Chicago Bears (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have already won in multiple ways thanks to Green Bay, even though they didn’t pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
I don’t think the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft could have gone any better for the Chicago Bears. To begin with, general manager Ryan Pace avoided any temptation and did not trade into the top 32.
Even better, the Green Bay Packers did indeed trade up late in the first round. Initially, I think it’s safe to say many Bears fans would have thought the Packers go with a receiver like Denzel Mims or Tee Higgins at that spot — and trust me, it would not have been good for Chicago to see that happen.
However, Green Bay decided to shock everyone by selecting quarterback Jordan Love out of Utah State.
Immediately, the football world wondered just what the Packers were thinking. Many analysts and media folks have stated that Love likely won’t play for a couple of years, especially because Aaron Rodgers has four years left on his current deal.
And, let’s be honest, the Packers have taken their time with quarterbacks. Rodgers sat for a while behind Brett Favre before taking over, so maybe they do the same thing with Love.
However, Rodgers might be thinking back to when the Packers selected him and Favre didn’t necessarily take him under his wing. Honestly, why would he? Favre probably didn’t like the fact they wanted to groom his own replacement.
Likewise, Rodgers could feel the same way, here. Love is going to be Rodgers’ replacement — if not, why draft him in the first place? That has to be the plan. But, how soon are they planning to replace Rodgers?
What we do know, as of right now, is that Rodgers has still not spoken with Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst since the team drafted Love, according to a report out of NFL.com.
That is quite interesting. I’m sure Rodgers is upset. But, what exactly is the plan, here? Rodgers cannot be happy. That is for certain.
Last season, the Packers were just a game away from the Super Bowl and under a new coaching regime with Rodgers. Just months later, the team selects his ultimate replacement? Something doesn’t quite add up.
No matter what, Bears fans and the team should feel great about this. Their bitter rival is caught up in some tense controversy already, like it or not. Rodgers, Love, Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur can say all they want in the public eye, but you have to believe that behind the scenes, things aren’t exactly peachy.
Personally, I can’t say that I feel bad for them, being a Bears fan. The pick is curious, especially because Love is a project when it’s all said and done. His upside is intriguing, but his decision-making and accuracy needs a lot of work.
The Bears should be thrilled with a potential conundrum in Green Bay. Not only that, but they should be thrilled with the talent available to them starting in the second round.