NFL Draft 2017 Scouting Report - QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by awa

NFL Draft 2017 scouting analysis evaluates quarterback prospect Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech, framing him as a “gunslinger” with Big Ben-like traits while questioning how his style translates to NFL schemes. The report compares Mahomes to Ben Roethlisberger and notes concerns about precision, “sloppy” throws, and how coaches’ emphasis on reduced risk may affect performance. It also discusses Mahomes’ comfort in the pocket, arm strength, escapability, and up-tempo playmaking, contrasting Texas Tech’s Air Raid freedom with NFL constraints.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

NFL Draft 2017 Scouting Report: QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

Player comparison and playing style

Key concerns about NFL fit

College system vs NFL risk emphasis

Passing readiness and accuracy observations

NFL Draft 2017 Scouting Report: QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech *Our QB grades can and will change as more information comes in from Pro Day workouts, leaked Wonderlic test results, etc. We will update ratings as new info becomes available. There have been a few college QB prospects lately that have been branded with a 'next Ben Roethlisberger' label…Blake Bortles is probably the most associated with Big Ben. Jameis Winston got the label from some in the mainstream. For those looking for it, I think Patrick Mahomes is the true'next Ben Roethlisberger' of recent QB prospects…when it comes to style of play. We all associate 'next Ben Roethlisberger' with 'chunky' QB prospects with talent…the label is assumed success, projected for great numbers…a kind of validation of future greatness for any young QB. If you look back over Ben's NFL career…he wasn't that great statistically…until recently. He was a 'winner', for sure, but not a big statistical producer until 2014…his 11th season in the NFL. Prior to that, Ben was 'Joe Flacco good' . 25+/ -TD passes and 10–15 INTs in a season with 250–275 yards per game. Ben didn’t throw for over 235.0 yards per game in a season until his sixth year in the NFL. How would you describe Ben now? As a gunslinging, talented, sloppy quarterback? You'd take Ben over a lot of NFL QBs today, right? But you wouldn’t put Ben in the Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers class because he is not as precise or gifted…'great', but not that great. In 18 playoff games (as of this writing/editing), Ben has a 12–6 record and two Super Bowl titles. We get hung up on the Super Bowl titles part. He has also has thrown for 24 TDs/21 INTs in those 18 playoff games…a lackluster 85.0 QB rating-- 'Gunslinger'. 'Talented' . 'Sloppy' . 'Winner'. All things you could describe Roethlisberger as. Patrick Mahomes? A 'gunslinger'…just like Ben. If young Big Ben was recruited to Texas Tech in 2014– 16…we'd probably see the same gaudy, inflated college passer numbers…and the same questions – "Is it the QB or the offense?" I say 'gunslinger' in the sense that Mahomes has that comfortable nature in the pocket…almost too comfortable…but then always seem to find a receiver in the nick of time. Mahomes can play up-tempo 'small ball' or he will launch it deep…and he can scramble around to find a better throw, in the manner Ben does – neither fast-footed QBs (but faster than Ben), but somehow they always seem to escape trouble. They are QBs who are willing to try to make plays and take chances but usually come out on top on their throws. Patrick Mahomes is a 'gunslinger' and is 'talented'. He was a top Major League Baseball prospect entering Texas Tech. His dad was an MLB pitcher for many years. Mahomes has a gun. Arm strength, vision, escapability as a quarterback…Mahomes has it. He has the size, mechanics, and instincts you’d want in an NFL prospect. Patrick Mahomes is a 'gunslinger', he's talented, and he's sloppy…just like Ben. The thing with gunslingers, especially talented ones (Favre, Roethlisberger) is that they try to 'make plays'. Sometimes they do and 'wow' the crowd. Sometimes they don’t and make coaches want to pull their hair out. The sloppy throws – it's what coaches will have to live with on occasion in the NFL with guys like this…only NFL head coaches aren’t ones who favor this style of play. Therein lies the problem with scouting Mahomes for the NFL. There will be a great mainstream debate over whether he really is a great QB prospect for the NFL…or just a marginal, sloppy prospect pushed to eye-popping numbers in a video game offense (Mahomes had 88 pass attempts in one game this season vs. Oklahoma) . My question would be – will NFL head coaches and offensive coordinators with totally different playbooks and tempos of offense (vs. Texas Tech's 'Air Raid' offense) want to work with a QB like Mahomes? And could Mahomes adjust to the slower pace and emphasis on reduced risk that thereis in the NFL? At Texas Tech, Ma

FAQs

Why does the report compare Patrick Mahomes to Ben Roethlisberger?

It describes both quarterbacks as “gunslingers” who make plays, escape trouble, and repeatedly find receivers under pressure, emphasizing similarities in style rather than purely statistical output.

What scouting concerns does the report raise about Mahomes for the NFL?

The report questions whether NFL coaches and offensive coordinators will want a quarterback who can be improvisational and “sloppy,” and whether Mahomes can adjust to slower NFL pacing and reduced-risk expectations.

How does Texas Tech’s offense affect the evaluation of Mahomes?

The report argues that Texas Tech’s Air Raid spread system lets Mahomes throw frequently and recover from mistakes due to scoring volume, unlike the NFL where one poor series can matter more and style constraints are tighter.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by awa