Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes II is leaving school early to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. He made the announcement in a press conference on Tuesday morning.
“I am foregoing my senior senior and declaring for the NFL draft this is the best decision for me and my family going forward. With my love for Texas Tech this was a very hard decision,” Mahomes said, per the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
This is a move that came as somewhat of a surprise but that isn’t all that shocking upon reflection. The quarterback market is strikingly barren right now across the NFL. Quality starters are hard to find, and any quarterback with the potential to become a franchise passer will be in high demand.
One of the most prolific passers in recent college football memory, Mahomes possesses a cannon for an arm, and he broke an NCAA record in a game this season with the most passing yards in a single game. Passing for 5,052 passing yards and scoring 53 total touchdowns, he has the ability to distribute the ball all over the field. There simply isn’t a throw he cannot make.
It is going to be interesting to see where Mahomes ends up landing. There are some dire needs at the quarterback position around the league. Given that fact, it wouldn’t be surprising whatsoever if he ends up being drafted in the latter stages of Round 1.