Patrick Mahomes remains at the top of the NFL quarterback hierarchy, even after a difficult 2025 season and a serious knee injury. Yet a new anonymous scouting assessment has sparked attention for an unexpected reason. While league insiders still view the Kansas City Chiefs star as an elite quarterback, one defensive coach offered a surprisingly blunt assessment of Mahomes’ physique and warned that his conditioning could matter as he enters the next stage of his career.
Patrick Mahomes remains No. 1 despite NFL doubts
The Athletic’s annual quarterback survey once again placed Mahomes at No. 1. The rankings were based on input from 21 NFL executives, including five former general managers, along with 29 coaches.The group evaluated 35 quarterbacks and placed them into five tiers. Mahomes landed in Tier 1 overall, although one voter placed him in Tier 2.The result is notable because Mahomes had a challenging season by his usual standards. He finished with a 6-8 record as a starter before suffering a major knee injury. Still, league evaluators largely refused to move him from the top spot.One executive pointed to the circumstances surrounding his season, particularly Kansas City’s lack of a reliable running game and the absence of Rashee Rice for the first six games.“Pat had no run game last year — none,” an executive said. “He’s in a really bad spot when he doesn’t have any run game. On top of that, they were missing Rashee Rice for the first six games. Once Rashee came back, Pat was actually pretty darn good, and then the wheels fell off against Houston and he got hurt.”That assessment provides important context. Mahomes’ performance cannot be viewed entirely through his record. Injuries, roster limitations and the team’s offensive struggles all played a role.
Anonymous NFL coach raises questions about Patrick Mahomes’ physique
The most eye-catching comments came from a defensive coach who still ranked Mahomes among the league’s best quarterbacks. The coach focused on Mahomes’ physical appearance and suggested that his conditioning could become increasingly important as he gets older.“I still think he’s a 1, but this year will show,” the coach told Sando. “You watch him warm up — his legs are strong, but he’s got a belly. He’s not pretty like Josh Allen. His upper body is kind of just there. If his legs go, he might fall off quicker than other people think. What I’m saying is, getting in the best possible shape could be important for him over the second half of his career.”The remarks are likely to fuel the familiar discussion surrounding Mahomes’ so-called “Dad Bod.” However, the coach’s broader point was not that Mahomes lacks ability. In fact, the evaluator still considered him a Tier 1 quarterback.Mahomes has built his game around traits that do not depend solely on raw speed. His creativity, balance, quick release, pocket awareness and ability to make plays under pressure have helped separate him from most quarterbacks.Another offensive coordinator offered a more optimistic outlook, comparing the potential second half of Mahomes’ career with that of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana.“I don’t think he is going to look any different than what he was mobility-wise,” an offensive coordinator said. “He has never been the fastest. He just has unbelievable core strength and quickness and agility and vision and feel to create. I wouldn’t expect drop-off there.”Mahomes will turn 31 in September, making the next phase of his career particularly interesting. Montana won two Super Bowls and two MVP awards after turning 32, showing that elite quarterbacks can remain dominant well beyond their early 30s.For Mahomes, the bigger issue is what happens after his knee injury. His physical preparation will be closely watched as he works toward returning to full strength.The anonymous criticism may generate headlines, but the survey itself delivers a stronger message. NFL decision-makers still regard Mahomes as the quarterback to beat. His body may be debated, his recent season may be scrutinized, and his recovery may raise questions. His standing at the top, however, has not disappeared.
