With the 2020 NFL Draft being completely virtual to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, NFL enthusiast continues to create their NFL mock drafts and patiently await tonight’s live broadcast. The NFL Draft will be streaming on ABC, ESPN, and NFL networks starting at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET. Friday’s coverage will start at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET, while Saturdays will begin at 9 a.m. PT/12:00 p.m. ET.
As major buzz surrounds which teams will acquire new talent, perhaps one of the most intriguing reasons to tune in will be to see if both the Green Bay Packers and the New Orlean Saints can score their next quarterback in the first round of the draft to invest in the team’s future.
In Green Bay’s case, getting access to a promising young player now can definitely secure the novice trains at the side of long-time QB Aaron Rodgers, further guaranteeing success by learning from a former Super Bowl MVP.
Via: Cheesehead TV.
Of course, I say “training” at the side of Rodgers; because even though the NFL star is now past his prime, the 37-year-old made it very clear that should head coach Matt LaFleur select a quarterback in the draft, he shouldn’t expect to be in the field on game day if Rodgers has a say.
"No matter who you bring in, they're not going to be able to beat me out anytime soon," Rodgers said in a radio interview.
Obviously enough, Rodgers has no interest in slowing down in what will be his 16th NFL season and wants to continue his cementing his legacy in the remaining four years of his contract. Regardless of the elevated confidence in his abilities, Rodgers also fairly understands the team could benefit from new talent to further solidify the team’s chances of success for the upcoming season.
"I'm a realist," he told ESPN. "I know where we're at as an org, and I know where I'm at my career."
Though the Packers have their first pick arriving at No. 30, they hold nine picks in the upcoming draft. Whether one of those drafts includes a quarterback will set the tone for the new season, and of course, how Rodgers responds to the decision.
As for the New Orleans Saints, many fans believe prioritizing a future quarterback is essential for this 2020 NFL Draft as Drew Brees enters his 20th NFL season. Regardless of Brees signing a two-year, $50 million contract deal to remain with the Saints, it appears he’s looking beyond what’s left of his career by also signing a contract to join NBC’s sports broadcast team following his last season.
As previously reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, New Orleans could prepare for Brees’ departure by drafting Utah State’s quarterback Jordan Love. However, Saint’s General Manager Mickey Loomis is not the only one with his eyes set on Love. According to ESPN, Texas Tech Head Coach, Matt Wells claims up to seven NFL team head coaches have approached Love highly interested in recruiting him.
Via CBS Sports.
The New Orleans Saints have the 24th selection of the first round with six draft picks total. Should the Saints pick a quarterback in this first round, it would only be the second time since the team’s first NFL Draft in 1967. The Saints’ Head Coach Sean Payton is also on deck with the idea of a new quarterback, insisting a third backup quarterback is a necessity as Taysom Hill settles into the position Brees will leave eventually behind, though Teddy Bridgewater is not necessarily out of the running.
Regardless if Love is their top choice to draft or another rookie, whether they choose to pick one in the first or final round, the Saints should definitely acquire a new quarterback and give him the opportunity to learn from Brees while he is still around.
*Preview Photo Credited to Cheesehead TV