The Green Bay Packers shocked the rest of the NFL when they traded up in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to select Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. It was a move that some had talked about, but very few thought would actually happen. With Aaron Rodgers still on the roster and Green Bay making a run to the NFC Championship Game last season, many thought the Packers would focus on improving around their current superstar quarterback.
Following the selection of Love, there have been rumblings about how the Packers might use Love early on. He isn't going to play ahead of Rodgers, let's end that possible thought right now. However, Green Bay hasn't ruled out the possibility that they could use Love in a similar role to how the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill.
Love certainly has the athleticism to play a role similar to that of Hill. But, the Packers should absolutely rule that out and decide not to put their future franchise quarterback in harm's way. He also wouldn't be nearly as effective as Hill has been with the Saints.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers' front office will have some tough decisions to make over the next few years. When do they give Love a chance to openly compete with Rodgers? Do they risk getting him some playing time early on when Rodgers could continue working on his career numbers and working his way up historical statistical categories?
All of that being said, let's take a look at three reasons the Packers should not use Love in his rookie season at all.
3. Learning Behind Rodgers Is Extremely Valuable
First up, the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time is too valuable for the Packers to let Love miss out on. Watching from the sidelines and having the headphones on is an extremely important part of the development process.
There have been some worries about Rodgers being unhappy with the selection of Love. In recent comments, however, Rodgers opened up a bit and said that he has had good conversations with Love and is looking forward to working with him. Rodgers of all people should know that the young quarterback is not at fault and deserves to be treated like any other teammate would be.
Back in his first years, Rodgers sat behind NFL legend Brett Favre. He ended up replacing Favre, but being the new guy on the block is never an easy task.
2. They Should Not Risk Love Getting Injured
Another obvious reason is that using a rookie quarterback in a Taysom Hill role can be dangerous. Green Bay drafted Love to replace Rodgers in the future and hopefully make a similar transition to the one that they made from Favre to Rodgers.
Love needs to stay healthy and focused on his skill development. Getting injured as a rookie would be a massive setback. Young quarterbacks who take a beating usually tend to have issues in the future getting used to the game.
Green Bay cannot afford to risk that. They have already ruffled some feathers by drafting Love. Now, they need to focus on keeping him healthy and developing for the future.
1. Love Wouldn't Be Nearly As Effective As Hill
Finally, while Love has good athleticism, he isn't nearly the kind of player that Hill has been throughout his career. Hill has a better body and athletic ability to play the role he has excelled in. Not every player can handle that kind of a role.
Love is more of a pure quarterback. He will have the ability to get outside the pocket and make plays, but his body might not react as well to taking hits and playing a multi-position role like Hill has in New Orleans.
If the Packers want to get Love playing time, they should focus on doing that in garbage time. They should also focus on his playing time coming at the quarterback position. Love isn't a wide receiver, running back, or any other position. And the Packers should not try to force him on the field in a position he is not prepared to play.
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