Jordan Love second best quarterback after Mahomes! The ex-NFL general manager sure does think so. Mike Tannenbaum, boldly proclaimed Jordan Love as the next-best quarterback after Patrick Mahomes. That’s right, the Packers‘ rising star is being hailed as the number 2 QB in the NFL.

Tannenbaum’s statement on the Dan Patrick Show was a revelation in how he perceives quarterback talent. Love’s breakout 2023 season, where he ranked first in passing yards (2,150) and second in touchdowns (18) over the final eight games, was a glimpse into the future of quarterbacking.

“I’m taking Jordan Love number two,” Tannenbaum declared with the conviction of a NFL GM. “I’ve really been thinking about this a lot. Like who would you take before Jordan Love in terms of youth, ability, and I think his future is limitless and while I think Trevor Lawrence has an ability, you know at some point You know, this is the old Belichick, like you should show greatness,” he added,

What sets Love apart from Trevor Lawrence? According to Tannenbaum, “What we see with Trevor Lawrence is that he can show being good. B+ But we have seen Jordan Love in one year show greatness. He was arguably over the last half of the season arguably the best quarterback in the NFL.” As pointed out by the host, the former NFL GM will take Mahomes and then Love in a hypothetical quarterback draft. Tannenbaum is “100%” sure of this arrangement. According to him, “If you give me Jordan Love, I am set for the next decade. High character. Great ability. Been fully baked and developed. I am not looking back.”

Statistically, Love’s performance in the latter half of the 2023 NFL season was better than any other QB. He led all QBs with 20 “big-time throws” and a +13 differential in big-time throws over turnover-worthy plays, per Pro Football Focus. The way Love led his team, last year into the playoffs, it seems like a perfect recipe for long-term success. While Lawrence and others continue their chase for greatness, Love seems to have already outdone all of them.

Jordan Love’s journey to elite quarterback status over Trevor Lawrence

A closer look at his offseason preparation and the Pro Football Focus rankings might clear all doubts of skepticism. PFF has placed Love above Trevor Lawrence. Love’s focus in this offseason was on refining the finer details that separate good from the elite.

The little things that can propel him into a Hall of Famer. “There’s always little things,” Love said after last week’s practice at Packers OTAs.“The biggest thing for me is just staying poised in the pocket, being able to say balanced in the pocket,” he added.

Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence, the highly touted #1 pick in 2021, seems to be lagging in his development. Despite putting up solid numbers in 2023 (4,016 yards, 21 TDs), Lawrence was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Missing his first career start and having some of his worst games immediately after returning from injury like, knee injury, ankle injury, and concussion. The Jaguars are still hoping for Lawrence to make that leap to elite status.

Additionally, Love’s commitment extends beyond the practice field. He’s been a constant presence at Packers’ OTAs, building that chemistry with his teammates, and leading by example even though the contract negotiation looms high. “I just think you feel the confidence from him, the way he projects himself in front of the team,” coach Matt LaFleur stated at the pressor.

As Love continues his journey, one thing is clear: his journey is about more than just statistics. Nonetheless, this offseason has showcased that the upcoming NFL season will test the best of the best. Only time will tell whether Love will come out on top or whether Lawrence will showcase his dominance.