Scouts missed on Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts — how Chiefs', Eagles' big bets paid off

Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts were not universally hailed as franchise quarterbacks during their pre-draft processes, but the duo is enjoying the last laugh as they square off for a Super Bowl LVII rematch in Super Bowl LIX. 

Though significant time has passed since skeptics scribbled harsh critiques of Mahomes and Hurts in various scouting reports and pre-draft analyses, the duo have compiled 89-23 and 46-20 career records as starters, respectively. Moreover, they have rewritten the NFL record book as spectacular playmakers with unique playing styles. 

As a longtime NFL scout, the success enjoyed by a pair of unorthodox quarterbacks has changed how I view the position and what it takes to succeed in an ultra-competitive league. Despite the flaws that overshadowed their evaluations, Mahomes and Hurts have flourished due to their respective coaches' willingness to adapt their schemes to their QB1's talents. 

Before we delve into those details, it is important to understand how Mahomes and Hurts were viewed during the pre-draft process. 

The two-time league MVP left Texas Tech hailed as an immensely talented gunslinger with exceptional improvisational skills and unlimited range as a passer. Though Mahomes' sandlot game led to a spate of turnovers that concerned some coaches and evaluators, he played with a swagger and fearlessness that helped his overmatched squad compete with the heavyweights in the Big 12. 

Given his spectacular talent and ability to elevate a team of underdogs, Mahomes drew comparisons to Jay Cutler based on their similarities as "boom-or-bust" gunslingers leading lightweight programs in premier conferences. While some might scoff at that comparison now, Cutler became a Pro Bowler during a 12-year