach NFL acceptable. Mahomes had all of that. Going in for arm strength and athleticism and hoping the rest will catch up is not a successful formula for fashioning a franchise QB.

 

[ThePerfectBeard]

Here's something I've mentioned a couple of times.

Before Gruden went to Oakland, he'd do pre-draft shows where he'd take some of the better QB prospects through their paces. He'd put them in front a grease board with the offensive and defensive alignments drawn up and ask the QBs to go through their pre-snap and post-snap reads. Mohomes at that board was a "wow" moment. He ripped through those reads so fast Gruden wasn't keeping up. Everything he does is very fast, talks very fast, analyzes very fast, processes the field very fast in once-in-a-generation fashion.

Reading and processing the field fast is the most important QB trait, more than athleticism or arm strength once those latter traits reach NFL acceptable. Going in for arm strength and athleticism and hoping the rest will catch up is not a successful formula for fashioning a franchise QB.

I remember this vividly. It was precisely at that moment I knew he was going to be special.

 

[Dantés]

Why I Hate It:

• It uses up the biggest resource remaining to the Packers this off-season to improve the roster for the immediate future, and thus improve their chances at winning a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers.
• The Packers are still pot committed to Rodgers for two more seasons, and would incur about 17M in dead money to move on even in 2022, thus negating much of the benefit of having a QB on a rookie contract.

Why I am OK with It:

• If the FO truly believes that this is a future franchise QB, then they can't shy away due to the timing, considering that their starter turns 37 this season.
• If this works out, then in the long run paying pick #30 and #136 for a franchise QB is incredible value-- teams regularly pour anywhere from 3-5 day one and two picks into getting their next QB.
• This is a QB who is widely considered to need 1-2 years anyways; even if they could move on from Rodgers tomorrow (not saying I would want to), he would not be ready. So in his case, the loss of a couple years of rookie deal is basically moot.

What Would Make me Feel Better:

• Use the day 2 resources on offense to support Rodgers-- pass catcher(s) and/or OL.

Bottom Line: If Love develops and they can transition from Rodgers to the new answer at QB, this will have been a great pick. Delayed gratification when it comes to the draft is really difficult, but that doesn't make it the wrong approach. If Love busts, then we will look back on this as a blown opportunity to help our future HOF quarterback win another title.

On the Player:

• Reverse his 2018 and 2019 seasons and he's going in the top 10 picks.
• From all the research I've done, there are legitimate reasons to explain what happened to him in 2019.
• Those reasons do not absolve him of his issues at the position; they merely allow for the possibility that he could grow past them with better coaching and surrounding talent.
• Comparing him to Mahomes generically is incorrect, and unfair, but comparing him to Mahomes stylistically (i.e. arm talent, mobility, ability to layer throws, ability to throw off platform, etc) does make sense. It's possible to saying that player X is like player Y in certain ways without saying that player X is player Y in total ability.

 

[gbgary]

True, but a win now mode is chartacterized by making moves for the upcoming season and not three years down the road.

win now is over. last year was it. it's transition time.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Been refreshing my Packer News browser all morning, waiting to read "Packers trade Love for the #34 pick in this draft and a 2021 1st round pick".

I think my internet is broken, hasn't come up yet!

 

[HardRightEdge]

I remember this vividly. It was precisely at that moment I knew he was going to be special.

He was obviously the best QB in that draft, easily worth the highest pick from any team without a franchise player already in place. Andy Reid know a few things about QBs. It was fortunate the Bears brain trust did not.

 

[Mondio]

Been refreshing my Packer News browser all morning, waiting to read "Packers trade Love for the #34 pick in this draft and a 2021 1st round pick".

I think my internet is broken, hasn't come up yet!

I have not put that out of the realm of possibilities at all at this point

 

[AmishMafia]

Especially, since one of Love's biggest knocks is not seeing the field clearly and having trouble reading zone coverage. Something Mahomes doesn't have an issue with.

No, but Mahommes had his flaws coming out of college as well. He was sporadic with accuracy and gave up too many Ints as well. He didn't read defenses well and had to improvise as things broke down. If he didn't throw it so hard, he probably would have had a bunch more ints.

Loves issues are exactly what you said. He doesn't read defenses well and see the field. Which is true of just about every rookie QB. However, this is something a player can learn. If he isn't rushed and he can wait till he learns and the game slow down for him, he will have a better shot than most to succeed.

What you can't teach a QB, is how to have a big and lively arm. What you can compare to Mahommes, is they can both sling the ball very well while on the move. This is a huge asset to the offense as DBs have to stick with their guys longer than normal, which opens things up for scrambles and screens. Also, opens up to a lot more passing opportunities as plays evolve.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

Can people PLEASE STOP COMPARING LOVE TO MAHOMES!!! It's just an absolutely silly comparison. Last year Love was not consistent at routine throws. Yes, his highlights are reminiscent of Mahomes but highlights should not be what you evaluate a QB with. Mahomes was a more consistent QB in college than Love. Also, it's just patently unfair to compare a rookie to the best QB in the NFL.

 

[AKCheese]

Kicker in the second? Gotta replace Crosby SOMEday... Actually I’ve always thought Rodgers has been a bit overrated. Now a lot of his throws are just bad horrible throws and decision making is bad horrible decision making. There was a ton of lady luck involved getting to the NFC Championship game and we were exposed there as not belonging. I’m not apoplectic because I think Rodgers is getting shafted. I just am having a hard time seeing how this progression unfolds in Gute’s mind. Does he honestly think this kid is special enough to trade up for and sit for 4 years. Does he believe he’ll push Rodgers out in 2 or 3? Is there a trade in his mind somewhere down the road a year or two? (Cap hit there). It will be interesting to watch play out. Meanwhile Green Bay is what they’ve been for most of the time since Holmgren left (using that as a time marker, not cause and effect), a team that SHOULD get into the tourney... then they gotta hope to get hot at the right time and make a run. That’s what happened 9 years ago, that’s what we’ve gotta hope happens again.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I have not put that out of the realm of possibilities at all at this point

I think its my "hopeful me side" telling me that the Packers have something up their sleeves in regards to Love and another team. IF that doesn't happen, than I will still fall back on the idea that if he really starts to impress and pick up the system, we have our future QB or at minimum, a very valuable commodity for a future trade.

 

[gopkrs]

I don't think there is a plan re: the QBs. If Rodgers says he wants to play for the Packers until his time runs out; that is fine and dandy for today. In two years he might say that his body hurts too much to continue. If he plays really well; then he will stay in GB at least through the end of his contract. But it won't be forever. Love looks like he will benefit from sitting on the bench. Yes he threw interceptions last year, but Utah State played against some high powered teams with a poor O line and bad receivers. What do you expect against LSU? He was trying to score. I don't see Rodgers playing past his contract. And don't want 10 years of lousy teams because we are looking for a QB. It makes sense for a lot of reasons and one of which is that we now have a 2nd string QB.

 

[LetzBreel]

I find it hard to believe that this QB selection would have been made without Rodgers being aware. It is ironic that this move is made only 10 days or so after Rodgers states publicly that he's hoping to end his career as a Packer. I have been wondering about this since the announcement last night. I sure hope Rodgers wasn't taken by surprise by the move; he surely needed no second big surprise on an NFL draft night. Either way, I don't think he will be happy. And yeah, once again GB management will ask its master carpenter to step on the field without a toolbox. We needed a tight end who manages separation and can catch. Failure to convert third downs will continue to hurt GB and make the team look lame. This selection was foolish from every angle...unless Gutekunst knows something about Rodgers health that we don't.

There it is! That last line of fix8eds opinion. Rodgers is not what he was physically or mentally. Anybody who even remotely watches him can see that. The cheap hit by Anthony Barr ruined his throwing arm. The front office and Rodgers have tried to down play it the best they can but anyone who is paying attention can see the deterioration. What I find most disturbing about Rodgers is his total crap mental attitude. He doesn't hide how he feels very well and while back in the 60's and 70's showing up your teammates might have motivated them, the cry-baby, pampered athlete of today can't and won't be bothered with that kind of treatment. Lastly, as long as Rodgers priority list is Jesus, Danica and football, in that order, the Packers are going nowhere but down. Why is it that Green Bay gets in these situations where they are literally held hostage by their QB? I have been AR's biggest supporter since day one but you must get rid of him and start over. He is the disease not the cure. As usual, I expect some real harsh words but oh well. To me, the writing is on the wall.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

I don't think there is a plan re: the QBs. If Rodgers says he wants to play for the Packers until his time runs out; that is fine and dandy for today. In two years he might say that his body hurts too much to continue. If he plays really well; then he will stay in GB at least through the end of his contract. But it won't be forever. Love looks like he will benefit from sitting on the bench. Yes he threw interceptions last year, but Utah State played against some high powered teams with a poor O line and bad receivers. What do you expect against LSU? He was trying to score. I don't see Rodgers playing past his contract. And don't want 10 years of lousy teams because we are looking for a QB. It makes sense for a lot of reasons and one of which is that we now have a 2nd string QB.

Last year Love couldn't hit wide-open receivers consistently. Sure, complain about the competition or teammates, but missing over 10% of your throws to open receivers is not a good sign. He certainly need development, which he'll get since Rodgers' contract ensures he'll be the QB for the next 3 years. I just don't think a 13-3 team should spend two draft picks on a guy that won't contribute for 3 years.

 

[El Guapo]

I dunno, I really don’t get it.

There were a lot of folks on this board, including you, who said that Rodgers has been a big part of the problem. Anyone can cruise through the 107 pages in the "Aaron Rodgers Performance Thread" and see who has been dumping on Rodgers for the past few seasons, but now is against the drafting of Love.

1. Rodgers is clearly declining
2. Rodgers injury history clearly demands a better backup at the most important position on the field
3. There is no good time to draft a top QB, only bad times such as when you desperately need one

We need help at many positions, but it is rare to luck into elite QBs in the mid rounds. If we all don't want to be crying in three years about how Gute ignored the QB position, he had to go get one at some point.

 

[Mondio]

I think its my "hopeful me side" telling me that the Packers have something up their sleeves in regards to Love and another team. IF that doesn't happen, than I will still fall back on the idea that if he really starts to impress and pick up the system, we have our future QB or at minimum, a very valuable commodity for a future trade.

all plausible and beneficial outcomes. Not the instant cheer we want, but can be just as valuable none the less, of course part of that will depend on who else they get this draft. Plenty of time and picks to get help, but they have to hit on 2-3 at least. One thing I know, is even after the draft, Gute won't stop looking for ways to improve the roster with cut downs and stuff that follows.

I think it's important for people to not pin the hopes and success or failure of the next season on 1 player picked at a certain position. Still lots of ways to improve this team, even with a QB we hope doesn't play for a couple years, it can still be a good pick. Not my favorite or desired, but still good.

 

[Sunshinepacker]

I think its my "hopeful me side" telling me that the Packers have something up their sleeves in regards to Love and another team. IF that doesn't happen, than I will still fall back on the idea that if he really starts to impress and pick up the system, we have our future QB or at minimum, a very valuable commodity for a future trade.

Packers might even be able to trade Love for a second rounder if he looks really good! Seriously though, I hope Love becomes great and people can pretend that spending a 1st and a 4th on a guy who is sitting on the bench for 3 years was worth it.