The Green Bay Packers may be set at QB1, but the team appears set to add depth to the position in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Packers have 11 picks scheduled for the draft, so they may as well look to get better at the most important position in the league.
The Packers lost their long-time backup quarterback last season when they traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Jordan Love earned the right to become the Packers starter and showed promise as the team’s franchise quarterback.
The Green Bay Packers need better depth at quarterback
The Packers rolled with their 2023 fifth-round pick, Sean Clifford, as Love’s backup. They didn’t need him much last season, as he attempted only one pass. The Packers currently have Clifford and Alex McGough on their quarterback roster this offseason, but they should look to upgrade their QB2/QB3 spot as the team is expected to make a playoff run in the upcoming season.
McGough and Clifford don’t have a lot of playing experience in the NFL. That could cost the team dearly if Love had to miss time due to an injury.
The Packers are set to meet with Gavin Hardison
According to Tom Pelissero with the NFL Network, the Packers are set to visit with UTEP QB prospect Gavin Hardison. Hardison is coming off Tommy John surgery from last season.
Former UTEP QB Gavin Hardison is on a pre-draft visit today with the #Packers.
Hardison had Tommy John surgery in November, but he was already throwing at his pro day last month. A possible sleeper. pic.twitter.com/d3vhaUmpMk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2024
Hardison went 570/1061 passing for 7,963 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions during his five years in college. The six-foot-three, 215-pound quarterback could make an interesting Day 3 pick for the Packers.
Hardison was compared to Ryan Fitzpatrick
Per Hardison’s draft profile on Pro Football Network, Hardison was compared to NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick:
A decent athlete who often suffers because of a supporting cast often in over its head, Hardison has the tools to be a fun, impactful NFL backup like Ryan Fitzpatrick was for many years. But it’ll take time, and the tools may not be enough to overcome some bad habits formed over his career.
Hardison must stay tough in the pocket and avoid falling away from throws and retreating in clean pockets. He’ll also have to prove capable of quickly picking up an NFL playbook and applying those lessons on the field. With that in mind, he has a late Day 3 grade as a developmental talent.
The Packers may as well see how he can throw with them at their facility. Hardison wouldn’t have to overcorrect for poor wide receiver play in Green Bay if they drafted him.
Here are highlights of Hardison at UTEP by Campus Reels:
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