In the run-up to the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers are reportedly showing keen interest in University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) quarterback Gavin Hardison, as they look to bolster their quarterback roster behind the promising Jordan Love. This news comes amid speculation on the depth and resilience of the Packers’ quarterback lineup.
Strategic Shift Behind the Green Bay Packers’ Interest in Gavin Hardison
Jordan Love, heralded as the Green Bay Packers’ future, has solidified his role as the team’s leading man. His performance trajectory suggests he will remain the franchise cornerstone, barring unforeseen setbacks in the upcoming season.
Behind him, however, the backup quarterback position, currently held by Sean Clifford, reveals a gap that the Packers are eager to fill. According to NFL media’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers hosted Hardison for a visit, signaling a proactive approach to scouting potential additions.
Despite a challenging 2023 season, where Hardison’s playtime was curtailed to just five games due to an elbow injury necessitating Tommy John surgery, his college career showcases a mix of promise and the need for refinement.
Hardison threw for 947 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions last season, completing 56.6% of his passes—a stark reminder of the raw talent and rough edges present in his game.
Evaluating Gavin Hardison
Despite unremarkable statistical outputs and a career hampered by injuries, Hardison possesses attributes that could be of interest to an NFL team looking to develop a robust player roster.
Standing tall with decent size, Hardison combines good arm strength with solid mobility, traits that could prove valuable in the NFL’s demanding environment.
His journey at UTEP, which began in earnest in 2020, saw him take the reins as the full-time starter in 2021. That season, he delivered his best collegiate performance with 3,218 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, albeit with a completion rate of 55.5%.
His numbers from the 2022 season, 2,044 yards with 11 touchdowns against eight interceptions, suggest a quarterback with the potential to grow under the right guidance.
The Packers are hosting UTEP QB Gavin Hardison on a Top 30 visit. pic.twitter.com/Yfc2MOEPPv
— Easton Butler (@Easton__Butler) April 17, 2024
What This Means for the Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ decision to scout Hardison, potentially as an undrafted free agent, is indicative of a broader strategy to create a competitive and resilient quarterback room.
The likelihood of drafting him might be low, but Green Bay’s interest hints at a strategic depth-building exercise, ensuring that the team has adequate backup and potential development prospects for the crucial quarterback position.
As the draft approaches, the Packers’ actions suggest a commitment to not only securing their present with Jordan Love but also ensuring their future remains in capable hands. This strategic foresight could be a pivotal element in maintaining the team’s competitive edge in the fiercely contested NFL landscape.
For fans and followers of the Packers, the unfolding storyline around their quarterback strategy will be one to watch, offering insights into the team’s long-term planning and immediate tactical adjustments as they prepare for another challenging NFL season.
Source: nflanalysis
