NFL Rumors: Packers latest pre-draft visit should make Aaron Rodgers squirm

The Green Bay Packers invited another potential Jordan Love target for a pre-draft visit, providing their new quarterback with more help than Aaron Rodgers ever received.

Green Bay rarely selected a wide receiver or tight end early in the NFL Draft for Aaron Rodgers, but they did take his backup and eventual successor in Jordan Love. Now, Love will receive the treatment Rodgers always wanted, and it’s fair to wonder what No. 12 is thinking during this dragged-out exchange.

The Packers have yet to trade Rodgers to the Jets, his preferred destination. In the meantime, both sides have moved on with the assumption that Love will be Green Bay’s starting QB in 2023.

Packers rumors: Michael Mayer receives pre-draft invite

With that in mind, Green Bay is not blind to the fact that Love will need help early on in his development.

That’s right — the Packers have invited Michael Mayer in for a visit. Lombardi Avenue’s Paul Bretl broke down Mayer’s game:

“Over his career, Mayer caught 71% of his 227 targets at 11.9 yards per catch with 16 touchdowns. He lined up all over the formation, spending 48% of his total snaps in the slot, along with another 12% being out wide. This versatility is an important aspect of playing tight end in the Matt LaFleur offense.

In 2022 specifically, Mayer caught 67 of his 101 targets at 12.1 yards per catch and had nine touchdowns. He ranked fifth in total yards after the catch, 16th in average YAC, and second in yards per route run among all tight ends. He was also PFF’s fourth-highest-graded run-blocking tight end as well.”

Mayer is one of the top tight ends available in this year’s draft class. He’d be an excellent option for Love, a quarterback with little starting experience, to throw to when he’s in trouble. Mayer is also a capable blocker, something Green Bay values in their tight ends more than most teams.