Utah State Aggies quarterback Jordan Love will be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are the five best first-round fits for him this spring.
Which NFL team will use a first-round pick on Utah State Aggies quarterback Jordan Love?
While he won’t be the first quarterback off the board, or the second, and probably not the third, Love could go as high as No. 6 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite having a down junior season at Utah State, NFL scouts are willing to overlook this because his entire coaching staff left for the Big 12’s Texas Tech Red Raiders before the 2019 season.
There is a lot to like about Love. His ability to make plays with his arms and legs, as well as having the build to succeed at the quarterback position in the modern NFL assures us he will be a first-round pick this spring. Though it might be a reach for someone to use a top-10 pick on the guy, he will be off the board before the second round of the draft commences in Las Vegas in late April.
Here are the five best team fits for Love entering the 2020 NFL Draft.
5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South
If the Pittsburgh Steelers had a first-round pick, they’d make this list. Because they have a top-15 pick and are in the range to draft him, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come in at No. 5 for his services. Tampa Bay is likely to move off Jameis Winston this offseason, but how sure are we Love is ready to be thrust into a starting role as a rookie after his bad junior season in the Mountain West?
4
Los Angeles Chargers
AFC West
The Chargers have moved off Philip Rivers and will draft his heir apparent at No. 6. Justin Herbert of the Oregon Ducks feels like the better fit, but he might be off the board by then, depending on what the Detroit Lions do at No. 3. Though Love won’t be expected to do much right away with the Chargers, he’ll be forced to start when he’s not ready. Tyrod Taylor won’t hold him back for long.
3
New England Patriots
AFC East
The New England Patriots have to put in place a succession plan for when Tom Brady leaves Foxborough, whether he departs this March or not. With the No. 23 overall pick in the NFL Draft, New England could draft Love with a late first-round pick. He may not be ready to start, but would usurp Jarrett Stidham on the Patriots’ quarterbacking depth chart.
2
Green Bay Packers
NFC North
Though he may not be available at No. 30 overall in the first round, the Green Bay Packers could give Aaron Rodgers the Brett Favre treatment and draft his successor well before he’s ready to hang up the spikes. Matt LaFleur is a young coach and Love projects as a significantly better NFL prospect than when Brett Hundley was coming out of UCLA a few years ago. Love can grow here.
1
Indianapolis Colts
AFC South
The best fit Love has to be the Indianapolis Colts. They have a talented roster and a competent starting quarterback in Jacoby Brissett Love could challenge for right away. Indianapolis doesn’t have to start him right away, but he could earn the starting job by mid-season if Brissett falters once the weather starts to change. Frank Reich could have his heir apparent to Andrew Luck.
Ultimately, we’re going to see a run for quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Herbert, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and LSU’s Joe Burrow will all end up being top-six picks. Love feels like he’ll go in the teens to mid-20s.
Regardless, there is a huge draft market to be had for Love this spring.