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2017 NFL Draft: Why Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes Should Enter Weak QB Class
- Updated: December 8, 2016
As we enter the winter, many NFL fans turn their attention from on-field play to the potential of a franchise-saving offseason. As we’ve seen over the years, in the free agency era, the NFL draft is the easiest way to improve your team, as you’re able to acquire a level of talent that isn’t available in free agency and on contracts that are usually below market price.
There is also no position more important in the sport than the quarterback position. Per Spotrac, 21 of the 23 most well-paid NFL players on an average salary basis play quarterback.
Finding a quarterback on a rookie contract can make or break the job security of a general manager or head coach at this level. Unfortunately, in this coming draft class, there isn’t much talent, which is why an underclassman like Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes could make a big splash come April.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is the godfather of the draft community. If you look at the top senior passers from his preseason rankings, while no senior quarterback has really risen this season, the future isn’t bright.
Mel Kiper’s top QBs for 2017 draft. Apparently Webb can’t win starting job at Texas Tech but is a franchise NFL QB. pic.twitter.com/gLSZLozo9E
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) May 22, 2016
His top quarterback, Davis Webb, is a Texas Tech transfer who lost his starting job to Mahomes and played at California in his graduate year. His second-ranked passer, Mitch Leidner, threw for seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions for Minnesota and is now slated to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, a third-tier all-star game.
The third passer on his list, Chad Kelly, tore his ACL, ending his season at Ole Miss and likely puts him out of the draft process. To say the least, there is no shining star in the senior grouping.
That’s why a player of Mahomes’ raw talent can make a huge rise when juxtaposed to these passers. On paper, Mahomes has the skills of a first-round pick.
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