The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to trade up in the 2017 NFL Draft to select Patrick Mahomes is now considered one of the best moves in the team’s storied history. However, the journey to securing Mahomes wasn’t just about identifying talent—it also involved a brilliant use of misdirection and careful planning that ultimately fooled rival teams and secured the future of the franchise.
While many fans and analysts focus on Mahomes’ remarkable talent and the Chiefs’ aggressive move to trade up for the young quarterback, fewer know the intricate behind-the-scenes strategies the Chiefs employed to maintain secrecy about their true intentions. As it turns out, the Chiefs didn’t just target Mahomes as their future star quarterback—they also strategically leaked a false rumor about pursuing a linebacker to mislead other teams.
The Chiefs’ Internal Push for Mahomes
The story of how the Chiefs landed Mahomes begins with their general manager, Brett Veach. Veach’s obsession with Mahomes’ potential started long before the 2017 draft. According to Mike Borgonzi, a key figure within the Chiefs’ front office, Veach was initially scouting another prospect when he came across Mahomes’ game film. What he saw stunned him. Mahomes wasn’t just another quarterback; he was something special.
Borgonzi recalls how Veach couldn’t stop watching Mahomes’ highlights. “Look at this throw. Look at that throw,” Borgonzi said, remembering how Veach bombarded head coach Andy Reid with film clips. At first, Reid wasn’t convinced. It was still early in the draft cycle, and the Chiefs had their eyes on other players. But Veach’s persistence eventually won Reid over. The two worked together to make Mahomes the Chiefs’ future.
The Critical Draft Night Strategy
With Mahomes identified as the team’s pick, the next challenge was keeping it under wraps. The Chiefs had a vision, and they knew that secrecy was key to executing their plan. As the draft approached and rumors swirled about potential trades, the Chiefs made a bold decision: they planted a fake rumor.
The night before the draft, reports emerged that the Chiefs were looking to trade up for a linebacker. In truth, the team had no interest in any linebacker at the top of the draft. Instead, they were preparing to make a move for Mahomes, but they needed to distract other teams that might be sniffing around the quarterback’s potential. So, they deliberately leaked the information to make it seem like they were after someone else.
The move was calculated and highly effective. The Chiefs didn’t want any other team to target Mahomes, especially not a team like the Buffalo Bills, who had the 10th overall pick. When the draft finally arrived, the Chiefs managed to work out a trade with Buffalo and moved up from the 27th spot to 10th to select Mahomes.
It was a masterclass in strategy. By the time the draft rolled around, Mahomes was already the Chiefs’ pick, but rival teams had no idea the quarterback was their target. The misdirection they created allowed them to secure their franchise quarterback without interference.
The Impact of the Trade and Mahomes’ Selection
When the Chiefs traded up, it wasn’t just about picking any player—it was about securing the future of the franchise. Mahomes, who had been largely overlooked by many teams due to his unconventional style of play and raw potential, turned out to be the perfect fit for Andy Reid’s high-octane offense.
At the time, some questioned the Chiefs’ decision to trade up for a quarterback, especially one who was seen as a developmental project. But Reid’s belief in Mahomes’ abilities, combined with the Chiefs’ commitment to making him their future, paid off spectacularly. In just his second season, Mahomes won the MVP award, throwing for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. The rest, as they say, is history.
The trade and the subsequent success of Mahomes transformed the Chiefs from a solid team into a perennial Super Bowl contender. Mahomes’ combination of talent, leadership, and charisma has made him one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and his impact on the Chiefs’ franchise has been immeasurable. Since Mahomes’ arrival, the Chiefs have made multiple playoff appearances, won Super Bowl LIV, and established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.
Chiefs’ Strategy for the Future: Lessons from the Mahomes Draft
While the Chiefs’ move to trade up for Mahomes is often seen as a stroke of genius, it also highlights how crucial careful planning and secrecy are in the NFL. The Chiefs knew that drafting Mahomes was their key to building a championship team, and they weren’t going to let any distractions or leaks derail their plans. In the modern NFL, where information is often leaked and rumors fly fast, the Chiefs’ ability to control the narrative and mislead other teams was a game-changing move.
Now, as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Chiefs face new decisions regarding their roster. They’ve had their share of success, including Super Bowl wins and sustained excellence, but with changes coming in the offseason—like new player signings and the need to bolster key positions—the front office must once again find ways to outsmart their competition.
The recent rumors surrounding the Chiefs’ interest in trading up in this year’s draft show that the team is once again thinking strategically. The Chiefs recently signed Kenneth Walker III to a significant contract, bolstering their running back corps, and the team has also been linked to moves for key defensive players. While rumors continue to swirl about the team’s draft strategy, one thing is clear: the Chiefs are always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of the curve. And with the lessons they’ve learned from the Mahomes draft, they’ll likely continue to outmaneuver rivals for years to come.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Brilliant Move
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to draft Patrick Mahomes in 2017 is a defining moment in the history of the NFL. It wasn’t just about finding the right player—it was about creating a winning strategy that would position the team for long-term success. By using misdirection and controlling the narrative, the Chiefs were able to secure the future of their franchise without anyone else catching on.
As the team looks ahead to the 2026 NFL season, the legacy of that draft decision looms large. With Mahomes leading the way and the front office continuing to make savvy moves, the Chiefs are poised to remain one of the most dominant forces in the NFL for years to come. The Mahomes pick wasn’t just a lucky break—it was a brilliant, calculated move that set the stage for everything that has followed.
For Chiefs fans, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moves are the ones no one sees coming.
