Patrick Mahomes, the dynamic quarterback who has become the face of the Kansas City Chiefs, did not arrive in the NFL by accident. His journey to becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion and league MVP began on a specific stage in the spring of 2017, when teams across the league evaluated his unique skill set.
The Draft Context: Why Mahomes Was Needed
Before looking at where the selection happened, it is important to understand the context surrounding the draft class. The 2017 NFL Draft was notable because several starting quarterbacks from the previous season were entering free agency, creating a sense of urgency for franchises to secure their signal-caller for the future. Teams were searching for the next generation of elite talent, and Mahomes possessed a rare combination of arm strength, improvisational ability, and football IQ that set him apart from traditional pocket passers.
Location and Round: The Official Selection
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The event took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which served as the headquarters for the draft proceedings over three days in April.
Year | Round | Pick | Team | Player
2017 | 1st | 10th | Kansas City Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes
Trading Up for the Future
Interestingly, the Chiefs did not originally possess the 10th overall pick. They acquired the selection by trading their original first-round pick and their third-round pick in 2017 to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, they received the Rams' first-round pick (10th overall) and a third-round pick. This move signaled the organization's commitment to transitioning away from Alex Smith, despite Smith being a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, to build a franchise around a younger talent with higher ceilings.
The Pre-Draft Process
Leading up to the draft, Mahomes was widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in his class. He played college football at Texas Tech, where he shattered numerous records and showcased a level of improvisational genius that was difficult for defensive coordinators to game-plan against. Scouts and general managers were reportedly fascinated by his ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate throws while off-platform, a trait that is highly valued in the modern NFL but difficult to measure in traditional scouting settings.
Interviews and Medicals
As is standard for top prospects, Mahomes participated in rigorous interviews with multiple teams leading up to the draft. Teams scrutinized his decision-making, leadership qualities, and work ethic. The Chiefs, under the guidance of General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid, were particularly impressed by his football maturity and his vision of the game. His medical evaluation was also a significant factor; the Chiefs required a clean bill of health to justify the investment of a first-round pick on a quarterback.
Impact of the Selection
The decision to select Mahomes has since been heralded as one of the most successful draft picks in recent memory. By acquiring the 10th overall pick, the Chiefs found the cornerstone that would revitalize their franchise. In the years following the draft, Mahomes developed into a perennial MVP candidate, leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl LIV (54) and Super Bowl LVII (57), solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
