EVERY OTHER TEAM COULD HAVE AN EXCUSE
The big key of course is what the other 31 teams in the league think of Mahomes. Naturally they’ll like his raw talent but it’s always accompanied by the simple question. Enough to warrant a first round pick? Looking over the most quarterback-needy teams picking ahead of the Bears from #1 to #35, a legitimate argument can be made for each of them that it’s unlikely they go with Mahomes at that spot.
Cleveland (#1,#12,#33) – Likely to use #12 pick on their QB
The Browns could have three cracks at Mahomes before the Bears get a second one but all signs point to their 12th pick being the spot where they get their guy. They are certain to draft pass rusher Myles Garrett at #1. The odds of them taking Mahomes ahead of Mitch Trubisky or Deshaun Watson is unlikely.
San Francisco (#2,#34) – Favorites to trade for Kirk Cousins
San Francisco has no quarterbacks on their roster but they won’t have a need to draft one high if and when they land Cousins via trade from Washington.
New Orleans (#11) – They are virtually guaranteed to draft defense
Drew Brees is getting old but the Saints badly need help on defense. Almost from the very start they’ve bluntly said they plan to grab defensive help early and often.
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Arizona (#13) – More likely to choose Deshone Kizer if they go QB
The Cardinals are very much in the quarterback mix, so why Kizer over Mahomes? He already has experience with pro-style tendencies coming out of Notre Dame. That will appeal to an old school coach like Bruce Arians.
Washington (#18) – Believe in Colt McCoy and must replace roster losses
Washington may consider Mahomes at #17 but that’s not likely. Word is they trust Cousins’ backup Colt McCoy to step up and have plenty of other issues on their roster to fix after free agency gutted some key areas.
Houston (#25) – Has never taken a first round QB under Rick Smith
People keep projecting Mahomes to the Texans at #25. Not only does this not fit given they need a QB who is ready to play now, but it’s also important to remember that GM Rick Smith doesn’t draft that position in the first round. He never has dating all the way back to 2006.
Kansas City (#27) – GM has gone on record stating he’s not a fan of class
Kansas City is the team the Bears would have to worry about most. Mahomes represents the kind of talent upgrade over Alex Smith the Chiefs are seeking and Andy Reid is a widely-respected quarterback guru. That said, they still have a proven veteran in Smith who isn’t too old and there is also the fact that GM John Dorsey complained about how unprepared this class was for the next level.
At the end of the day one must weigh realities. Is Patrick Mahomes a talented young man? No question. Can he be a great quarterback in the NFL? Absolutely. Would he help a team right away? Ah. Now there’s the rub. None of the top 10 teams are taking him and the remaining teams who are borderline playoff contenders are unlikely to view him as a quick fix type of rookie quarterback.
Patrick Mahomes received 2nd-round grade from NFL draft advisory board https://t.co/O31agSl3wq
— Draft Wire (@TheDraftWire) February 23, 2017
Such types don’t generally go in the first round. There have been exceptions to be sure, but not many. Mahomes could go earlier, but the odds are increasing that he slips to the top of Day 2, right into the Bears’ warm embrace.
