How influential was Alex Smith while mentoring Patrick Mahomes during the latter's rookie year?
Patrick Mahomes was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The organization was aggressive on draft day in its pursuit of selecting the young quarterback from the Texas Tech Red Raiders. They traded up in the draft for the chance to select him and chose him over Deshaun Watson, the higher-rated prospect from the Clemson Tigers.
The Chiefs' decision to make this happen came as a surprise to many around the NFL. That's because they already had quarterback Alex Smith on their roster. Smith has found plenty of success as the starting quarterback for the Chiefs. He was selected to three Pro Bowls in five years, while also making four appearances in the NFL Playoffs over the same five years.
Alex Smith could have felt disrespected by the Chiefs' decision. A quarterback selected as high as Patrick Mahomes clearly has intentions of taking over the starting quarterback job. The competition could have been Smith's focus, but he reportedly took a much different approach. He took Mahomes under his wing and served as a mentor.
Alex Smith deserves some of the credit for Patrick Mahomes' development
There's a debate in the NFL about what to do with rookie quarterbacks during their rookie year. Some believe they should immediately be given a chance to start and learn on the job. Meanwhile, others feel it's more beneficial to serve as a backup before becoming a starter to learn more about the way things work in the NFL.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reportedly told both of his quarterbacks his plan to have Alex Smith remain the starter. Both quarterbacks apparently bought fully into Reid's plans. Smith earned another trip to the Pro Bowl, while Mahomes learned as much as he could under him. Smith was reportedly an active and willing teacher for Mahomes.
Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Commanders following the 2017 NFL season. Andy Reid decided Patrick Mahomes was ready to take over as the starter after sitting behind Smith for a full year and learning how to be a professional quarterback. While Mahomes always had elite talent, this situation was handled perfectly to help his full potential shine as brightly as possible.
The plan appears to have worked to perfection as Patrick Mahomes is off to a terrific career start. He made it to at least the AFC Championship game in each of his first four years, including two Super Bowl appearances and a ring. He has also already won a Super Bowl MVP award and an NFL MVP award.