The Green Bay Packers traded up in the first round to take Utah State quarterback Jordan Love with the 26th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. But just what is Love’s dynasty value going into 2020?
After painfully falling just short in the NFC Championship Game, the Packers were expected to strengthen again during the draft in the quest for a second Super Bowl ring for Aaron Rodgers. Outside of Davante Adams and Aaron Jones, Rodgers’ supporting cast was desperately lacking, and many expected the team to take one of the wide receivers that made up a historically good class. Instead, in a move eerily reminiscent of Rodgers’ arrival, they stunned the world. They traded up and selected Love.
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Jordan Love dynasty value following 2020 NFL Draft
Who is Jordan Love?
Jordan Love is the prototypical “boom or bust” quarterback. He has a strong arm, good size, and is capable of making any throw that you ask him to make, but is also maddeningly inconsistent and can make some of the worst decisions imaginable. Those who love him point to Patrick Mahomes, while those who hate him will point out the similarities to Blake Bortles.
In his sophomore season at Utah State in 2018, he looked as if he was destined for stardom and could compete to be the first quarterback selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, a disappointing 2019 season followed, with Love struggling to find chemistry with his surrounding talent, with the vast majority of the 2018 starters departing the program.
Now he lands in Green Bay with head coach Matt LaFleur. Despite the team’s success, LaFleur is still a question mark. He’s coached under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay. His limited playcalling experience clearly wasn’t enough of an issue to prevent him from taking the place of Mike McCarthy when the team eventually moved on from their long-time coach. That said, the Packers looked every bit of a league-average offense last season, finishing 14th in points scored and 17th in offensive yards. The franchise clearly believes in LaFleur, but he is yet to show the ability to improve an offense, delivering underwhelming performances from the Tennessee Titans in 2018.
When will Jordan Love become the Packers starting quarterback?
You’re not drafting Love with the expectation that he produces in 2020. Rodgers is 36, and at a time when Tom Brady and Drew Brees are still playing at a high level in their 40s, there’s no reason to think his performances are going to fall off any time soon.
But what about Rodgers’ injury history? Well, it’s probably less of a factor than you think. Rodgers played in every game in 2019. Despite a concussion and MCL sprain in 2018, he didn’t miss a game then either. In fact, the fractured clavicle which he suffered after a hit from Anthony Barr in 2017 is the only injury that’s caused him to miss time in the previous six seasons. Before that, the last time he didn’t start 16 games was 2013.
Aaron Rodgers is tough, and if the rumors are to be believed, he’s not happy about Love’s arrival. Is there a possibility that he takes a hit and isn’t at 100% for parts of the season? Absolutely. Is a future Hall of Fame quarterback going to voluntarily stand on the sideline while his replacement gets the opportunity to showcase his talent? It seems unlikely. If Rodgers physically can play, then he will.
What is Jordan Love’s dynasty value?
We know that dynasty fantasy football places a huge emphasis on long-term thinking, but these aren’t devy leagues where we are expecting to wait five years for a player to realize their value. Unless you’re using taxi squads, Jordan Love is going to be taking up a valuable roster spot.
While Rodgers is still on the team, Love’s value is minimal. It’s not a situation like the New Orleans Saints have where Taysom Hill is brought in to run the ball, or Jameis Winston might be brought in to throw a Hail Mary. There aren’t currently plays that Love is better suited to than Rodgers.
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Jordan Love’s fantasy value is entirely linked to Rodgers’ future, but this isn’t a throwaway late-round draft pick. This is a clear succession plan, and that’s enough to make him interesting. Jalen Hurts is more likely to contribute in 2020 and Jacob Eason should see a starting opportunity sooner, but the rumblings of discontent following Rodgers are enough to place Love firmly in that tier.
Love’s dynasty value in 2020 might not excite you, but if General Manager Brian Gutekunst follows the example of his predecessors and looks to the future sooner rather than later with an Aaron Rodgers trade, then watch out. Love’s upside is phenomenal.
Andy Gallagher is a writer for the Pro Football Network covering Fantasy Football. You can follow him @AndySGallagher on Twitter.