Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who could go anywhere from the top of the first round to the second round in this year’s draft, is drawing interest from three teams with aging franchise signal-callers. A Chargers contingent consisting of head coach Anthony Lynn, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and quarterbacks coach Shane Steichen put Mahomes through a private workout in Lubbock, Texas, last week, reports Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. The Bolts have a starting passer in Philip Rivers, but he’ll be 36 in December, so they’ll at least consider taking a QB early. The club is set to pick seventh and 38th in the first two rounds.
New Orleans, meanwhile, has a 38-year-old under center in Drew Brees, meaning there’s more urgency for the club to find its next passer than there is for the Chargers. With that in mind, Saints head coach Sean Payton, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and members of the team’s front office traveled to Lubbock to work out Mahomes on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. “They said every time they see me under center, I look better and better,” Mahomes said of the Saints, who currently own three of the draft’s first 45 selections (Nos. 11, 32 and 42).
The Cardinals, who are led by 37-year-old quarterback Carson Palmer, attended a Mahomes workout on Thursday, relays Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Owner Michael Bidwill and head coach Bruce Arians were on hand for the Cards, who hold the 13th and 45th selections in the opening two rounds.
More of the latest on the upcoming draft:
- Even though the Bears handed quarterback Mike Glennon a significant contract in free agency, they aren’t necessarily content under center. Evidence: The club is likely to conduct a private workout with Notre Dame QB DeShone Kizer next week, tweets Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com ranks Kizer as the 33rd-best player in this year’s class, which could make him a possibility for the Bears in Round 2 (No. 36).
- The Panthers had a meeting with Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas on Thursday, per Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). Thomas figures to come off the board quickly and might be gone by the time Carolina’s on the clock at No. 8.
- The Bills have scheduled a private April workout with Pittsburgh quarterback Nathan Peterman, the player told Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio (Twitter link). Earlier this year, one scout informed Matt Miller of Bleacher Report that Peterman has a chance to pull a Dak Prescott and go from a mid-round pick to a viable starter as a rookie.
- A Saints representative had dinner with Utah free safety Marcus Williams on Wednesday, writes Herbie Teope of NOLA.com. Williams is a ballhawk “who will make plays in the passing game, but he needs to improve in run support,” observes Jeremiah, who ranks him as this year’s 47th-best draft-eligible player.
I see someone trading up to draft Mahomes.
This is not a strong qb class. I see some Joey Harrington some EJ Manuel and some Kyle Boller Tyler talent here. Better off using compensatory picks on a QB.
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I think that if he is given the time to sit and develop for at least a year, if not two or three years, Mahomes can be good. Hopefully whoever takes him will be smart enough to not rush him and let him develop.
chargers shouldnt spend an early pick on rivers heir this year. gotta fix the oline and dline.
They should give mike bercovici a shot. Or look to draft nathan peterman in the 3rd or 4th round.
I would really like the Cardinals to draft P Mahomes. Bruce A. Is known for developing quarterbacks. We need some excitement in the desert since we will be losing Fitzgerald. We can always get another receiver next year. I like how he can escape and what a powerful arm. He will have a great group of veterans to help become our starting quarterback. He will have a full year to sit behind Palmer. Our line is struggling and I believe Carson can’t run forever this year. I can only wish! Steve K. The Cardinals have already had a pretty boy QB and look how that worked out. If your going to waste a draft pick again in another Matt Lienart. Try this other young man out. I have been a fan since the Cardinals came to the desert. I am willing to take a chance on this kid.