In the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick.
On draft day, the organization was aggressive in its pursuit of selecting the young Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback.
They traded up in the draft for the chance to select him, and they chose him over Clemson Tigers prospect Deshaun Watson, who was rated higher.
Many NFL members were surprised by the Chiefs’ decision to carry this out.
This is because quarterback Alex Smith was already on their roster.
Smith has had a lot of success as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback
In the same five years, he made four appearances in the NFL Playoffs and was selected to three Pro Bowls.
The Chiefs’ decision could have caused Alex Smith to feel disrespected.
Patrick Mahomes, a quarterback selected so high, clearly intends to become the starting quarterback.
Smith may have focused on the competition, but he reportedly took a very different approach.
He mentored Mahomes and took him under his wing.
The NFL is having a debate about what to do with rookie quarterbacks during their rookie year.
Alex Smith deserves some of the credit for Patrick Mahomes’ growth.
Some people are of the opinion that they ought to be given the opportunity to begin working immediately and learn on the job.
In the meantime, others believe that it is more beneficial to learn about the NFL’s workings by serving as a backup before becoming a starter.
Andy Reid, the head coach of the Chiefs, is said to have told both of his quarterbacks that he intends to keep Alex Smith as the starter.
It would appear that both quarterbacks fully supported Reid’s plans.
Mahomes picked up as much as he could from Smith while he was at the Pro Bowl
According to reports, Smith was a willing and engaged teacher for Mahomes.
Following the 2017 NFL season, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Commanders.
After playing behind Smith for a full year and learning how to be a professional quarterback.
Andy Reid decided that Patrick Mahomes was ready to take over as the starter.
Even though Mahomes has always had exceptional talent, the way this situation was handled helped him realize his full potential.
Patrick Mahomes is off to a great start in his career, indicating that the strategy appears to have been flawless.
Each of his first four seasons saw him reach at least the AFC Championship game, winning a ring and two Super Bowls.
He has also previously been honored with the NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards.