The Packers are going to give Jordan Love every tool he needs to succeed, starting in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers have been preparing for life without Aaron Rodgers for a few weeks now, and their latest projected first-round pick would be the franchise’s biggest step in the right direction.
It would also be a massive slap in the face to Rodgers.
In a CBS Sports mock draft, Green Bay picked up USC’s Jordan Addison with the 15th overall pick.
It’s not like Rodgers has the best track record of playing with young wide receivers, as the veteran quarterback struggled to generate chemistry with 2022 rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs this past season.
Still, picking up a receiver to help Love’s development feels like an upper hand move from the Packers franchise by which they’re sending Rodgers a clear message: We don’t need you. We’re going to do just fine without you.
Packers select USC WR Jordan Addison for Jordan Love in latest mock
Addison has a Pittsburgh connection with Kenny Pickett, so it’s possible the Steelers might try to nab him, too (though the Steelers pick two spots lower than the Packers in the first round).
USC boasted a deep wide receiver room that saw four different receivers record over 600 yards that year, and Addison was able to set himself apart with 59 catches for 875 yards and eight touchdowns. In his sole season as a Trojan, Addison shined the most for his route-running abilities and could pair nicely with fellow youngsters Watson and Doubs.
In 2023, Green Bay’s receiving unit as a whole is getting a drastic makeover with the departures of Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, and Randall Cobb; it’s obvious that the Packers need more offensive reinforcements, and taking a high-upside wideout in the first round might be the way to go.
Jordan Love gets his guy, Aaron Rodgers gets his Super Bowl-contending squad when he joins the Jets, and everyone stops being petty and lives happily ever after.
