SI’s MMQB: Cardinals like, maybe even love, Patrick Mahomes
Apr 17, 2017, 12:35 PM | Updated: 5:13 pm
Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) passes under pressure from Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (38) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Lubbock, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
“With the 13th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select…Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, Texas Tech.”
It’s possible those 16 words will be uttered by Roger Goodell on April 27, and if so it would mean the Cardinals believe they have found their quarterback of the future.
How likely is it?
If you believe Cardinals coach Bruce Arians and GM Steve Keim when they say finding a young option at the QB position is paramount, and you trust the many mock drafts linking Mahomes to Arizona, then you may be preparing yourself for him being the choice.
And if you read SI.com’s MMQB, it might be the prudent thing to do.
In the most recent edition of the news and notes piece, there is a note about how the Cleveland Browns might like Mahomes and should be able to get him with their second first-round pick, No. 12 overall.
But…
5. The Cardinals like Mahomes. They pick 13th. They might love him. Beware, Cleveland. Arizona GM Steve Keim’s a bold guy. Emily Kaplan’s “24 Hours” piece with Mahomes illustrates why Mahomes is so well-liked in the NFL community.
Heading into the draft, Mahomes certainly ranks near the top of the list when it comes to intriguing QB prospects.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds he has good size, and showed excellent mobility at Texas Tech. Last season he threw for 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, though his stats are a bit misleading given the style of offense the Red Raiders run.
However, there seems to be a school of thought saying with some quality NFL coaching, Mahomes could potentially develop into the top passer to come from this draft. He brings plenty of talent to the table, and may only need to have it harnessed and refined before he emerges as a franchise QB for one lucky team.
Or, he will end up being another player in a long line who showed flashes of greatness but never panned out.
As with anyone who is about to be drafted, only time will tell.
