What NFL Players Thought of Patrick Mahomes Before He Became a Superstar

Before he became a household name and led the Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl glory, Patrick Mahomes was just another hopeful quarterback entering the NFL draft. Here’s a look back at what players, coaches, and analysts thought of Mahomes before his meteoric rise.

The Chiefs Take a Risk
In 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs made an aggressive move, trading up to the 10th overall pick to draft Mahomes. This wasn’t just any pick—they were putting everything on a quarterback from Texas Tech, a school known more for its offensive fireworks than its NFL pedigree. While the Chiefs saw something special, the rest of the NFL wasn’t as convinced. Many analysts and coaches felt Mahomes’ numbers were inflated by the spread system at Texas Tech, and some even doubted his transition to the NFL.

Mel Kiper’s Early Praise
One of the few voices in Mahomes’ corner was NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper. While other analysts hesitated to back Mahomes, Kiper was enamored with his arm strength, mobility, and confidence. He described Mahomes as “exciting,” pointing out that the quarterback was willing to take risks down the field—something that could pay off big in the NFL.

NFL Coaches Were Skeptical
Despite the hype from a few analysts, the majority of NFL coaches and executives were more cautious. Patrick Mahomes’ pro day didn’t attract many front-office representatives, and his performance was considered inconsistent. Analysts like Steve Mariucci compared him to middle-round quarterbacks like Davis Webb and Brad Kaaya. Mariucci even went as far as to say that Mahomes wasn’t even worthy of a first-round pick, dismissing him as a “thrower, not a passer.”

Shanahan’s Regret
Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the 49ers, admitted that he didn’t look into Mahomes enough before the draft. In hindsight, he acknowledged that Mahomes’ unique ability to make every throw made him a special talent. However, the 49ers had the second pick and didn’t expect Mahomes to go that high. Shanahan’s comments reflect the general skepticism around Mahomes before he proved himself.

The Chiefs’ Confidence

Despite the doubts, the Chiefs’ front office, led by GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, was sold on Mahomes. They were willing to take the risk, trading up to make sure they didn’t miss out. Andy Reid quickly became a believer, noting that after just a few minutes with Mahomes, he knew they had something special. Reid appreciated Mahomes’ leadership and professionalism and saw potential even in his early practice sessions.

Teammates’ First ImpressionsWhen Mahomes stepped onto the field, even veteran teammates like Travis Kelce and Justin Houston were shocked by his talent. Kelce, in particular, had an early prediction that Mahomes would be a star, noting his special trait of being confident and smart on the field. Mahomes’ raw ability was evident even in practice, where his no-look passes and improvisational style left defenders, like Justin Houston, in awe.

Tyreek Hill’s Initial Doubts
Not everyone was convinced right away. Tyreek Hill, one of Mahomes’ top targets, initially wasn’t a believer. Hill admitted that Mahomes’ mechanics didn’t impress him early on, but by his second year, Hill began to see how Mahomes had developed, with better fundamentals and a more refined understanding of the offense.

Chad Henne’s Praise
Veteran quarterback Chad Henne, who would eventually become Mahomes’ backup, was impressed with Mahomes’ arm strength from day one. Henne compared Mahomes to big-armed quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Blake Bortles, noting that Mahomes could make every throw and was capable of achieving greatness with more experience.

Mahomes’ Rise to Stardom
Despite the skepticism, Mahomes quickly proved his worth, becoming the starting quarterback in his second season. His early performances were nothing short of spectacular, and by the end of his first full season as a starter, Mahomes had won the MVP award and led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship.

Legacy Secured
Today, Mahomes is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, already securing his place as a future Hall of Famer. He’s not just a physical talent—he’s proven to be a student of the game, excelling both from the pocket and on the move. Mahomes’ combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ has made him one of the most feared players in the league.

As Mahomes continues to rewrite the record books, one thing is clear: the NFL’s initial doubts about him seem laughable in hindsight. From a question mark to an undeniable legend, Mahomes has shocked everyone—proving that sometimes, a leap of faith in a young quarterback is worth it.