Packers select Penn State QB in fifth round of NFL Draft

The Packers seem committed to rolling with Jordan Love in a post-Aaron Rodgers offense. However, that hasn’t stopped the organization from selecting a quarterback in the draft. The Packers have picked Penn State signal caller Sean Clifford at No. 149.

Clifford once beat out second-round QB Will Levis for the Nittany Lions’ starting gig. While his former teammate ended up showing more promise for the NFL, Clifford still managed to hear his name called during this weekend’s draft. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out, Clifford is the 11th QB drafted this year, tying the Common Draft Era record set in 1995 for most quarterbacks selected in the first five rounds.

Clifford ended up spending four seasons as Penn State’s starter. That stint included a 2022 campaign in which he completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 2,822 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes, many teams viewed Clifford as a priority undrafted free agent, but the Packers were apparently motivated to add him now.

Love will be positioned atop Green Bay’s depth chart in 2023, but the rookie could make a run for the QB2 spot. The only other Packers quarterback on the roster besides Love and Clifford is Danny Etling.