Packers Select Jordan Love With No. 26 Pick in NFL Draft

The Packers look to have drafted the heir to Aaron Rodgers Thursday, selecting Utah State QB Jordan Love.

The Packers selected QB Jordan Love with the 26th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Born in California, Love went to school at Liberty High School in Bakersfield. He lit up the CIF Valley League with 2,148 passing yards and 24 passing TD, plus 806 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground during his senior season. Closing his high school career on a high note, Love led the Lions to their first-ever Central Section Division I Championship.

Love has drawn comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for having the ability to throw the football with power from any angle and for his downfield accuracy. After a strong sophomore campaign (3,567 passing yards and 39 total TD) Love regressed slightly during his final season at Utah State.

Love tossed 17 interceptions as a junior and that caused some talent evaluators to question his ability at the NFL level. Turnover prone QBs don’t last long at the NFL level, so Love needs to work on reading defenses better and hone his decision making process.

NFL teams are captivated by Love, mostly due to his size and athleticism. He’s 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds and posted a 4.74 time in the 40-yard dash at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. Love has a strong arm and makes easy deep throws with just a flick of his wrist.

Here’s why SI’s Kevin Hanson ranked Love as the No. 28 overall player on his big board:

Part of Love’s 2019 regression can be attributed to a coaching change and lack of talent in his supporting cast, but he pressed at times and often made ill-advised throws. The epitome of a high-risk, high-reward prospect, Love has a live arm and plus movement skills to extend and make plays.

2019 stats (Junior; Utah State): 3,402 pass yards, 20 TD, 17 INT, 175 rush yards (12 games)

2018 stats (Sophomore; Utah State): 3,567 pass yards, 32 TD, 6 INT, 63 rush yards, 7 TD (13 games)

2017 stats (Freshman; Utah State): 1,631 pass yards, 8 TD, 6 INT, 165 rush yards, 2 TD (13 games)

Stick with SI.com throughout the weekend for in-depth coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft, including the impact of prominent rookies joining new teams, team-by-team breakdowns, fantasy football and gambling reactions, draft grades and so much more.

• NFL Mock Draft: One Final First Round Projection
• Overrated and Underrated NFL Draft Prospects
• NFL Mock Draft: Vegas Odds Predict First Round
• SI’s 2020 NFL Draft Prop Betting Guide

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