2017 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Plunge Alters Entire Board

QB. Texas Tech. Patrick Mahomes . 24. player. 42. If the San Francisco 49ers pass on a quarterback at #2, they’re going to be playing a dangerous game at the quarterback position unless they have an alternative plan in place. Trades and free agency are options but this team needs a young quarterback who can grow in the long run. Somebody that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan can take 4-5 years to build around and still have a wide open window when ready. Thus the draft is still their best hope. <p>With Houston and Kansas City both major threats to take a QB, trading to get ahead of them is the only option. So they surrender their 3rd round pick to Oakland. In return they claim the last true starting-caliber quarterback in this class. Patrick Mahomes also may have the biggest ceiling. Watch him for a short time on tape and everything shows up. A big body with the ability to move and shake tackles. The strong arm and ability to strike accurately down the field. Given time, he can be what Kaepernick never became.</p>