The Chiefs’ dynasty began on draft night 2017—Patrick Mahomes made sure it stayed that way

The day is here. Much anticipated NFL Draft day is almost about to start in few hours. It’s impossible not to reflect on one of the boldest and most transformative decisions in recent draft history—when the Kansas City Chiefs took a leap of faith on a little-known gunslinger from Texas Tech named Patrick Mahomes.

In 2017, the Chiefs didn’t just select Mahomes—they made a calculated, aggressive move, trading up to the 10th overall pick to secure a quarterback many scouts considered a high-risk, boom-or-bust prospect. At the time, Mahomes was more recognized for his cannon arm and reckless flair than for polished quarterback play. Critics questioned his risk-heavy approach and college background. Yet, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs' front office saw beyond the doubt and envisioned something revolutionary.

That decision turned out to be franchise-defining.
Since becoming the starter in 2018, Mahomes has rewritten the script for what a quarterback can achieve early in his career. He hasn't just led the Chiefs to dominance—he's defined it. With three Super Bowl titles and two MVP awards already in his trophy cabinet, Mahomes has turned Kansas City into the modern-day NFL dynasty. And the scary part for opposing teams? He’s only getting started.
Bill Bender of The Sporting News ranked Mahomes as the best quarterback taken with the 10th overall pick in draft history. That ranking, though, might only scratch the surface. If he continues on his current trajectory, Mahomes won’t just be the best No. 10 pick—he could very well go down as the greatest draft pick ever.
What makes Mahomes’ journey even more compelling is how unorthodox it was. As a child, he was a multisport athlete—dabbling in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He was even drafted by the Detroit Tigers. But football eventually won out. At Texas Tech, Mahomes shattered NCAA records, including a jaw-dropping 734 passing yards in a single game and 819 total yards of offense. Still, skepticism lingered heading into the NFL Draft.
Mahomes didn’t walk into a starting role. He spent his rookie season learning behind veteran Alex Smith, before taking over and lighting the league on fire. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, as the Chiefs prepare for another run at the Lombardi Trophy in 2025, Mahomes’ influence on the league is undeniable. His play style has inspired a new generation of quarterbacks, and his leadership has galvanized a franchise that was once starved for postseason success.
While many teams passed on Mahomes in 2017, the Chiefs’ bold bet has paid dividends far beyond expectation. And as the NFL Draft reminds us every year, sometimes it only takes one team, one coach, and one belief to change history. Patrick Mahomes is living proof.
Also Read: Micah Parsons distances himself from Cowboys amid extension deadlock, says it’s ‘extremely important’ before training camp