Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is known for being a mobile quarterback with a strong arm, one which looks for a big-play opportunity almost every play. While this is accurate, most don’t realize exactly how sizable and resilient the prospect is. While many will think of a Johnny Manziel-type quarterback stylistically, the more accurate comparison may be a Ben Roethlisberger.
At 225 pounds, Mahomes still runs a 4.80 40-yard dash, and has the elusiveness to the tune of 845 college rushing yards. Whether or not this will translate to the NFL level has yet to be seen, but what is promising is the size and strength of Mahomes, something lacking in the last two nontraditional quarterbacks the Browns have had.
Another strength of Mahomes is his ability to be extremely accurate, as his NFL.com scouting report notes:
"Naturally accurate in his every day throws. Comfortable challenging defenders in space. Has arm strength and fearlessness to attack the cover-2 voids down the sideline. Can make deep, field side throws. Cranks up velocity to fit passes into tight windows.Naturally accurate in his every day throws. Comfortable challenging defenders in space. Has arm strength and fearlessness to attack the cover-2 voids down the sideline. Can make deep, field side throws. Cranks up velocity to fit passes into tight windows."
The downside to this ability however is that Mahomes can become too greedy with his throws. This habit, formed as a result of the big-play nature of the Texas Tech offense, must be kicked. This hurts him in multiple ways, as mistakes are common due to poor decision making, opposing defenses can become more aggressive in anticipation of a mistake, and Mahomes and the offense won’t get into a rhythm by being too aggressive.
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The report comments on this and more when discussing the shortcomings of the prospect:
"Ravenous appetite for the explosive play can also bring unwanted trouble. Willingness to default to playground style appears to limit his ability to get into a consistent rhythm. Needs to improve anticipatory reads and learn to take what the defense gives him. Decision making can go from good to bad in a moment’s notice.Ravenous appetite for the explosive play can also bring unwanted trouble. Willingness to default to playground style appears to limit his ability to get into a consistent rhythm. Needs to improve anticipatory reads and learn to take what the defense gives him. Decision making can go from good to bad in a moment’s notice."
The bottom line is, Mahomes has the physical tools to play and play at a high level in the NFL. From a talent standpoint, he is a no-brainer. The baggage which comes with selecting this quarterback though is his vulnerability to be too aggressive with his throws and make poor decisions.
The decision all NFL teams considering picking Mahomes have to make is whether or not they have the coaching and the patience to wait until the quarterback becomes a polished final product.