Patrick Mahomes is a name that resonates with football fans around the world, and his journey to becoming a star quarterback began with the NFL Draft. In this article, we will explore the details surrounding where Mahomes was drafted, the circumstances that led to his selection, and the impact this decision had on the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL as a whole.
The NFL Draft is a pivotal event in the careers of many aspiring football players, and for Mahomes, it was a defining moment that would shape his future. As we delve deeper into the history of Mahomes' draft, we will uncover the various factors that contributed to his rise and the significance of his selection.
Join us as we take a closer look at Patrick Mahomes' draft journey, including his college career, the teams that showed interest, and what his selection meant for the Kansas City Chiefs. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of where Mahomes was drafted and how it set the stage for his remarkable career.
Table of Contents
- 1. Patrick Mahomes: Early Life and College Career
- 2. The 2017 NFL Draft: Overview
- 3. Mahomes’ Draft Position and Team
- 4. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Strategy
- 5. Mahomes’ Impact in His Rookie Year
- 6. Statistics and Performance After the Draft
- 7. Legacy and Achievements
- 8. Conclusion: The Importance of the Draft in Mahomes' Career
1. Patrick Mahomes: Early Life and College Career
Patrick Mahomes was born on September 17, 1995, in Tyler, Texas. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, he was exposed to athletics from an early age. His father, Pat Mahomes, was a professional baseball player, which helped shape Patrick’s competitive nature and love for sports.
Mahomes attended Whitehouse High School in Texas, where he excelled as a quarterback, showcasing his impressive arm strength and athleticism. He went on to play college football at Texas Tech University, where he became known for his dynamic style of play and ability to make incredible throws.
During his college career, Mahomes broke multiple school records and gained national attention, leading to speculation about his potential in the NFL. His impressive performances made him a highly regarded prospect heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.
2. The 2017 NFL Draft: Overview
The 2017 NFL Draft took place from April 27 to April 29, 2017, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This event was crucial for college players looking to make the jump to professional football. The draft is structured in a way that allows teams to select eligible players to bolster their rosters.
Leading up to the draft, various teams evaluated numerous prospects, including quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. The quarterback position was particularly competitive that year, with several talented players vying for top selections.
Mahomes was considered one of the top quarterback prospects, but many teams had different needs and strategies, influencing their draft decisions.
3. Mahomes’ Draft Position and Team
On April 27, 2017, Patrick Mahomes was selected as the 10th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. This selection was a significant moment for both Mahomes and the Chiefs, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
Mahomes was the second quarterback selected in the draft, following Mitch Trubisky, who was chosen by the Chicago Bears as the second overall pick. This selection by the Chiefs was seen as a bold move, as Mahomes was a relatively unproven commodity compared to other quarterbacks in the draft.
Despite being the second quarterback taken, Mahomes' potential was recognized, and the Chiefs were eager to develop him into a franchise quarterback.
4. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Strategy
The decision to draft Mahomes was part of a strategic plan by the Kansas City Chiefs to secure their future at the quarterback position. At the time, the team was led by veteran quarterback Alex Smith, who had a solid career but was not considered a long-term solution.
Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid saw Mahomes as a player with the potential to revolutionize the team's offense. Reid's offensive system required a quarterback capable of making quick decisions and executing plays effectively. Mahomes fit the bill with his strong arm and playmaking ability.
By selecting Mahomes, the Chiefs aimed to build a competitive team that could contend for championships in the coming years.
5. Mahomes’ Impact in His Rookie Year
During his rookie season in 2017, Mahomes served as a backup to Alex Smith. He had limited playing time but showed flashes of his potential during the regular season. Mahomes played in one game, throwing for 284 yards and 1 touchdown.
While his rookie year was not filled with extensive game experience, it allowed him to learn from Smith and develop under Reid’s guidance. The Chiefs finished the season with a 10-6 record, making the playoffs.
Mahomes' opportunity to take over as the starting quarterback came in 2018 when the Chiefs traded Smith to the Washington Redskins.
6. Statistics and Performance After the Draft
As Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. In his first season as a starter in 2018, Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards, 50 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions, earning him the NFL MVP award.
Some key statistics from Mahomes’ career include:
- 2018: 5,097 passing yards, 50 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
- 2019: 4,031 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
- 2020: 4,740 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Mahomes’ ability to make throws from different angles and his exceptional football IQ have set him apart from other quarterbacks in the league. His impressive performances have solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in the NFL.
7. Legacy and Achievements
Since being drafted, Patrick Mahomes has achieved incredible success, including:
- Super Bowl Champion (LIV, LV)
- Super Bowl MVP (LIV)
- Two-time NFL MVP
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections
Mahomes has changed the way the quarterback position is played, and his impact on the game continues to grow. His ability to perform under pressure and lead his team to victory has made him a fan favorite and a respected leader in the locker room.
8. Conclusion: The Importance of the Draft in Mahomes' Career
In conclusion, Patrick Mahomes' journey from college football to the NFL Draft is a testament to his hard work, talent, and determination. The decision by the Kansas City Chiefs to draft him at the 10th overall pick has proven to be one of the most impactful choices in recent NFL history.
Mahomes has not only led the Chiefs to success but has also transformed the quarterback position with his unique style of play. The draft is often seen as a gamble, but in Mahomes' case, it was a calculated risk that has paid off immensely.
As fans continue to cheer for Mahomes and the Chiefs, we can only anticipate what the future holds for this extraordinary quarterback. If you have thoughts about Mahomes' journey or insights on the draft, feel free to leave a comment below!
