The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft took place Thursday night with the Green Bay Packers making the shocking selection of the night. Green Bay traded up from the 30th pick to the 26th pick to select Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. It is a controversial move because the Packers chose to draft Aaron Rodgers’ successor instead of addressing more dire needs on the roster.
Drafting Love may be an excellent long-term move as the Utah State quarterback has the perfect situation in which he can sit and develop behind Rodgers. The problem is that the Packers are one game removed from playing in the Super Bowl last season and currently have their championship window closing. Green Bay had needs at the wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line position that both fans and experts felt that they were going to address with their first-round pick.
During this offseason the team has already moved on from veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga along with linebacker Blake Martinez, and wide receiver Geronimo Allison. Many projected the Packers to select a wide receiver to compliment Pro-Bowl receiver DaVante Adams and to provide Rodgers with another much-needed passing option. Although the draft is deep at the wide receiver position, Green Bay will not have another pick until the 62nd pick in the second round. On Thursday night, six wide receivers were drafted from picks 12 to 25.
The drafting of Love helps the Chicago Bears because it doesn’t immediately make the Packers better for the 2020 season. Chicago’s defense will not have to worry about covering a first-round wide receiver, nor will they have to worry about an upgrade at the offensive line. The Packers offensive line will have to protect Rodgers from Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, and Akiem Hicks without the addition of a first-round offensive lineman.
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Furthermore, it helps the Bears as Rodgers could be unsatisfied with having a young quarterback prospect compared to prospect at another position. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has been vocal in the last few seasons, calling out his teammates and others. If there is a string of games this season where the Packers lack quality offensive line protection or output from the receiver position, Rodgers is likely to call out the drafting of Love when there were other needs for the team. Leading up to the first round on Thursday night, the quarterback hinted at wanting the team to draft a player at the offensive skill position because Green Bay had not done so in 15 years.
Green Bay drafting Love may hurt the Bears later down the road, but it does not hurt them for the next couple of seasons. Rodgers is under contract until 2023, but the Packers could move on from him sooner if his play or the team’s performance declines. Love could be what Rodgers was to Brett Favre back in 2005, but the circumstances are different. Unlike 2005, the Packers right now are a championship contender, and contenders add immediate help in the draft. On Thursday night, Green Bay decided on a different route, a route that benefits the Chicago Bears immediately.
