The 2020 NFL Draft has generated many discussions among Green Bay Packers fans, particularly regarding the team’s decision to select quarterback Jordan Love in the first round.
That choice surprised many, considering Aaron Rodgers was still the established starter and the team had other pressing needs.
Recent revelations have added another layer to the story.
Packers insider Matt Schneidman recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and shared glaring details about the team’s draft strategy that night.
“In 2020, before they drafted Jordan Love — and Brian Gutekunst has told me this on the record — they tried to trade up for a wide receiver. He didn’t specify who, but Brandon Aiyuk and Justin Jefferson were both taken just a few picks before Jordan Love. I would imagine it was one of those two. So the Packers actually did try to trade up for a wide receiver in that 2020 draft,” Matt Schneidman said.
"In 2020 before the Packers drafted Jordan Love they tried to trade up for a Wide Receiver..
Brandon Aiyuk and Justin Jefferson were both picked a couple picks before Jordan Love" @mattschneidman #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/jTpYk9jU8D
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 27, 2025
This information changes how many fans view Green Bay’s approach that evening.
The front office apparently wanted to bolster their receiving corps before ultimately landing on Love as their pick.
Justin Jefferson went 22nd to the Minnesota Vikings while Brandon Aiyuk was selected 25th by the San Francisco 49ers.
Both receivers have since developed into elite NFL talents.
Jefferson has become one of the league’s top wideouts, while Aiyuk has emerged as a reliable playmaker for San Francisco.
The failed trade attempts highlight the balance teams face between addressing immediate needs and planning for the future.
Green Bay chose long-term quarterback security over short-term offensive upgrades.
Love now serves as the Packers’ starting quarterback following Rodgers’ departure to New York.
The decision to draft him has proven prescient, though questions remain about what might have happened if Green Bay had successfully acquired one of those receivers instead.
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