In the annals of NFL history, few draft decisions have sparked as much retrospective intrigue as the selection of Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft. As the quarterback continues to carve out his legacy as a future Hall of Famer with the Kansas City Chiefs, revelations from former and current NFL coaches shed light on the tantalizing “what-ifs” surrounding Mahomes’ draft journey.
Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians recently revealed his astonishment at Mahomes not falling to his team during the 2017 draft. Arians, whose Cardinals held the 13th overall pick, had harbored hopes of securing the Texas Tech prodigy. His admission underscores the widespread admiration for Mahomes’ talent and the perceived value he represented for NFL franchises.
Indeed, Arians was not alone in his assessment. Sean Payton, the esteemed head coach of the New Orleans Saints at the time, also held Mahomes in high regard. Payton’s appraisal of Mahomes as the “steal of the draft” highlights the widespread recognition of Mahomes’ potential to redefine the quarterback position.
However, despite their admiration for Mahomes, both Arians and Payton found themselves unable to orchestrate a move to secure him. In Payton’s case, the presence of veteran quarterback Drew Brees posed a unique dilemma. Brees, an icon in New Orleans, was not only the face of the franchise but also a revered figure within the organization. Payton’s revelation that Brees was present at the team’s facilities on draft day adds a layer of complexity to the situation, illustrating the delicate balance between honoring a franchise legend and planning for the future.
Furthermore, the Saints’ draft strategy, anchored by their evaluation of Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore as a top-three talent, ultimately influenced their decision-making process. While the allure of Mahomes loomed large, the Saints opted to prioritize their assessment of Lattimore’s potential impact on their defense. In hindsight, Lattimore’s emergence as a cornerstone player for the Saints validates their decision, underscoring the inherent uncertainty of draft day evaluations.
The narratives surrounding Arians, Payton, and Mahomes offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of NFL draft dynamics. They illustrate the convergence of talent evaluation, team needs, and the human element in decision-making processes. While Mahomes’ ascent to superstardom may evoke a sense of regret for some teams, it also serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the draft and the enduring pursuit of football excellence.
In retrospect, the 2017 draft serves as a reminder of the fine margins separating success from missed opportunities in the NFL. Mahomes’ journey from draft day hopeful to MVP-caliber quarterback embodies the essence of perseverance and talent meeting opportunity. As the Chiefs bask in the glow of their Super Bowl triumphs with Mahomes at the helm, the echoes of what could have been reverberate across the league, reminding teams of the enduring impact of draft day decisions.
