Despite being selected as the 10th overall pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in the draft, Patrick Mahomes didn’t immediately step into the starting role. Instead, he spent his rookie season as the backup to Alex Smith.
Chiefs’ GM Brett Veach shed light on Mahomes’ draft dynamics during an appearance on “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast. Veach discussed how the Chiefs carefully managed Mahomes’ transition to the NFL, aiming for a smooth shift from Smith to Mahomes. The decision to have Mahomes learn behind Smith was strategic, with the Chiefs recognizing the complexity of NFL offenses compared to college-level strategies. They wanted Mahomes to gradually adapt to the intricacies of NFL playcalling and schemes.
Veach emphasized the importance of not rushing Mahomes into the spotlight unprepared, understanding the immense pressure and stakes involved. He also acknowledged the potential regrets that come with passing on other talented players in the draft.
“The one thing that coach [Andy Reid] and I believed in was bringing Pat in here and allowing him to just process defenses and coverages and tendencies and how to master the pass protection and where you’re going to shift your line and where you’re going to send your running backs to pick up different blitz package,” Veach said. Having won three titles in four Super Bowl appearances, Mahomes went on to be considered one of the finest quarterback in the NFL history.
