The story of Patrick Mahomes is one of transcendent talent, evolving from a dual-threat quarterback at Texas Tech into one of the most dominant forces in modern sports. Understanding his ascent requires looking at the lineage of quarterbacks who preceded him in the draft, establishing a context for the expectations and the unique path he carved for himself. Who was drafted before Patrick Mahomes to set the stage for this new era of quarterback play?
The Quarterback Class of 2017
The 2017 NFL Draft is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterback classes in history, a fact that underscores Mahomes' immediate impact. While he was selected with the 10th overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, the preceding picks featured signal-callers who were expected to be franchise cornerstones for years to come. These quarterbacks, drafted in the first round, represented the established order that Mahomes would soon disrupt with his improvisational brilliance and arm talent.
First Round Contenders and Established Stars
Directly ahead of Mahomes, the draft featured proven talents and high-ceiling quarterbacks. Players like Josh Allen, who went 7th overall to Buffalo, and Kyler Murray, selected 1st overall by Arizona, were seen as generational talents with elite physical tools. Just behind Mahomes, Baker Mayfield at 5th overall signaled a shift towards newer, younger quarterbacks winning starting jobs, while Jameis Winston, drafted 76th overall in the 2016 supplemental draft, was a recent Super Bowl champion looking to restart his career.
The Legacy of the Draft Class Before
Looking further back into the draft classes immediately preceding 2017, the landscape was populated by quarterbacks who were either entering their prime or carrying the weight of their franchise on their shoulders. These players had already navigated the rookie contract years and were expected to deliver consistent, winning football. Names like Carson Wentz, who went second overall in 2016, and Jared Goff, drafted first overall in 2016, set the benchmark for what a "sure thing" quarterback looked like at the time, making Mahomes' rise even more remarkable.
Carson Wentz, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles second overall in 2016, was the prototypical franchise quarterback prospect—strong, accurate, and poised. Similarly, Jared Goff, the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams, came in with the polish of a Heisman Trophy winner from a powerhouse program. The success and struggles of these players provided the narrative backdrop against which Mahomes' explosive emergence was measured, highlighting his ability to transcend traditional scouting metrics.
