The Clever Leak That Helped the Chiefs Land Patrick Mahomes in 2017 Draft 🏈

The 2017 NFL Draft, a pivotal moment for both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes story of clever strategy and calculated risk. The Chiefs’ acquisition of Patrick Mahomes, which ultimately reshaped the landscape of the NFL, began with a brilliant act of misdirection that allowed them to secure the quarterback who would become a generational talent.

According to Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi, the Chiefs’ management, led by then-general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, deliberately leaked false information during the draft process. The goal was to mislead other teams, including the Buffalo Bills, and create a smokescreen that masked their true intentions.

The Clever Misdirection

As the draft approached, the Chiefs subtly leaked that they were targeting a linebacker rather than Mahomes, keeping the focus away from their true objective. The plan worked perfectly. While other teams, including the Buffalo Bills, were preoccupied with the thought that Kansas City was planning to move up for a defensive player, the Chiefs quietly prepared to make a bold move for the quarterback who would change their franchise’s future.

Mike Borgonzi recalled how Veach, known for his technological savvy, shared Mahomes’ highlight reels with Reid. “We see this quarterback, he’s like, ‘Wow, look at this throw, look at this throw,'” Borgonzi recalled. “And, you know, Veach is always big with the videos and stuff on his phone, so he starts filming it and starts shooting it over to Andy. And, you know, Andy’s probably like, ‘You know, dude, it’s May right now, slow down.'” Veach’s persistence in building the case for Mahomes, combined with their quiet confidence about the pick, set the stage for one of the most significant trades in NFL history.

The Trade and Its Impact

Kansas City entered the 2017 draft with the 27th overall pick, and the team knew they had to move up to secure Mahomes. On draft night, the Chiefs orchestrated a trade with the Buffalo Bills, sending their 27th pick, a third-rounder (No. 91) in 2017, and a 2018 first-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for the 10th overall pick. With that pick, the Chiefs selected Mahomes, setting the stage for one of the most successful quarterback careers in NFL history.

The move was a high-stakes gamble, but it paid off spectacularly. Mahomes became the starter in 2018, quickly earning MVP honors and leading the Chiefs to multiple AFC Championships and a Super Bowl victory, ending a 50-year title drought for the franchise. The Chiefs went from being a competitive team to a perennial contender, and Mahomes’ explosive playmaking turned Kansas City into one of the most recognized teams in the league.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills, who had traded down to No. 27, used the pick to select cornerback Tre’Davious White, who became a multi-time Pro Bowler. The Bills also leveraged the additional draft picks they received from the Chiefs to build a balanced roster around their quarterback of the future, Josh Allen, who would be selected the following year. The Bills used their additional picks to draft key players like Dion Dawkins, Zay Jones, Tremaine Edmunds, and Siran Neal, each of whom contributed to the foundation of the team that would support Allen’s rise to stardom.

A Tale of Two Quarterback-Driven Dynasties

Both Mahomes and Allen’s careers have exemplified how strategic draft management can create long-term success. While the Chiefs took a calculated risk by moving up to secure Mahomes, the Bills’ patient approach of stockpiling draft picks allowed them to build a strong roster around Allen, who has since developed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Despite their different paths, both teams have achieved similar success, with Mahomes and Allen now widely regarded as two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Kansas City’s trade up for Mahomes in the 2017 draft remains a defining moment for the franchise. The Chiefs’ decision to acquire Mahomes set them on a path to multiple championships and made them a dominant force in the NFL. At the same time, the Buffalo Bills’ approach to the 2017 draft also paid dividends, as they constructed a team built to support Josh Allen’s growth, leading to multiple playoff appearances and a deep roster that could challenge for years to come.

The Legacy of the 2017 Draft

In the end, the 2017 draft trade between the Chiefs and the Bills is a reminder of how well-executed strategic moves in the draft can reshape the future of NFL franchises. While the Chiefs secured a future Hall of Famer in Mahomes, the Bills also set themselves up for sustained success with a strong supporting cast for their quarterback, Allen.

Both teams’ paths demonstrate the importance of calculated risk and forward-thinking in the NFL draft. For the Chiefs, the trade for Mahomes marked the beginning of a dynasty, while the Bills’ careful, long-term planning laid the foundation for their rise as a top contender in the AFC.

The 2017 NFL Draft will always be remembered as the year two teams set themselves up for a new era of quarterback-driven success, each with a different approach, but with the same ultimate goal: a championship.