Four-round NFL mock draft gives Christian McCaffrey, Nathan Peterman to Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh, 3rd round (No. 91 overall)
The Chiefs finally grab their quarterback with the selection of Nathan Peterman near the bottom of the third round. It won’t thrill many fans to know the Chiefs ended up missing out on the draft’s top four or even prospects like Davis Webb but at least there’s some investment here on Day 2. Peterman showed serious poise at Pittsburgh and earned high marks for his experience and handling of the team’s pro-style offense. Petersen threw 47 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions over his two seasons as a starter for the Panthers.
Why this could work:
The Chiefs have absolutely nothing behind Alex Smith, the veteran incumbent, at this point besides the persistent presence of Tyler Bray. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, even after years of having the former undrafted free agent on the roster, they’re still no closer to knowing if they have anything of substance in Bray or not. The good news is that he’s outlasted Aaron Murray and Kevin Hogan in terms of competition, but given how little those guys have done in the NFL doesn’t necessarily mean much.
The team definitely needs at least one more import heading into the season so Peterman immediately becomes the likely No. 2 option for the Chiefs. Given that Peterman comes from a pro style offense, it helps that he’s not such a raw product in case something happens to Smith. This selection gives the Chiefs a chance to find a potential new franchise quarterback down the road while also having a rookie that looks the part in the interim. The investment is also one that, if Peterman is not the next franchise great, he can still be a serviceable back-up for years without anyone worrying about a wasted first round pick.
Why this couldn’t work:
The very fact that he’s not a first round pick. Chiefs fans have been watching every top quarterback walk through the doors at Arrowhead all offseason long, so it would devastating to many fans on draft day if John Dorsey doesn’t come home from the hunt with a Deshaun Watson, DeShone Kizer or Patrick Mahomes. Even a second round pick on a Brad Kaaya or Davis Webb would likely make fans more happy than making a pick late in the third round. Is it right? No, but fans are emotional and that’s what Dorsey would to have to deal with.