Bruce Arians, a seasoned coach with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, recently shared with Peter King of NBC Sports why he regretfully passed on drafting Patrick Mahomes, a three-time champion and one of the league’s brightest stars. Arians, who had previously guided Tom Brady to a Super Bowl victory in his final season, reflected on the missed opportunity with a mix of humor and humility, revealing the thought process behind his decision.
Back in 2017, Bruce Arians, now 71, was leading the Arizona Cardinals, while Andy Reid, with a keen eye for talent, made a strategic move to snag Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick, taking him to the Kansas City Chiefs, a decision that would shape the future of the franchise.
The Arizona Cardinals held the 13th overall pick, but Bruce Arians revealed that they were shockingly outmaneuvered by the Kansas City Chiefs, who swooped in to snatch Patrick Mahomes just ahead of them, leaving Arians stunned and ruing the one that got away.
“I was stunned,” Arians said. “I figured (the Chiefs) were a playoff team with a good quarterback in Alex Smith. I thought Pat was gonna fall to us.“
Sean Payton, then-head coach of the New Orleans Saints, had his eyes on Patrick Mahomes with the 11th overall pick, but ultimately opted for Marshon Lattimore instead, a decision that would shape the team’s defensive future, while Mahomes went on to become a legendary quarterback.
“We really like this Patrick Mahomes kid,” Payton said inside the Saints’ draft room, per King. “He’s the steal of the draft. I’m not sure everyone knows that.“
By trading up to the 10th pick, Andy Reid made a shrewd move to secure Patrick Mahomes, as he would have certainly been snatched up before the Chiefs’ original 27th pick, making the decision to part with draft capital a wise investment in the team’s future.
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