John Elway Says Broncos ‘Really Liked’ Patrick Mahomes at 2017 Draft

Originally posted on FanNation Mile High Huddle
By Jared Koch | Last updated 2/16/24

It's been no secret that the current Denver Broncos quarterback situation has been shaky, to say the least across the past year plus. With controversy clouding around Russell Wilson, along with friction between him and Sean Payton headlining last season, it's been far from calm when discussing the next steps at the position moving forward.

However, when turning the clock back to the 2017 NFL Draft, things could've been much simpler for the Mile High. In a class that was geared toward a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Patrick Mahomes, the Broncos had a chance have ultimately be the team to give him a shot in the league.

According to a snippet from The Adam Schefter Podcast and tweet from DNVR's Zac Stevens, John Elway, the team's GM at the time, reportedly "really liked" now 3x-Super Bowl champion Mahomes during the 2017 scouting process:

John Ewlay told @AdamSchefter the Broncos "really liked" Patrick Mahomes during the 2017 draft process.

(Via The Adam Schefter Podcast)
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) February 16, 2024

While the Broncos would have likely had to trade up some capital from their 20th overall selection to acquire the services of Mahomes, it's a move that looks like a no-brainer hindsight being 20/20. Instead, Denver opted to select tackle Garett Bolles from Utah, who has now been the starter on the left side of their line for the past seven seasons.

While Bolles has managed to have a respectable career himself, it doesn't quite stack up with the likes of Mahomes. He's amounted to two All-Pro selections, two MVPs, and three Super Bowl rings with an MVP in each through his career so far. With his latest win over the San Francisco 49ers, he's even begun to get some early consideration within the G.O.A.T. conversation.

If the Broncos had the chance to do things over again, it seems clear which direction they would end up taking.

This upcoming draft in April presents a new opportunity for the Broncos to finally hit on their guy under center, but it's hard not to resist looking in the rearview mirror and wondering what could've been if Mahomes was in the orange and blue.

This article first appeared on FanNation Mile High Huddle and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: