2017 NFL mock draft: Chiefs haul includes new quarterback

Round Three: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh (No. 91 overall)

Ah, the quarterback has arrived. While many Chiefs fans will be upset that no one named Kizer or Mahomes has been mentioned thus far, they can take solace in the fact that Nathan Peterman is not only a solid quarterback prospect but that he’s also often listed as one of this draft’s best sleeper picks. Peterman is a two-year starter from Pittsburgh with 47 touchdown passes in that time with only 17 interceptions. NFL.com’s draft profile gives Derek Carr as his pro comparison.

Grabbing Peterman in the third round gives the Chiefs the developmental quarterback to develop for whom fans have been clamoring. It also makes sense within the greater narrative that Alex Smith is entrenched as the starter yet also needs competition to better the overall depth chart and quarterback play on the field. Peterman can sit for a year behind Smith and then the Chiefs have given themselves options for 2018, when they can trade Smith for some decent value or release him for very little financial backlash in a worst case scenario.

With Tyler Bray in the mix, there would be some real competition for the back-up spot and some ongoing pressure on all three quarterbacks to learn the game plan and be ready when and if the opportunity comes.