Titans GM Mike Borgonzi shares insights on drafting QBs and Patrick Mahomes’ development

Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi recently addressed the media for the first time since his hiring, sharing his vision for the team and shedding light on his approach to the quarterback position. With the Titans facing uncertainty at quarterback, Borgonzi emphasized the importance of having a clear plan when drafting and developing players. Drawing from his experience drafting Patrick Mahomes for the Kansas City Chiefs, Borgonzi outlined strategies that could influence the Titans’ future.

The Quarterback: The Most Important Position in Sports

During his press conference, Borgonzi underscored the quarterback’s critical role in a team’s success. “The quarterback position is arguably the most important position in sports,” he stated. He stressed that the Titans are committed to addressing this need, whether through free agency, the draft, or by improving players already on the roster.

This focus comes at a pivotal time for the Titans, as the team faces questions about their quarterback depth. With Ryan Tannehill’s future uncertain and younger players like Will Levis still unproven, Borgonzi’s dedication to finding the right player reflects his understanding of the position’s transformative potential. His comments highlight the team’s urgency to identify a franchise quarterback to lead them forward.

Lessons Learned from Drafting Patrick Mahomes

Borgonzi’s experience drafting Patrick Mahomes for the Kansas City Chiefs offers invaluable insight into identifying and developing a franchise quarterback. He described the disciplined process the Chiefs followed when scouting and preparing Mahomes for success.

“When we went through it with Patrick, we identified him early,” Borgonzi explained. “It was a rare skill set that you could see, and we took it through the process in the spring. We brought him into the building, met with him at the combine, and assessed his football intelligence, which was very high.”

Borgonzi emphasized the importance of having a clear development plan in place. He credited Alex Smith, the Chiefs’ veteran quarterback at the time, for mentoring Mahomes during his rookie season. Borgonzi admitted there was a strong temptation to play Mahomes immediately, especially after his standout performance in training camp, but they remained committed to their long-term plan. This patience allowed Mahomes to refine his skills, learn from veterans, and eventually become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.

The Titans’ Challenges in Developing a Quarterback

While Borgonzi’s experience with Mahomes offers a proven blueprint, the Titans face unique challenges in replicating that success. Unlike the Chiefs in 2017, the Titans lack a reliable veteran quarterback like Alex Smith to mentor a rookie. If the team drafts a quarterback, much of the responsibility for their development will fall on the coaching staff and supporting players.

This creates additional pressure for Borgonzi to build a strong roster around a young quarterback. Developing a quarterback takes time, and success hinges on the team’s ability to provide stability and a clear path for growth. Borgonzi’s approach will require careful planning and significant investment in other areas of the team to create an environment where a young quarterback can thrive.

Conclusion

Mike Borgonzi’s first press conference as the Titans’ general manager set a clear tone: finding and developing the right quarterback is the key to long-term success. His experience with Patrick Mahomes highlights the value of preparation, patience, and a well-thought-out development plan. However, the Titans’ unique roster challenges will require a tailored approach.

As the Titans enter the offseason, Borgonzi’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the franchise’s future. Whether through the draft, free agency, or the development of current players, the search for a franchise quarterback will remain at the heart of his strategy. Titans fans will hope Borgonzi’s disciplined mindset and proven experience will guide the team toward lasting success.