Patrick Mahomes: “I can’t wait to start learning from Alex Smith”

Patrick Mahomes says he has automatic respect for Alex Smith for his leadership, communication and demeanor.

If there’s any doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs have a well-oiled machine in process, let those thoughts drift away now. From the way the team has championed Alex Smith as the starter, to Smith’s own classy remarks at the addition of Patrick Mahomes, to the rookie’s own team-first demeanor, it’s impossible to find a hair out of place in the way the Chiefs have handled the obvious looming leadership transition at quarterback.

Mahomes spoke to Yahoo! Sports from the NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere about the leadership transition that’s ahead for the Chiefs and acknowledged front and center that Alex Smith is the starting quarterback.

"“Alex Smith is the quarterback right now. I know that,” Mahomes said. “I know I just need to come in dive into the film, get my work in on the practice field and wait my turn.”"

Mahomes also spoke highly of Smith in terms of his own intangibles and how he’s hoping to embody those as well. Smith has embraced the “awkward” nature of the situation himself and that has helped set the tone for the Chiefs moving forward, with little distraction of quarterback questions. Instead it’s clear there’s a team-first attitude on all fronts.

"“When you have a leader like that, someone who has the team’s best interests in mind, that’s huge. He knows every aspect of the game and can help everything work smoothly. He’s a leader and a starting quarterback, so that respect is automatic. He said he’ll take me under his wing, and I really can’t wait to start learning from him.”"

The Chiefs traded up with the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the NFL Draft, giving up an extra third round pick and a first round pick in 2018, for the rights to select Mahomes at No. 10. Mahomes was considered one of the best overall quarterbacks, along with Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and North Carolina’s Mitchell Trubisky, available in the draft class.