Anybody who has paid close attention the NFL over the past month undoubtedly watched the 2020 draft. It was one of the most surreal of all-time, done virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Easily the most controversial decision of the entire three-day event was when the Green Bay Packers traded up in the 1st round to draft Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. A move that was documented live on the Pat McAfee Show.
The former All-Pro punt had a sneaking suspicion that was the direction the Packers would go. This despite Aaron Rodgers having just led the team to the NFC championship. Show producer Ty Schmit did not enjoy McAfee even suggesting the idea Love was a possibility and made that known seconds before the pick happened.
“I swear to god if the Packers draft Jordan Love, I’m fucking done.”
So one can imagine his reaction when McAfee announced the selection live as it happened. Schmit was so beside himself and he literally stormed off the set.
Pat McAfee admitted what everybody echoed about the pick
Schmit and McAfee understood right away the implications of that move. The Packers were confident after going 13-3 last year and they were in a position to compete again in 2020. So they decided to sacrifice this draft towards the future. Love was the central focus of that plan. The heir apparent to Rodgers. Of course, they neglected to remind themselves the team had lost in the NFC championship, getting walloped by the San Francisco 49ers.
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This idea that the team could just go win the Super Bowl this time despite not noticeably improving any of their key weaknesses? It reeked of denial. Not to mention rumblings that the move was more of a powerplay by GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt Lafleur over the notoriously outspoken Rodgers. There is no question this is a bold move. In part because Love was the fourth quarterback off the board and they traded up to get him. Historically the well runs pretty dry by the time the fourth, fifth, or sixth QBs are options.
There is no denying his natural talent, but a lot of people wonder whether he has a head for the game given how poorly he played in 2019. Most chalk it up to just being surrounded by limited talent. Gutekunst better hope so because this decision might end up costing him his job.
