The Green Bay Packers shocked fans in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by trading up for Jordan Love. While it came as a surprise to many fans and analysts, it was the worst-kept secret in the NFL for a team that never hid its love for Love.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers were so adamant about drafting Love that they held multiple deals in place to jump up in the NFL Draft. Before agreeing to send a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to climb up four spots to No. 26, Green Bay also had a deal in place with the Seattle Seahawks at the No. 27 spot.
The Packers feared the Indianapolis Colts would jump up to grab Love, but Indianapolis never attempted to make a move. Instead, Green Bay bid against itself to guarantee that it landed the quarterback that the organization became enamored with during the evaluation process.
Green Bay’s decision to ignore pressing needs at inside linebacker and receiver drew plenty of criticism. However, despite his team drafting his successor, Aaron Rodgers called Love and congratulated his new teammate on being drafted.
The comparisons to the Packers drafting Rodgers with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft is apparent. Rodgers learned from Brett Favre before taking over for him after three seasons. Love will likely be riding the bench for just as long and the Packers seem confident that history to repeat itself.