Chicago Bears: 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 3: QB Patrick Mahomes II, Texas Tech (6’2 | 229 | 4.74)
The Bears may very well draft a quarterback much earlier than this, but I don’t see much difference at all between the first and second tier QBs in this draft. They all have some intriguing traits, but plenty of flaws. So all things being basically equal, I’d rather the Bears take the quarterback with the highest upside a few rounds later.
In my opinion, that player is Mahomes. He might have the best arm in the draft, can operate just as well outside the pocket as in it, has a cannon arm, and good bloodlines. The reason he may be available this late is that Mahomes has played in an air raid offensive scheme, which is about as far from a standard NFL offense as you can get.
Mahomes will need to learn how to take snaps under center, turn his back to the defense on play-action plays, be more consistent with his footwork, and not bolt the pocket as soon as his first or second read breaks down. He’s got a long way to go before he can run an NFL offense, but if he does… the talent is there for Mahomes to be a dynamic, playmaking NFL quarterback.
He’s got an absolute cannon, enough accuracy to hit 66% of his passes this season, and the playmaking ability to throw for 5,052 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions this season. His extreme spread offense certainly boosted his numbers, but his three-year, 152.0 passer rating is impressive regardless of the scheme he played in.
The stats don’t tell the whole story and you can’t get a clear idea of what Mahomes can do without watching his tape. He’s got a knack for avoiding the pass rush, looking off defenders, and completing clutch passes whether under pressure or on the run. His tape has impressed me more than any other quarterback in this draft and the Bears could get a steal if Mahomes falls to the third round.
*Also considered: QB Davis Webb, Cal; QB Brad Kaaya, Miami; CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado; WR Cooper Kupp, Washington St; CB Rasul Douglas, West Virginia