When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, it was a move that surprised many.

The former Texas Tech quarterback was known for his big arm and improvisational style, but he wasn’t yet seen as the future of the NFL.

However, Chiefs GM Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid had already zeroed in on Mahomes long before most people realized—thanks to a keen eye for talent and a willingness to gamble on the unconventional.

The Early Signs of a Star

Before Mahomes became a household name, he was racking up eye-popping stats at Texas Tech. While his performances in the Big 12 showcased his arm strength and playmaking ability, many NFL scouts had concerns. The air-raid system he thrived in at Texas Tech had not historically produced great NFL quarterbacks, leading some to question whether Mahomes’ skills would translate to the pro level.

However, Veach and Reid saw something that others did not. Alex Smith, the Chiefs’ starting quarterback at the time and now an ESPN analyst, recently revealed just how early Mahomes was on their radar. “Veach was pounding the table for Mahomes way before anyone was really talking about him,” Smith shared. According to Smith, Veach had identified Mahomes as a generational talent before most teams had even considered him as a first-round pick.

Brett Veach’s Obsession with Mahomes

Veach, who had risen through the Chiefs’ ranks after years of working closely with Andy Reid, had a particular talent for spotting quarterbacks. When he first began scouting Mahomes, he was immediately impressed by his raw abilities—specifically his cannon-like arm and his football IQ. Veach believed that Mahomes’ unorthodox playing style wasn’t a flaw, but rather an asset that could revolutionize the position.

In the months leading up to the draft, Veach became increasingly vocal about Mahomes, pushing the Chiefs’ front office to seriously consider him. According to insiders, Veach’s enthusiasm was relentless, calling Mahomes “the guy” who could redefine the Chiefs’ offense and take them to new heights.

Andy Reid’s Trust in Veach’s Vision

Andy Reid, known for his quarterback-friendly system and track record of developing talent, listened carefully to Veach’s glowing assessments of Mahomes. Reid’s experience and open-mindedness allowed him to recognize that Mahomes, despite coming from a system that was historically doubted, had an unparalleled skill set. Reid trusted Veach’s judgment, and together they set their sights on drafting Mahomes—going as far as to trade up to the 10th spot in the first round to secure him.

Reid’s system, combined with Mahomes’ natural abilities, made for a perfect pairing. From the beginning, Reid knew that Mahomes needed time to develop and learn behind Alex Smith. The decision to let Mahomes sit for a year paid off immensely, allowing him to acclimate to the NFL without pressure.

The Gamble that Changed the Chiefs Forever

The decision to trade up and select Mahomes was not without risks. At the time, the Chiefs already had a solid starting quarterback in Alex Smith, who had just led the team to the playoffs. But Veach and Reid believed in their long-term vision. They saw Mahomes as the future of the franchise, and they were willing to take a calculated risk on his potential.

By the time Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starter in 2018, the team’s gamble had already begun to pay off. Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first season as a starter, winning the NFL MVP award and leading the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game. Just two seasons later, he delivered the franchise its first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.

Conclusion: Vision and Boldness

The story of how Brett Veach and Andy Reid identified Mahomes as a star before the rest of the league speaks to their football acumen and willingness to take bold risks. Their decision to trust their instincts and invest in a quarterback who didn’t fit the traditional mold has redefined the future of the NFL.

In an era when teams are constantly searching for the next great quarterback, the Chiefs’ front office set a blueprint for success—recognizing not just talent, but potential, and pairing it with a system designed to let that talent flourish. Today, Mahomes is not only a household name but also a reminder of what can happen when genius meets opportunity.