Although Pat Mahomes II beat out Davis Webb for the “QB1” spot at Texas Tech, Webb had himself quite a year at Cal. So, what does the future hold for the two former Red Raiders?
Last week’s NFL Draft was a life changing weekend for both former Tech quarterbacks taken (Mahomes II-KC Chiefs 10th overall/Davis Webb-NY Giants 87th overall). However, as the first week of familiarizing themselves in their new locker rooms and their new cities, Mahomes and Webb seem to find themselves in completely different circumstances.
"Andy Reid, the Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs recently told Fox Sports Radio host Collin Cowherd, “[Mahomes’] got that core strength like Ben Roethlisberger and a little bit of craziness that Brett Favre had”."
With that being said, Reid has also been very clear that Mahomes will be the backup to veteran quarterback, Alex Smith come Week 1.
The situation could not be set up any better for not only Pat Mahomes, but the Kansas City Chiefs as well, which is why I applaud Andy Reid and the front office of the Chiefs for the gutsy call to move up 17 picks to grab Mahomes. With Alex Smith’s contract allowing the Chiefs to opt out in 2018, that gives Mahomes a year to study an NFL offense and allow for the maturity he needs to be successful in the league.
Andy Reid has been known to develop quarterbacks into All-Pros such as Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, and Alex Smith. Allowing Mahomes to continue his progression with his mechanics as well as being able to continue practicing taking snaps under the center, rather than throwing him out to face the best defensive players in the world year one will allow for a promising career for the young gunslinger.
Many analyst doubt Mahomes due to the Air-Raid style offense he comes from, but Andy Reid and the Chiefs front office see what any Red Raider fan sees, potential to be something great. Mahomes provides that “X factor” that will get the Chiefs past the AFC Championship, one day. The key thing to remember as a Mahomes fan is, “one day”. He is a project, but he is also a project that could easily be an A+ in just a couple of years.
As for the former Red Raider-turned-Cal Bear, Davis Webb, the future is also interesting. Webb was drafted by the New York Giants in the 3rd round last weekend and has the ability to potentially be one of the most productive QB’s out of this 2017 draft class.
However, the down side for Webb is that just like any young, rookie QB, he needs help and guidance from a veteran. Someone with the credentials and experience like two-time Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning, the starting quarterback for the New York Giants, would be perfect for the growth of a team’s hopeful, franchise QB.
"Head Coach Ben Macadoo told reporters Tuesday, “It is not Eli’s job to develop Davis Webb. It is Eli’s job to get ready and perform at a high level” (CBS Sports). “"
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With Coach Mcadoo releasing that statement to the public before Webb has even been in The Big Apple for a full week, it seems Webb will have to learn the in’s and out’s of an NFL offense without the aid of his starting quarterback.
The bright side for Webb however, is that with the New York Giants’ young offense it allows for Webb to develop relationships with his receivers and utilize his strong arsenal of outside personnel with the help from a strong backfield when his time is called. In the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Webb threw for over 2,500 yards each season with the help of Bradley Marquez, Jace Amaro, and Jakeem Grant.
However, think of the opportunity Webb has in front of him with receivers like Odell Beckham Jr, Sterling Shepard, and Brandon Marshall by his side.
Davis Webb has found himself in the perfect style of offense which, if guided properly, will lead to a successful career for the precision pocket passer. He will need the guidance from his veteran quarterback in order to bring out the most in him, but as for now it does not seem like the Giants’ head coach deems it necessary.
Next: How Texas Tech Football Will Replace Jonathan Giles
The future looks bright for both former Red Raider quarterbacks, but we more than likely will have to wait a few more years to see either of them in action. Just like most of us, I can not wait to see both of these gunslingers showcase their abilities to the world.