Niner Noise
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2017 NFL Draft: Final Round 1 Mock for All 32 Picks

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) warms up before playing against the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) warms up before playing against the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Mahomes. 13. player. 32. . Quarterback. Texas Tech

As Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus pointed out, Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t quite a finished product and will likely need a year, or two, of seasoning at the NFL level.

Enter the Arizona Cardinals, which would present a win-win situation for both sides.

The Cardinals will roll into 2017 with aging quarterback Carson Palmer at the helm. At 37 years old, Palmer’s career is certainly in its twilight. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him call it quits regardless of what happens this year.

Mahomes would be a great understudy, learning the rigors of life at the NFL level from an established veteran on his way out.

Plus, Mahomes’ big arm and big-play capability are traits head coach Bruce Arians would love to get in his offense.