Jordan Love's Emergence Changes Fortunes for Post-Aaron Rodgers Packers, Rival Scout Says

In 2005, the Green Bay Packers spent their first-round pick on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, making him the understudy to Brett Favre, and bringing him along slowly until it was time to pass the torch.

In 2020, the Packers traded up in the first round for quarterback Jordan Love, putting him in the same position to learn behind Rodgers, patiently waiting for his own time to shine.

It looks like that time has arrived, as Love took over as the Packers' full-time starter last season following the trade that sent Rodgers to the New York Jets, and the Utah State product sure looks like the next big thing under center in Green Bay.

“Patience finally paid off for the Packers at quarterback as Jordan Love had a breakthrough year," a rival scout told Athlon Sports for the 2024 NFL preview magazine , on sale at newsstands now. "This changes the fortunes of the franchise post-Aaron Rodgers."

Those fortunes will certainly ride on Love's success or failure for the most part, but his supporting cast will be vital in making sure the promising 25-year-old is able to maximize his talents and live up to his lofty potential.

Recent additions through both free agency and the NFL draft have given Love plenty of valuable weapons, and the offensive line has one of the league's best interior blockers to help protect him.

"Play-action is going to be a real factor with the Josh Jacobs signing," the scout said. "Jacobs has something to prove after his production dipped last season with the Raiders. ... The Jayden Reed pick [in 2023] was really good by general manager Brian Gutekunst. Reed is a serious threat. ... Elgton Jenkins is one of the top guards in the NFL."

It's a similar story on defense, where new additions and the presence of entrenched veteran stars could give Green Bay one of the best units they've had in years.

"With Rashan Gary healthy again, the pass rush is back in full effect," the scout said. "The safe bet is that Edgerrin Cooper is going to make an impact as a rookie linebacker. ... Jaire Alexander and the organization seem to be in a strange place at times. ... Javon Bullard has a great chance to start immediately. ... Xavier McKinney is money well spent. ... Preston Smith and Gary are a great tandem. ... Have to think that Lukas Van Ness’ role increases this season. ... Overall, quietly, one of the top front sevens in the league. Ton of sack production, lot of finishers like Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark.”

The Packers face a tough road through the NFC North this year, with a legit Super Bowl contender at the top in the Detroit Lions (still getting used to saying that with a straight face), and young but promising rivals in the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.

That said, with Love ready to break out this season while surrounded by strong support on both sides of the ball, the Packers could be primed for a deep playoff run and perennial postseason contention in the years ahead.

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