Texans' J.J. Watt on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: 'The kid's got a cannon'

The Chiefs felt good enough about Patrick Mahomes, who completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in his lone rookie start, to move on from former Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith and trade him to Washington. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) PHOTOS: See Texans in action during training camp at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Va. less The Chiefs felt good enough about Patrick Mahomes, who completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in his lone rookie start, to move on from former Pro Bowl quarterback Alex ... more Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images Image 1 of / 72 Caption Close Texans' J.J. Watt on Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: 'The kid's got a cannon' 1 / 72 Back to Gallery

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - When the Texans were evaluating college quarterbacks a year ago, they brought in strong-armed Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes for an official visit.

They came away extremely impressed with Mahomes.

The Texans wound up drafting Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, which proved to be a smart decision.

Mahomes has plenty of promise of his own as a player, though.

The 10th overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft, Mahomes was acquired after the Chiefs traded up with the Buffalo Bills to land him two spots ahead of Watson going to the Texans.

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The Chiefs felt good enough about Mahomes, who completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in his lone rookie start, to move on from former Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith and trade him to Washington.

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“We thought very highly of him," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of Mahomes. "Smart guy, good energy, had a really good college career. We had good meetings with him. I haven’t followed him that closely relative to him being in professional football just because when we played the Chiefs last year, it was Alex Smith.

"We were ready for Patrick, maybe as a backup player, but not as a starter. I haven’t followed him totally in the pros but I’m sure he’s doing a good job for them. Coach (Andy) Reid’s a great coach. I’m sure he’s getting him ready to play.”

Signed to a four-year, $16.42 million guaranteed contract, Mahomes thrived for the Red Raiders as he passed for 5,052 yards, 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his final college season.

“I did not get to watch a lot of Texas Tech football, but I’ll watch some film this week and I’ll let you know," Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said. "I know the kid’s got a cannon. That’s the No. 1 thing I know is he can throw the ball a quarter mile. We’ll find out on Thursday night I’m sure.”