Jordan Love, Packers Roster Remain Underrated
The league continues to overlook Green Bay's talented roster.
By markoldacres
This time of the NFL calendar, right before training camp, is when we feel the most starved for football, with very little to talk about. That means it is prime time for rankings, and plenty of consternation about perceived snubs.
The Packers seem perennially underrated in exercises like this, and this year is no different, with some questionable placing of their star players, if they are included at all.
Perhaps the most egregious example is Jordan Love. ESPN’s rankings, for which they surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts, to rank the top 10 players at every position, did not even have Love included in the top 10.
He was listed third among the honorable mentions, which essentially means he was ranked 13th. This follows NFL.com ranking him as the 14th best QB in the league back in February.
Those are frankly ludicrous rankings, especially after Love inarguably was one of the best three to five quarterbacks in the NFL in 2025 using any reasonable metric, beyond simple counting stats.
The lack of counting stats is probably what hurts Love in these discussions, and is not his fault. Green Bay averaged the fewest possessions per game by any team in a season since at least 1999, when excluding kneeldowns.
Even beyond the stats, you can use your eyes and see that Love played incredibly well last season. On ESPN’s list, he was ranked below Jared Goff and Caleb Williams, both of whom he easily outplayed across the season. NFL.com ranked him below Daniel Jones.
No one would have expected Green Bay to have a wide receiver ranked in the top 10, but PFFs rankings of the top 32 receivers was absent a single Packer, which is more of a surprise.
They are one of only seven teams without a receiver ranked in the top 32. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill were ranked 17th and as an honorable mention respectively, and neither player has a team as of writing,
Christian Watson would be the prime candidate for the Packers, and although he has not been able to put together a full season of production, mostly due to injuries, one would think he could have made the list over the likes of Calvin Ridley or Michael Wilson.
Elsewhere, Zach Tom did not even make the honorable mentions section of ESPN’s offensive tackle rankings, essentially meaning he did not rank in top 15. That is debatable given his excellent performance over the past two seasons, even while playing through injury in 2025.
Tucker Kraft was ranked as the 6th best tight end by ESPN, which is not egregious, but placing him behind Tyler Warren, who has one year in the league, feels questionable.
Edgerrin Cooper ranked 9th among linebackers behind Nick Bolton and Jordyn Brooks, which again feels iffy.
Josh Jacobs did get an honorable mention at running back, while Micah Parsons and Xavier McKinney were fairly ranked 2nd and 3rd at their respective positions.
Overall though, the Packers continue to be underrated by the wider league, and given how little some people apparently think of their talent, it makes you wonder how they still manage to make the playoffs every year…
It is on Green Bay to go deeper in the postseason this year and start earning some more respect around the league, which seems to be lacking at the moment.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (33)
stockholder
July 20, 2026 at 10:29 am
This team is not under-rated.
You have favorites.
Every team does.
But-
The real power is in the running game.
You want those LBs to step up and open the passing Lanes.
Running enforces the team's physical
and mental will, upon the opponent.
If you compare what Lombardi had.
You'll see the difference.
splitpea1
July 20, 2026 at 10:49 am
Whew, gotta take off the green and gold glasses here...that's exactly the problem: the Packers don't have enough star players, and that needs to change this season if they want to advance deep in the playoffs.
The truth is that most of the rankings are probably somewhat accurate. Now you could make a case that Jordan Love does belong somewhere in the lower half of the top 10, but certainly not between three and five. Also I found it interesting that Justin Herbert was ranked around 9, so I would be a little skeptical of that and perhaps replace him with Love.
Other examples cited: Edgerrin Cooper has proven to be a solid player so far, but no, he's not as good as Nick Bolton or All-Pro Jordyn Brooks...Gee, it's no wonder the Packers didn't have a receiver ranked very highly: Doubs hauled in 55 receptions last season, which was 57th highest; Watson with his 35 ranked 120th. Now Watson obviously brings more to the table than just his catch count, but since we're talking raw statistics here, you can't expect a great ranking with such a low number of receptions.
The Packers need more individual excellence. Yeah, I know it's a team sport and all that, but you're not going to win a Super Bowl with exclusively lunch bucket guys or a bunch of players who are always in "untapped potential" mode. There is enough talent on the roster for the Packers to be better, but the time is now for the coaching staff to actualize that potential.
Starrbrite
July 20, 2026 at 05:03 pm
Exactly right—you must have more blue-chippers if you want to reach the top. We’re moving closer—I think??
splitpea1
July 20, 2026 at 10:10 pm
Seattle had five players who were either first or second team All-Pros last season. We may potentially--there's that word again--have a couple more, but they have to be let loose in order to find out.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 20, 2026 at 09:08 pm
GB has stars. They were just in the training room for the playoffs. Parsons and Kraft are legit difference makers. Devante Wyatt is an impactful defensive tackle who still has room to grow. They have other very good players like Watson and Reed and Cooper and Xavier McKinney. It’s mainly been player’s health that is affected their playoff outcomes.
splitpea1
July 20, 2026 at 10:29 pm
Some people can't help but being constant apologists...Some of these players may be stars for the Packers, but as evidenced by the lack of All-Pro selections save for two of them, they're not regarded as league-wide stars--and their numbers back that up.... Besides, they weren't all in the training room for the previous year's playoffs, so there goes that excuse as well.
TarynsEyes
July 20, 2026 at 10:59 am
" and although he has not been able to put together a full season of production, mostly due to injuries, one would think he could have made the list"...
Yes, this is just an excerpt from the entire sentence, but it describes the very issue most fans here suffer.
You expect incompletes to be awarded with A grades and placed among those who have fulfilled the requirements to higher levels.
Think so, and would-haves are not verified accomplishments; they're just if onlys and should never be seen as more than those that did.
GreenandBold
July 20, 2026 at 11:17 am
Sorry Mike Love is not a top 10 QB . He’s middle of the pack . I would argue he’s not a “ franchise “ QB . Those QBs put their teams on their backs and will the team to victories especially in the playoffs . Williams has shown that characteristic in his game . Love not so much at least not in the playoffs consistently . We all know the Packers have much to prove this season . They know it too. Until they prove it as a team and individually the rankings are what they are .
LeotisHarris
July 20, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Did you know Mike Love is 85 years old and still touring? I agree. he's not a top 10 QB.
Remember, punctuation can kill!
Let's eat grandma.
Let's eat, grandma.
NFLfan
July 20, 2026 at 11:33 am
Green Bay is suffering from the lack of an owner or a strong football-focused Board. No owner would have over-paid and given lengthy contracts to a 7-year middling HC/GM. There is a serious lack of accountability and the chickens are coming home to roost. What the rest of the NFL is signaling is that Green Bay has no real stars, xcept Parsons & few Pro-Bowlers during Gutekunst's tenure. Packers are becoming a bit irrelevant to outsiders.
This is what I call Radical Acceptance of the current state of the team and I see no appreciable solution for the next 3-4 years.
Additionally, there are two factions who waste time arguing among themselves as to who to blame-it is both of them---MLF and Gute-and I'd throw in another under-achiever, Policy.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 20, 2026 at 09:09 pm
Geez the trolls are out for this article.
Handsback
July 20, 2026 at 11:48 am
Teams are superior either because of talent or they have all their puzzle pieces in place and play at a high level. NE didn't win all those SBs because they had greater talent across the board, they won because their players performance was superior. Green Bay fans should be used to this since the 60 Packers were champions because they played at a higher performance level than their opponents. Johnny U was a better passer than Starr, Butkus was better than 66, LA had the best Dline in the NFL.
The point is do you have pieces of the team puzzle in place that can win a SB?
Most of us think they do. They have enough Blue chip players that can make a difference, but if they don't play with intensity and precision, they will be play-off quality team, but not a super focused Super Bowl winner.
JMHO
TarynsEyes
July 20, 2026 at 12:06 pm
"They have enough Blue chip players that can make a difference,"
No, they don't. The lack of intensity and precision speaks to the falsity of the belief/thinking they do.
They will be a playoff-quality team.
They're not even a quality playoff team, but simply a team that got in.
Just because I can get into the store doesn't make me a great shopper.
Handsback
July 20, 2026 at 01:14 pm
Well here is who I figure are blue chip;
Tom at OT
Jacob at RB
Kraft at TE
Parson at Edge
Cooper at LB
Mckinney at FS
Punter
You can't have Blue chip players at every position but Green Bay has enough to build around to make a formidable team.
JMHO
TarynsEyes
July 20, 2026 at 01:27 pm
"You can't have blue-chip players at every position..."
You make note of 7 position groups of 9, less CB and one that isn't really a group: kicker.
I think your blue is a different shade from what a true blue-chip player is. It's laden with too much bias. Can a couple of them become such? Sure, but I'll agree with two, Parsons and Kraft, who still has to continue, but Jacobs isn't really anymore, and the others are straws being grasped at.
I left off QB, as did you, because I'm just tired of talking, Love.
Starrbrite
July 20, 2026 at 05:06 pm
Right Taryn—we do NOT (yet) have enough blue-chips.
Leatherhead
July 20, 2026 at 12:06 pm
1) Love is an above average QB
2) The starting Oline is above average.
3) Jacobs is above average
4) Kraft is above average.
5) Our DL is at least average
6) Our interior LBs are above average
7) Our edge guys are above average when Parsons is on the field.
8) Our safeties are above average.
9) Our CBs are at least average.
This looks like a pretty good roster at this point. Best 53, Practice Squad. We can keep 69 and currently we're at 90, and nobody has been hurt yet and you can just about count on that happening once training camp and exhibitions start.
As I've said, I'm not too impressed with the depth of the offensive line. And I'm not sure about our RB situation if Jacobs isn't on the field. I'd love to believe in Lloyd, but I just can't until we make it through training camp. And I think the #5 and #6 WR spots are open.
Defensively, we should be pretty good. Lots of veterans there, lots of time together. Teams will have to earn their points.
If I could improve the team at ONE spot, it would be with a guy who can play tackle for either Tom or Morgan if needed. I think we can't just assume they'll each play 17 games.
TarynsEyes
July 20, 2026 at 12:12 pm
With all these 'above-average' position groups, why are they so average at best?
Now post the long list of excuses that all other teams have to endure, while the yearly obvious teams overcome them, and the Packers simply cannot.
Leatherhead
July 20, 2026 at 01:36 pm
So consistently making the playoffs is now "average at best"?. Personally, I'd call it average at worst.
Packers overcame a helluva lot of injuries to make it to the playoffs. Parsons, Tom, Wyatt, Reed, Kraft, Jenkins. That's 30% of your starting lineup.
TarynsEyes
July 20, 2026 at 02:06 pm
The last playoff spot, outside the anomaly that occurs rarely, is what Rambo considered himself to be: 'expendable.' You got invited, but nobody cares or worries whether you show up or not."
No team making the playoffs appears as weak as they do in the opponents' eyes.
They 'must' advance this year, or the talk of their 'this and that' bs 'must' stop until they actually do.
Oppy
July 20, 2026 at 06:35 pm
2 & 9 have me wondering if I should put in a wellness check on you, Leatherhead
CheeseWhiz1
July 21, 2026 at 10:42 am
What are your thoughts on our special teams?
bassrock
July 23, 2026 at 10:16 am
The starting Oline is above average. I don't know what planet you live on but the Packs offensive line is actually offensive. Jacobs was a stud 2 years ago and average at best last year. Could be the line problems helped this. Talk about green and gold colored glasses. Wow
Since'61
July 20, 2026 at 01:08 pm
Love is ont ranked higher among QBs because are ranked 15th in points scored in 2025. Plus he missed time with injuries. MLF doesn't help Love with his conservative play calling either. If the Packers score points, win more games and go deeper into the playoffs Love will get more of the recognition he allegedly deserves. His OL must play better to help him as well.
as for the rest of the team losing their last 5 games of the season is not a good look and is not going to help any team earn respect around the league. Beyond that are the penalties, poor time management, defenders who can't or won't make tackles, poor STs, and players who are often injured. It's difficult for players to be respected when they are not on the field.
The Packers have numerous questions to address during the upcoming TC and preseason games. How well they address their issues will determine how much respect they earn during the 2026 season. Thanks, Since '61
Leatherhead
July 20, 2026 at 01:33 pm
In the biggest game of the season, he threw for 4 TDs, 0 Ints, and over 300 yards, on the road.
I like the conservative play calling quite a bit of the time. On the road, early in the game, bad field position, etc. I think we hit on more big pass plays than just about anybody. Only three teams had a higher average on yards/attempt (Top Five Patriots, Rams, Lions, Packers, Seahawks) and I've seen us connect on quite a few big plays. So, it may be conservative, but it works.
We don't score enough points. I don't think that's a Love problem, or a skill position problem. I think that in our worst offensive stretches, our Oline wasn't getting it done, usually because some key pieces were out.
bassrock
July 23, 2026 at 10:28 am
Yep he had great numbers in the first half until the Bears adjusted and put pressure on him. Then he folded like disposable chair. If you want to build him up at least bring in the 2nd half of the game and how he played or didn't play well when pressure came. Also our genius coach never adjusted to the Bears which has been a huge problem with him since he's been here.
Strat
July 20, 2026 at 01:44 pm
I'm not going to try to rank Jordan Love. Since he has been the starter I've wanted him to start using his legs more to just move the chains, not be a RB that throws the ball, just get the first down. That's the kind of thing that will make him more of a threat, a better QB, and move him up the chart if that's what you want. But I will not ignore the fact that he threw for 323 yards and four TD's with zero interceptions in that playoff game in Chicago. Watson, Reed, Doubs and even underutilized Golden caught TD's, he found them all. You know damn well if you get that kind of performance from a QB in a playoff game you should win that game. To many others on this team let him down, and that includes overrated coaches and all the way up the ladder...world class choke job.
If Kraft was ranked 6th by ESPN, who the hell cares? We know how good he is and at the same time how much ESPN sucks compared to what it once was.
Kraft and Parsons are the two true, star power players. Some other good ones yes, but not enough talent to offset the mediocrity to be considered a Super Bowl caliber team. Better just hope they make the playoffs.
TruePackerBacker
July 20, 2026 at 03:20 pm
Hahahaha, You guys really think we are underrated? A team that was leading by 11 with 5 minutes left and lost in that 5 mins and you guys actually think they are under rated?? Ok, this made me laugh for the day. Hahahahahaha Thanks.
Major Snafu
July 20, 2026 at 11:19 pm
IMO the coaching and the GM and the quality of players are all average or slightly above. I dont see us blowing the doors off anyone. Just hope our receivers stay healthy and dont go down in the first two games or it could be a long season is all.
Savage57
July 21, 2026 at 05:32 am
And another thing.
I don't like anyone underrating my team.
I catch any you homos underrating my team, I'll kill ya.
NickPerry
July 21, 2026 at 07:28 am
Hey guys, people who know me here know I'm a bit of a "Homer". But after last season and three 7th seed playoff appearances, and a 1-3 playoff record the last 3 seasons, I no longer can give this team the benefit of doubt.
IMO we can no longer twist all those different stats they have nowadays to make the Packers APPEAR to be better than their record or playoff performances.
I still believe this team has talent. But IMO they have to start to PROVE themselves. In 2023 when they beat down the Cowboys in the playoffs, we all thought a SB was right around the corner. Fast forward from two early pitiful playoff losses in back to back seasons and you have fans arguing if they are underrated.
Hey, maybe this team is as great as we thought they were when they had a 9 point lead in the 3rd quarter against Denver last season. Yup, 9-3 and whooping Denver's ass. Then they lose Micah and go on to blow that game and the next 4 more including TWO against the Bears.
Sorry, you need to prove it now. Are you going to be 12-5 or 5-12? Stay tuned...
porupack
July 21, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Stats are in JLove's favor, but still is not a top 10 QB. He is still over-rated. I like him, and keep hoping for him...but isn't "the guy" that burys bad teams...and is unable to match the intensity and consistently maintain controlled drives against strong teams. I hope to change my opinion this year. Seasoned and groomed receivers, a more consistent OL will help immensely. The OL makes the QB better or worse, and the QB makes the OL look better or worse. Ditto for receivers. It is just how it is. That OL and receiver corp has to step up, or Love will not get out of the middle. Life in the NFL.
Since'75
July 21, 2026 at 09:58 pm
Problem: Jordan Love, Packers Roster Remain Underrated
The league continues to overlook Green Bay's talented roster.
Solution: Win something