The Green Bay Packers have seen their gamble pay off after drafting Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Now, after just two years as a starting quarterback, Love has been recognized by an ESPN Insider as the best quarterback in the NFC, surpassing seasoned veterans and even a Super Bowl winner.
Mike Tannenbaum Endorses Jordan Love as Leading NFC Quarterback
Despite playing fewer games in the previous season, analyst Mike Tannenbaum remains confident in Love’s abilities. Although Love threw for 3,389 yards last season—less than many other quarterbacks—Tannenbaum ranks him ahead of other notable NFC signal-callers such as Jayden Daniels, Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield.
Jordan Love has all the ability in the world,
Tannenbaum stated.
We talked about him over the last couple of days. Matthew Golden will now be a No. 1. You’re going to take a good offense and make it great.
This ranking prompted some skepticism, including from Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark, who expressed his doubts.
I am a Jordan Love fan, so I do not want the world to take it that I do not Love love, but how is Jordan Love number one?
—Ryan Clark, Former NFL Player
Tannenbaum quickly responded with a strong defense of Love’s standing.
If we have to go out and play a game right now today, he’s the guy that’ll be under center for me. He has the most ability, and to me he has the most upside. So we’re going to win for today, and we’re going to keep developing for tomorrow.
—Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN Analyst
When questioned about Love’s 11 interceptions last season, Tannenbaum attributed some of those mistakes to Love’s confidence on the field.
He had 11 interceptions last season. If you take away three or four of those throws, which were made because he has supreme confidence, he has more ability and talent than anyone else,
Tannenbaum noted.
Who would you put above him?
Clark expressed his disagreement clearly.
Everybody else on the list, Clark declared.
Justifying the Rankings of Jordan Love and Other Top NFC Quarterbacks
Putting a second-year starter so high in the NFC quarterback rankings is a bold move, especially when compared to more experienced players. Yet, Tannenbaum’s rationale includes recognizing Love’s potential while noting other emerging talents.
Jayden Daniels is on the verge of being a superstar in the NFL. I’m assuming Terry McLaurin will be there at some point,
he explained, highlighting that Daniels faces challenges due to the possible absence of McLaurin, his leading receiver known for five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Tannenbaum also gave credit to Jared Goff, whose offense remains strong with key weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta despite the team’s coaching staff changes.
Jared Goff, we have to give him his due. Still great led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. That offense will still be good,
Tannenbaum remarked.
Detroit’s Lions team dynamics add another layer of complexity this season, especially after their playoff loss to Daniels and subsequent staff turnover, motivating Goff to seek redemption.
Tannenbaum emphasized Jalen Hurts’ impressive achievements, challenging common perceptions about his ranking.
And then the Super Bowl Champ, Jalen Hurts. He’s someone that’s beaten Patrick Mahomes and outplayed him in two of the last three Super Bowls,
he said, underscoring Hurts’ underrated status despite the strong supporting cast around him.
Finally, Baker Mayfield ranks fifth on Tannenbaum’s list. Mayfield recently secured a contract restructuring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ensuring more guaranteed money through 2026.
As much as we like Baker Mayfield, he’s only the fifth best NFC quarterback,
Tannenbaum added.
What This Recognition Means for Jordan Love and the NFC Quarterback Landscape
Jordan Love’s rise to the top of the NFC quarterback rankings signals a shift in how emerging talent is valued within the league’s competitive environment. While his statistical output still trails some veterans, his potential and confidence have captured the attention of respected analysts like Mike Tannenbaum. This endorsement may increase pressure on Love to maintain and improve his performance under the spotlight.
With established quarterbacks like Jared Goff, Jalen Hurts, and Baker Mayfield still demonstrating strong capabilities, the NFC’s quarterback landscape appears more competitive and dynamic than ever. Love’s ascendancy could inspire changes in team strategies and heighten anticipation for the season as fans and analysts watch closely to see if he can fulfill the promise that earned him the top ranking.