I'll be doing a deep-dive on Love next week for CHTV, so I'll say more then. For now...
I don't love trading up, but I understand the logic behind drafting Love. There are still playmakers in this draft to help now while still planning for the future.

There are also guys you hope can take a leap this year. MVS, EQ and Sternberger are right at the top of that list.
The pick is kinda boggling right now, but Gute is also looking down the line. He has likely done evaluation on the QB class over the next few years.

If he's looking at the Packers drafting in the last half of the draft over that time and doesn't like any of those prospects? Better strike too early than too late. Get your guy. It's a career defining move for him and I hope he absolutely crushed it.

It's quite possible we look back at this pick in 5 years and wonder why we ever questioned it. If this is the Packers QB of the future and they nabbed him where they did? My god, that's a steal, and the story of tonight doesn't matter. It's looking at the long-term good.

Another factor here is the "build around a rookie contract" thought process. Unless you have an extremely shrewd front office AND catch some luck, that thought process runs out at some point.

Look at the Rams. Goff's contract was good until they signed him. If you're building on a rookie contract, you have to:
1. Draft a new QB every 2-3 years and hope he hits quickly.
2. Eventually find your franchise QB and pay him he's good enough to overcome the contract, or...

3. Eventually overpay a mediocre QB because you didn't hit on points 1 or 2.

The rookie QB thing is good for a short window. If it doesn't hit and you don't keep drafting, that strategy runs out real quick.

It's trying to hit on the long-term view of things, which is tough for all of us fans.
You guys know me. I love Rodgers a whole lot. But if you hang on a beat too long in this league, suddenly you're talking yourself into JaMarcus Russell.

I also think a lot in the short term hinges on the next couple rounds. There are still playmakers who could step in and help the Packers next season. Grab one or two of them, bolster the team in the short-term while looking towards the future.

I'm not super gung-ho on the pick - and I don't understand needing to trade up - but I'm more optimistic than I thought I would be. It's a mixture of sadness, intrigue and excitement. It's weird, and I'm going to bed.