Could the Green Bay Packers really have just supplied coach Matt LaFleur with the next Patrick Mahomes?
Perhaps not. But with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers made a statement by selecting the Utah State quarterback. Love is one of the most intriguing prospects available, with unlimited upside and an equally cavernous floor. His raw talent is undoubtedly what makes him such a prized commodity, but his downside isn’t hard to see either. After a phenomenal 2018 campaign, Love regressed notably -- you can see it easily in his statistics -- and gave GMs a reason to hesitate on pulling the trigger on him in the 2020 draft. Packers fans should be excited, though, and hope for a return to form.
Here’s all you need to know about Love.
Measurables: 6’4”/224
School: Utah State
2019 Stats: 3,402 yards, 6.4 air yards per attempt, 20 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 81 carries, 175 rushing yards
Accolades: 2019 honorable mention All-Mountain West, 2018 second team All-Mountain West
Strengths: Love has crazy arm strength and can make Mahomes-ian throws, and anyone who’s capable of pulling off those off-balance, sidearm rockets has an innate ability that few prospects can boast. His mobility in and out of the pocket opens up his receivers downfield, and he can throw on the run into tight seams. When he’s on, he can make some of the best throws you’ll see in this draft class.
Weaknesses: Had his junior season looked like his sophomore year, you can bet that Love would be a lot higher on the 2020 draft board. But the interceptions and inconsistency that played a part in his junior campaign make him a polarizing candidate to become a franchise quarterback. The Mountain West isn’t a particularly strong conference, and you have to worry about how his spotty performances will translate against much stiffer competition. His decision-making and accuracy will need to improve.
Player Comparison: Poor Man’s Patrick Mahomes
This comparison is the one that’s likely been thrown around the most, and I thought about switching it up with a shout out to Josh Allen. However, it’s those off-balance flings and deep dime-drops that Love can pull off with a flick of the wrist that makes it hard to go away from the Mahomes comparisons. Just don’t expect the Utah State product to throw for 50 touchdowns in a season and take home MVP honors with the flying colors of the Chiefs signal caller.
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