NFL Draft: Packers drafting QB was a vote of confidence in Jordan Love
Quarterback controversy for the Green Bay Packers? OK, maybe not, but the Packers have drafted a quarterback, as expected.
In the fifth round, Green Bay selected Penn State's Sean Clifford. The Packers needed to get a backup for Jordan Love, and they drafted a player who was in Green Bay for a pre-draft visit.
Clifford spent five seasons at Penn State, throwing for 10,661 yards, 86 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. He even beat Will Levis for the job at one point, who ended up going in the second round to the Tennessee Titans.
Green Bay needed a quarterback, and it has found one.
NFL Draft: Packers drafting QB was a vote of confidence in Jordan Love
The Packers were always going to add a quarterback this offseason. Their decision is actually a vote of confidence in Jordan Love.
Ahead of Aaron Rodgers' first year as a starter, the Packers drafted Brian Brohm in the second round.
Green Bay had two opportunities to draft a quarterback early this year, including Tennessee's Hendon Hooker in the second round. The Packers had hosted Hooker for a pre-draft visit.
The Packers also didn't sign a veteran quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater or Joe Flacco. Instead, they've added a developmental quarterback who many didn't think would get drafted. ESPN didn't even have a draft profile for him.
However, Clifford can help Love.
Sean Clifford was added to be a big brain in that QB room.
— Jacob Morley (@JacobMorley) April 29, 2023
Was told he is one of the smartest football minds in this class.
Will add a ton of value Monday-Saturday helping to get your young QB ready.
He was not drafted to ever be a starter IMO.
Believe it or not, Clifford is actually older than Love.
Selecting Clifford feels no different to when the Packers would draft a late-round quarterback to back up Aaron Rodgers. There was no need to draft a quarterback early because they knew they had Rodgers. When they eventually did draft a first-round QB, it was Rodgers' future replacement, Jordan Love.
This pick shows the Packers have confidence in their new starting quarterback. They didn't add competition to the room by investing in an early selection.
The Packers know Love is their starter. They invested all three Day 2 picks in building the offense around him, and their late-round quarterback addition shows their confidence in Love as the starter.