Patrick Mahomes, now synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs’ resurgence as a powerhouse, could have donned the New Orleans Saints’ black and gold. This tale of what might have been not only underscores the unpredictability of the draft but also highlights the keen eye for talent that distinguishes the best in the business.
A Draft Night Full of Surprises
The setting was the 2017 NFL Draft, held against the iconic backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Rocky Steps. With the Cleveland Browns selecting Myles Garrett first overall, the stage was set for a draft that would be remembered for its dramatic turns. Among the surprises was the Chicago Bears’ bold move up the board to grab Mitchell Trubisky, setting the dominoes falling in a way few could have predicted.
Patrick Mahomes, a Texas Tech standout known for his gunslinger mentality and raw talent, was on the radar but carried the weight of skepticism due to his decision-making and the Air Raid system that inflated his college stats. Yet, for those who could see beyond the conventional wisdom, Mahomes represented a transformative talent.
Sean Payton’s Keen Eye
Enter Sean Payton, then the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who saw in Patrick Mahomes not a project but a prodigy. Payton’s journey to Lubbock, Texas, for a private workout with Mahomes would become the stuff of NFL lore. “The best quarterback I’d ever seen on college tape,” Payton remarked, likening Patrick Mahomes’ raw ability to that of Brett Favre.
Payton’s vision for Mahomes was clear: sit behind the legendary Drew Brees, learn from one of the game’s best, and then take the reins of the Saints’ high-flying offense. It was a plan that had the potential to secure New Orleans’ competitive edge for years to come.
"They want it! They want the ball! They wanted it baby!” – Patrick Mahomes pic.twitter.com/Qy3bBuWPX1
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) February 21, 2024
Kansas City Chiefs’ Bold Move to Get Patrick Mahomes
However, destiny had other plans. The Kansas City Chiefs, picking 10th after a bold trade-up from the 27th spot, snagged Mahomes just ahead of the Saints. It was a move that caught everyone off guard, especially Payton, who knew instantly that Mahomes was the target of the Chiefs’ aggressive maneuver.
Under the tutelage of Andy Reid, Mahomes would spend a year learning behind Alex Smith before taking over and rewriting the NFL record books. His meteoric rise has not only solidified his status as the face of the NFL but also transformed the Chiefs into perennial title contenders.
What Could Have Been
The Saints left to wonder what might have been, selected Marshon Lattimore, a decision that, while fruitful, carries the bittersweet taste of what could have been a seamless transition from one era to the next. Payton, now with the Denver Broncos, faces the challenge of stopping the very talent he once sought to harness.
This story of nearly missed opportunities serves as a fascinating backdrop to the ever-evolving narratives of the NFL. It’s a reminder that in the draft, as in the game itself, fortunes hinge on the slimmest of margins, and the future stars of the league can emerge from the most unexpected of circumstances.
Source: Patrick Mahomes
