NFL Draft 2017: Kansas City Chiefs first-round grade
By Adam Patrick
The Kansas City Chiefs made a big trade to to move up and select former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In the second big trade of the night the Kansas City Chiefs moved up 17 picks from 27th overall to 10th overall after coming to an agreement with the Buffalo Bills. In exchange for the higher selection, the Chiefs sent the 27th and 91st overall picks this year and a 2018 first-round selection to Buffalo.
With their new and improved selection slot, the Chiefs opted to selected former Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It is a good move by Kansas City as he will not be forced to play right away given that Alex Smith is a suitable starter for another year or two.
Mahomes is coming off a junior season at Texas Tech in which he threw for 5,052 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He threw for a total of 93 touchdowns during his three years at the school.
He has some flaws in his game, but having the opportunity to sit on the bench for a year or two and improve his mechanics and other skills is a huge advantage.
The pick obviously speaks volumes about Kansas City’s current feelings about Smith’s future with the team. The Chiefs knew it had to make a change at the position and opted to go with Mahomes.
Overall, it was a bold move made by Kansas City and one they felt needed to be made. The risk is there with Mahomes ability to progress into a serviceable quarterback, but the Chiefs obviously thought he was well worth taking that risk.
Next: NFL Draft 2017 - Instant Grades
Kansas City gave up a lot for a guy who may not play for another two seasons, but they were not going to get even close to a Super Bowl with Smith as their starting qurterback.