As a little kid, playing football in the backyard, Patrick Mahomes had a dream that many young aspiring quarterbacks share – to one day start in the NFL. To lead a team, to make jaw-dropping plays, to be the face of a franchise. It’s a dream that seems larger than life, yet so achievable in the eyes of a child. However, as Mahomes himself knows, not every fantasy comes true.
For the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans, the 2021 NFL season was filled with dreams and hopes. After an incredible three-peat in the AFC Championship game, they were ready to take on the ultimate challenge – to win back-to-back Super Bowls. And with a talented roster and a generational quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, it seemed like a very real possibility. But as we all know, dreams don’t always come true.
In February, those dreams came crashing down at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. It was a tough loss for the Chiefs, but it also served as a reminder that even the most talented teams need to continuously evolve and improve in order to stay on top.
That’s exactly what the Chiefs have set out to do in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the 31st overall pick, they drafted 6’5″, 310-pound offensive tackle, Liam Eichenberg from Notre Dame. It was a move that was met with excitement and approval from both fans and experts alike.
Eichenberg is a monster of a player, with a strong and athletic build that makes him a formidable presence on the field. He has proven himself as a dominant blocker, using his size and strength to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. His consistency and technique make him a reliable player, and his football IQ and awareness allow him to read and react to the defense effectively.
But what makes this pick even more exciting is the impact it will have on the Chiefs’ offense and, more specifically, on Patrick Mahomes. With Eichenberg’s addition to the offensive line, Mahomes will have even more time and protection to make those incredible plays that have become his trademark.
Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and throw from any angle is a huge part of his success, but it also puts him at risk of taking big hits. With Eichenberg on the line, Mahomes can feel confident that he will have the time and protection he needs to make those plays without putting himself in harm’s way.
But Eichenberg’s impact goes beyond just protecting Mahomes. He is also a talented run blocker, which will help open up the Chiefs’ running game and provide balance to their offense. With the addition of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire last season, the Chiefs have shown a commitment to establishing a strong running game, and Eichenberg will play a crucial role in that.
Furthermore, Eichenberg’s presence on the line will also benefit his fellow linemen. With his size and strength, he can anchor the line and provide stability, allowing the other linemen to focus on their individual assignments and play to their strengths. This will only make the Chiefs’ offensive line that much more formidable and create more opportunities for Mahomes and the rest of the offense.
In his post-draft press conference, Mahomes expressed his excitement for the addition of Eichenberg to the team. He acknowledged the importance of having a strong offensive line and the impact it can have on the entire team. He also mentioned that he looks forward to working with Eichenberg and helping him develop as a player.
It’s clear that the Chiefs are making all the right moves to ensure that they continue to compete at the highest level. They understand that the NFL is a constantly evolving league, and they are committed to staying ahead of the curve. And with the addition of Liam Eichenberg, they have taken a big step towards securing their position as one of the top teams in the league.
For Patrick Mahomes, his dream of starting in the NFL may have come true, but he knows that it takes much more than just talent to stay at the top. It takes hard work, dedication, and constant improvement. With the addition of Eichenberg, the Chiefs have shown that they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their dreams alive. And with a talented and motivated quarterback like Mahomes leading the way, there’s no doubt that the future looks bright for the Kansas City Chiefs.
