Kansas City Chiefs draft picks unlikely to start in 2017
By Ben Almquist
![Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f5df9591f5f1b1d3f22c93870d5cdc741cb639320563fc562025fd815249e46c.jpg)
Kansas City Chiefs Rookies
Patrick Mahomes – QB
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While he might be the one guy all the fans want to see start, the truth is that the Kansas City Chiefs were serious about going slow with Patrick Mahomes. Unlike the other quarterbacks taken early in the 2017 class, Mahomes is coming into a steady situation with his new team. The Chiefs are perfectly content to continue working with Alex Smith at the helm.
It makes sense for Kansas City. With Alex Smith as the quarterback, the Chiefs have gone 10-6, 9-7, 11-5, and 12-4. While a lot of people (including those in the organization) are excited for Patrick Mahomes, there is no sense in rushing things. With Smith basically in a “contract year”, it also makes sense to see what kind of year he has with his future on the line.
How Does He Get On The Field?
Barring a Week 17 “rest the starters” game, the only way we’ll see Patrick Mahomes taking starting snaps in 2017 is if things go really wrong. That means either an injury to Alex Smith, or the team is playing so badly that it’s time to look to the future. You’ll get some of the more snarky fans saying it’s worth it, but it really isn’t.
This is all actually a good sign for the Kansas City Chiefs. For the first time in the Andy Reid era, there isn’t a drafted player with a clear path to a starting job. It’s not for want of talent, as the Chiefs rookies are plenty capable. That’s just how strong the roster is in Kansas City right now. A lot to like about this situation.