Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes has decided to forgo his final season of eligibility and declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. After leading the nation in passing this season, his new agents Leigh Steinberg and Chris Cabott took to Twitter to announce his signing.
Mahomes threw for 5,052 yards, and 41 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions, leading the FBS in total offense for the second consecutive season.In addition to his impressive passing statistics, he also ran for another 285 yards and 12 touchdowns. During his three year career in Lubbock, he threw for 11, 252 yards and 93 touchdowns (becoming the number 3 passer in Texas Tech history) with 29 interceptions, while rushing for 845 yards and 22 touchdowns. Mel Kiper Jr. lists him as the number five quarterback prospect, and Mahomes said he received a second-round grade from the NFL draft advisory committee. Walter Football projects him as a 2-4 round pick.
In addition to playing football for the Red Raiders, Mahomes also played baseball for two seasons before giving it up to focus on football and academics. His father, Pat Mahomes, played for six MLB teams in an 11-year career.
Leigh Steinberg catapulted back into the national spotlight after his client, current Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Memphis. After representing 60 first round picks, including the number one overall pick eight times, he fell into some personal problems and ultimately had his agent certification revoked. After regaining his certification he relaunched Steinberg Sports and Entertainment. He and Chris Cabott, who he has dubbed as the next “super agent,” have been active in building up their draft class for this year.