This year’s college football quarterback class is simply loaded. The top three signal callers in this draft will likely have homes by the end of day one. However, this year’s class is unique because strong quarterback prospects will still be available in the middle rounds. Due to the breadth of defensive talent in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns will likely draft to help their atrocious defense on day one. But, at the same time, the Browns need someone dynamic to spur their offense. So what quarterback is there for Cleveland to take in the middle rounds? Enter Texas Tech’s record-setting passer, Patrick Mahomes.
Why the Cleveland Browns Should Draft Patrick Mahomes
Record Breaker
Mahomes was an outright prolific player at Texas Tech. He broke multiple records both for his school and nationwide this season, including passing yards in a single game. Mahomes threw for 734 yards against Oklahoma in 2016. Additionally, he set the record for most yards of total offense in the same game with 819 yards.
In 2016, Mahomes accounted for 53 touchdowns (318 points). He finished the season with 5,052 passing yards, which led the nation for the season. Mahomes averaged 421 yards per game in 2016 and helped his team put up 5,312 yards of total offense. Needless to say, Patrick Mahomes was downright electric during the 2016 season.
Of course, Mahomes does play in the Big XII conference. Big XII football is known for high-scoring games with gaudy numbers from quarterbacks. Still, there is a lot to admire about Mahomes. He overtook all the inflated numbers of the conference and still broke those records. Mahomes has incredible focus, is astonishingly accurate, and is ready for the NFL.
Incredible Value
As fans are undoubtedly aware, this year’s quarterback draft class is completely stacked. With NFL talent from top to bottom, many teams will be rejoicing at the end of the 2017 draft. Although newly-drafted quarterbacks are often the NFL’s great unknown, struggling teams and their fanbases will take solace in their new top prospect. Mahomes has all the potential without the hefty price tag.
Though the draft stock of Patrick Mahomes continues to rise, he still has a second-round draft projection. The Browns will need to strike while the iron is hot with Mahomes, as he may not be there for long on day two. Realistically, Cleveland could use the #33 overall pick in the draft on Mahomes and then continue with their defensive focus. Picking Mahomes at the top of the second round would be a massive steal for the Browns, especially considering Hue Jackson‘s quarterback expertise. Mahomes is “bang for the buck” at its absolute finest.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
Patrick Mahomes is an incredibly talented passer with a great arm and NFL accuracy. He might need a little help with his decision making, but that is nothing that Hue Jackson cannot fix. Jackson would be thrilled with a prospect like Mahomes; a quick learner with a wealth of potential and upside. Additionally, Jackson knows how to get quarterbacks to mentally make the leap. He will know what language he has to use to develop Mahomes, and the signal caller will listen.
Mahomes is tall at 6’3, and he can flat-out sling the football. He has great arm strength for the NFL, as well as finesse. He can make just about every throw a coach could ask for, with some development of course. With his size and arm talent, he could be a lot like Derek Carr, a quarterback that the Browns passed on in 2014. The Cleveland Browns cannot afford to pass on another dynamic prospect like Carr again. They will get a do-over in Patrick Mahomes.
Main Photo
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