NFL.com: Pro day illustrates why Arizona would be good fit for Mahomes
Mar 31, 2017, 4:14 PM | Updated: 4:19 pm
Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Texas Tech's pro day at Jones AT&T Stadium Friday, March 31, 2017, in Lubbock, Texas.(Mark Rogers/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP)
(Mark Rogers/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal via AP)
The future quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals could have just finished his pro day on Friday in Lubbock, Texas.
Patrick Mahomes, who recently finished his junior year at Texas Tech, is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft, and the Cardinals have already been linked to him.
Chase Goodbread of NFL.com chronicled what draft expert Mike Mayock saw at the Texas Tech’s pro day and alsop provided some background information.
Goodbread writes:
Texas Tech: Mahomes would fit nicely in New Orleans, or Arizona
The skinny: After Mahomes’ 68-throw session, NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock, who attended the workout, said the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals would be two strong fits for the former Red Raiders star. Why? Because because it would afford him a short-term understudy role.
“Best-case scenario is he plays behind a quality starter for a year or two, a veteran. New Orleans, Arizona, one of those situations,” Mayock said.
Might the two clubs see things the same way? Both traveled to Lubbock for a private workout with Mahomes earlier this month, and the Saints remarked to Mahomes about his impressive progress afterward. As for Mahomes’ workout Friday, Mayock saw both positives and negatives.
The positives were that Mahomes displayed his great arm strength, excelling at the types of passes that not all quarterbacks can make. On the flip side, his footwork and mechanics were not consistent, which caused him to miss on some throws.
In terms of being a good fit for the Cardinals and Saints, the two teams have one thing in common: A current veteran starting quarterback.
In Arizona, Mahomes would sit behind Carson Palmer, while in New Orleans Drew Brees is atop the depth chart. Mahomes is a tantalizing option because, first of all, he put up insane stats during his time at Texas Tech.
In 2016, he threw for 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also ran for 285 yards and 12 touchdowns. And while his Red Raiders went 5-7, Mahomes wasn’t the issue as the offense averaged 43.7 points per game.
Mahomes was also excellent in 2015, as he threw for 4,653 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Plenty of college quarterbacks put up incredible numbers, but Mahomes has the arm to back it up.
A bit wobbly but Mahomes just ripped a hail mary 80 yards. Admittedly, always windy in Lubbock pic.twitter.com/d3TakSOvmA
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 31, 2017
That level of arm strength is unteachable. Along with being mobile, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Mahomes’ arm would already be one of the best in the NFL.
Coming out of a spread offense at Texas Tech, Mahomes would have to adjust to the NFL game, but it’s clear he is talented enough to find a spot in the NFL, possibly with the Cardinals.
