NFL Exec Praises Packers for Jordan Love Development: 'They Handled Him Perfectly'

With Jordan Love set to lead the Green Bay Packers into the playoffs for the second consecutive season, the organization's development of the 26-year-old quarterback is being praised.

One executive on a rival team told The Athletic's Jeff Howe the Packers' development plan for Love was "perfect" after selecting him in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.

"They handled him perfectly," the executive said. "He had the physical talent coming out but was not ready, and they were patient with him, allowed him to learn from one of the smartest QBs and grow at his pace. He is definitely in the upper third (of all starting QBs) at this point and getting better."

When the Packers originally drafted Love, there was no indication it would take four seasons before he became their full-time starter. They were coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance in the 2019 season, but Aaron Rodgers looked like he was nearing the end of his prime.

Rodgers ranked 20th out of 30 qualified quarterbacks in QBR and 18th in passing EPA. He also had the worst bad-throw percentage in the NFL (21.2 percent).

Things turned around dramatically for Rodgers after Love was drafted. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021, with the Packers earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs both times.

After Rodgers and the Packers took a step back in 2022, he was traded to the New York Jets to open the door for Love to finally get his opportunity. The Utah State alum responded by finishing second in touchdown passes (32) and seventh in passing yards (4,159) in the 2023 season.

Love was rewarded with a four-year, $220 million extension in the offseason. It was a big investment in a player with just one year of starting experience, but he has made the bet pay off with another terrific year in 2024.

The Packers enter Week 18 with an 11-5 record and a playoff spot already secured. Love missed two games early in the season because of a knee injury, but he still ranks in the top 10 in touchdown passes (25) and QBR (69.4).