Yes, the Saints almost ended up with Patrick Mahomes

SmashMouth · 12-20-2020, 10:50 AM

...but ‘everything worked out’ anyway.

Sean Payton refers to it now as the “Magic Week.”

In the lead-up to the 2017 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints had three consecutive workouts with players who have now, four years later, been named to the Pro Bowl a combined seven times.

Stop No. 3: Columbus, Ohio, to work out Ohio State’s All-Big Ten cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, a projected first-round draft pick and the top player at his position.

Stop No. 2: Knoxville, Tennessee, to work out Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara, who had compiled nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage in an offense that went with a tandem running back approach.

Stop No. 1: Lubbock, Texas, to work out Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes — who led the FBS with 5,052 yards passing and 41 touchdowns as a junior Red Raider.

“He had all those things that you look for,” Payton said of Mahomes. “He was in a hurried offense a little bit; the protection wasn't great. But, man, you saw him survive rushes; you saw him throw without his feet set. You saw him do a lot of things that you don't get to see sometimes from a college player."

Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael added: “Obviously what you saw on film, there was a lot to love.”

Fast-forward to April 27, 2017. The Saints had their eyes on several players for the No. 11 overall pick.

But their top two were Mahomes and Lattimore.

As defensive coordinator Dennis Allen recalled: “Certainly I remember that both of those guys were guys that we really felt good about and were excited about having the potential opportunity to draft. ... At that point in time, we all felt really good that we were going to get a really good football player, and we were really excited about that.”

As picks came off the board — quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2, safety Jamal Adams at No. 6 — Mahomes and Lattimore remained on the board.

Then, with the Cincinnati Bengals on the clock at No. 9, Washington receiver John Ross went off the board.

“When (No.) 9 was selected, we knew we were getting one of the two. ... And then Andy (Reid) decided for us,” Payton said.

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12-20-2020, 10:50 AM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,479 Blog Entries: 29	Yes, the Saints almost ended up with Patrick Mahomes ...but ‘everything worked out’ anyway. Sean Payton refers to it now as the “Magic Week.” In the lead-up to the 2017 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints had three consecutive workouts with players who have now, four years later, been named to the Pro Bowl a combined seven times. Stop No. 3: Columbus, Ohio, to work out Ohio State’s All-Big Ten cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, a projected first-round draft pick and the top player at his position. Stop No. 2: Knoxville, Tennessee, to work out Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara, who had compiled nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage in an offense that went with a tandem running back approach. Stop No. 1: Lubbock, Texas, to work out Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes — who led the FBS with 5,052 yards passing and 41 touchdowns as a junior Red Raider. “He had all those things that you look for,” Payton said of Mahomes. “He was in a hurried offense a little bit; the protection wasn't great. But, man, you saw him survive rushes; you saw him throw without his feet set. You saw him do a lot of things that you don't get to see sometimes from a college player." Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael added: “Obviously what you saw on film, there was a lot to love.” Fast-forward to April 27, 2017. The Saints had their eyes on several players for the No. 11 overall pick. But their top two were Mahomes and Lattimore. As defensive coordinator Dennis Allen recalled: “Certainly I remember that both of those guys were guys that we really felt good about and were excited about having the potential opportunity to draft. ... At that point in time, we all felt really good that we were going to get a really good football player, and we were really excited about that.” As picks came off the board — quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2, safety Jamal Adams at No. 6 — Mahomes and Lattimore remained on the board. Then, with the Cincinnati Bengals on the clock at No. 9, Washington receiver John Ross went off the board. “When (No.) 9 was selected, we knew we were getting one of the two. ... And then Andy (Reid) decided for us,” Payton said. more on NOLA Attached Thumbnails jeanpierre likes this.