Mentoring and time to develop are keys in explaining Patrick Mahomes early success.
The Kansas City Chiefs have no problem taking chances on players with question marks. When abuse allegations hurt Tyreek Hill’s draft stock, they snagged him in the 5th round of the 2016 Draft. Today Hill is playing like a top-tier receiver.
In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chiefs turned heads by grabbing Patrick Mahomes 10th overall–two picks before the Texans selected heralded QB Deshawn Watson.
Watson was handed the starting role, while Mahomes rode the bench behind veteran Alex Smith. Mahomes got his chance during last season’s finale against Denver. He threw for 284 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
He got the start as a defensive ploy — to keep Smith from getting hurt for the NFL Playoffs. But what Coach Andy Reid saw that day was enough to convince him that Mahomes was KC’s QB of the future.
He was right! Now the starter, in 2018 Mahomes has completed 65% of his passes for 1200 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The Chiefs are undefeated at 4-0. Mahomes has already broken countless records and is leading the NFL is nearly every QB category.
It’s important to recognize the mentoring that Smith provided Mahomes last season. Mentoring and time to develop are keys to Mahomes’ success. He had time to adjust to the pro game, learn Reid’s offense, and figure out how to be an effective game manager.
Mahomes’ bright future in Kansas City has only just begun.
