In the high-stakes world of the NFL, draft decisions can either make or break a team’s future, like the San Francisco 49ers. One such decision that has sparked endless debates and what-ifs among fans and analysts alike involves the San Francisco 49ers and their decision during the 2017 NFL Draft.
It was a pivotal moment that could have drastically altered the landscape of the NFL, especially concerning the meteoric rise of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his indelible impact with the Kansas City Chiefs.
San Francisco’s 49ers’ Draft Blunder Ignites Rivalry
On a day that will forever be etched in the annals of NFL history, the San Francisco 49ers held the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. With a golden opportunity to select a franchise quarterback, the 49ers made a move that puzzled many, trading down and ultimately passing on Patrick Mahomes, a decision that has since defined a burgeoning rivalry between the 49ers and Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs.
Patrick Mahomes, who spoke at the Super Bowl LVIII Winning Head Coach and Most Valuable Player Press Conference, has since evolved into a quarterback whose name is synonymous with excellence, leadership, and unparalleled athletic prowess.
His journey from being the 10th overall pick to becoming a three-time Super Bowl champion underscores a missed opportunity for the nine NFL teams that overlooked his potential, including the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers’ Draft Strategy Haunts Franchise
In the buildup to the 2017 season, it was no secret that the San Francisco 49ers were on the hunt for a quarterback to anchor the team for years to come. However, their strategy did not seem to prioritize securing a top quarterback talent in the draft. Instead, the 49ers’ actions suggested a different plan, as they engaged in trade maneuvers and set their sights on Kirk Cousins, then with the Washington Commanders.
This approach led them to pass on Mahomes, opting instead for defensive end Solomon Thomas with the third overall pick, a move that has been scrutinized in the context of subsequent events.
The aftermath of the draft saw the San Francisco 49ers acquiring quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the Patriots, a player who would lead them to the 2020 Super Bowl but ultimately fall short against Mahomes and the Chiefs. This outcome only added to the narrative of what could have been had the 49ers made a different call on draft day.
The Ripple Effects and the Arrival of Brock Purdy
Interestingly, the draft decisions made by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 would set the stage for the arrival of Brock Purdy, a quarterback who would emerge as a beacon of hope for the team. The trade that brought CJ Beathard to the 49ers eventually led to the compensatory pick used to select Brock Purdy, who has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL.
Despite his rapid ascent, Brock Purdy’s journey so far has been marked by the daunting challenge of facing Mahomes, a rivalry that adds a compelling layer to the 49ers’ ongoing quest for supremacy.
Remember This INSANE Ending To 49ers @ Raiders, 2022 Week 17? 👀
A rare time that you’ll see Robbie Gould miss a game winner. He made up for it by hitting it in OT though. #49ers #FTTB #49ersvsRaiders pic.twitter.com/Idp4Rkfs7o
— 49 Immortalz #FTTB (@49Immortalz) March 3, 2024
A Tale of What Ifs of San Francisco 49ers and Their Future Prospects
The narrative of the 2017 NFL Draft and its long-term implications for the San Francisco 49ers and Patrick Mahomes is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. The decision to pass on Mahomes has shaped the destinies of both the 49ers and the Chiefs, creating a riveting storyline filled with rivalry, redemption, and the pursuit of greatness.
As the 49ers look ahead, the question remains: Can they forge a path to victory against the formidable Mahomes-led Chiefs? Only time will tell, but the journey promises to be nothing short of exhilarating for fans and players alike.
Source: Sportsrush
