Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes dominates in ESPN analysts’ ranking of quarterback traits

There are many traits that make up a good quarterback, and ESPN’s football analysts recently ranked the NFL’s signal-callers in 10 categories.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes dominated those rankings.

Mahomes was picked first in half of the categories, and he was top three in four others.

Arm strength: Second (behind Josh Allen)

Accuracy: Third (behind Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers)

Touch: Third (behind Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers)

Mechanics: Third (behind Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers)

Field Vision: First

Decision-making with football: First

Compete level and toughness: First

Pocket presence: First

Rushing ability: Eighth

Second-reaction ability: First

Nine ESPN NFL analysts voted in each category: Matt Bowen, Tim Hasselbeck, Matt Miller, Dan Orlovsky, Jason Reid, Jordan Reid, Mike Tannenbaum, Seth Walder and Field Yates.

The ESPN experts shared some interesting thoughts on Mahomes’ field vision.

“There are so many things that make defending Mahomes a near-impossible task, but near the top of the list is that no play is ever over,” Yates wrote. “That’s because Mahomes seemingly has a 360-degree view of every play, tracking both what is taking place right around him and what is happening down the field. His instincts and vision — combined with his ability to elude pressure — form a dangerous skill set.”

Walder noted that Next Gen Stats show Mahomes has had the lowest rate of tight-window throws (10%) over the past three seasons, while his targets have had the most separation on average (3.8).

”I often caution against using those metrics without further context,” Walder wrote, “but I will say I think those numbers have a lot more to do with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ scheme than the team’s receivers. Since those stats are generated only on targets, it shows Mahomes is throwing to receivers who have separated, a credit to his ability to read the field.”

Mahomes dominated most in the second-reaction ability list. That’s when the pocket breaks down and a quarterback has to create on the fly.

Jason Reid wrote: “Mahomes is so far ahead of the pack in this area that he’s really in a category of one. Coaches say NFL quarterbacks make their money on third down and off-schedule plays, and Mahomes is simply dominant in both areas. As great as he is in the pocket, he’s even more dangerous when forced from it.”