2017 NFL Draft: Patrick Mahomes Would be Interesting But Unlikely for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) drops back to pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to be eyeing a quarterback in the second-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but their top choice may not be around come their pick.

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Patrick Mahomes has caught the attention of many teams around the NFL with his big arm and pro-ready size. One of those teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, would love to bring Mahomes onto the roster and the potential Ben Roethlisberger successor. With the amount of teams interesting in the Texas Tech product, though, chances are he isn’t falling to Pittsburgh.

With the 62nd pick in the second-round, Pittsburgh had 29 teams in front of them they’ll be hoping don’t need a quarterback. Looking at which teams are likely taking a play caller at some point in this draft, chances are Mahomes is gone way before the Steelers get their chance to take him.

Mahomes would fit well in Pittsburgh. He’s not the biggest, standing 6’2, 225-pounds with 33 1/4″ arms, but still, has an NFL-type body. His arm is one of the strongest and most accurate in the draft. On deep balls, Mahomes has the ability to place sideline bombs on the back shoulder in coverage or out in front to catch on the stride. He uses his pitching experience to rocket short passes into tight spaces and has the confidence to do so on any down.

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He’s another duel-threat quarterback who can make just as accurate throws on the run as he does in the pocket. Much like Roethlisberger. Mahomes has the agility to make defenders miss in the open field, and will use his body to get the extra yard if need be. Although some believe that’s a dangerous trait to have as a quarterback, Mahomes is intelligent enough to break the habit when in the NFL.

Then, there’s his pump fake. If Pittsburgh were drafting a player on how well he resembles Roethlisberger, they’d take Mahomes. Not because of his size or his arm, although they are very close, because of his pump fake.

There is no one else in this draft who can use his entire arm and wind up to get defenders out of place. Much like Big Ben has done for years, Mahomes is a master of deception and has had a number of plays where his pump fake got a receiver open more than the route did.

If Mahomes is around in the second round, draft him. Pittsburgh probably isn’t going to move up to take him, even if it wouldn’t be a bad move on their part. There are plenty of options out there, though, and with the hope that Roethlisberger has a few years still left in him, the Steelers can develop any quarterback they draft.

Next: 5 Late Round Picks For the Steelers

It’s great to think about. And, maybe, it could happen. But as great of a fit as Patrick Mahomes is in Pittsburgh, it’s a stretch to say he ends up a Steeler.

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