Scout Says Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Are ‘Like John Stockton and Karl Malone in Basketball’

Patrick Mahomes reaffirmed his greatness last year when the Kansas City Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl even though they were expected to take a step back. As always, there was some offseason attrition, but the Chiefs brought both Travis Kelce and Chris Jones back in their bid to pull off a three-peat, something no NFL team has accomplished in the Super Bowl era.

A rival scout believes Kansas City can do it, especially with its two-time MVP under center.

“We all know how good Patrick Mahomes is,” the scout told Athlon Sports for the 2024 Preview magazine . “[I’m] not sure who’s going to stand in his way.”

Mahomes made do last season with a largely inexperienced group of pass catchers, except for Kelce, of course. The 11-year veteran had a down year by his high standards — it was his first with less than 1,000 yards since 2015 — but he more than made up for it in the playoffs with 70-plus yards in each game, including 116 in the AFC Championship.

“The innate timing and connection between Mahomes and Travis Kelce is Hall of Fame-type of stuff,” the scout said. “It’s like John Stockton and Karl Malone in basketball.”

The scout also dismissed any concerns about Kelce’s age or supposed off-field distractions.

“Kelce is up there in years, but he takes good care of himself and is always in great shape,” the scout said. “People can say he’s gone Hollywood or whatever, but who cares who he’s dating, honestly. The relationship with Taylor Swift didn’t stop them from winning the Super Bowl again last season.”

As for the rest of the offense, there’s some concern regarding second-year receiver Rashee Rice, who could be suspended for his involvement in an offseason car crash. However, the Chiefs drafted speedster Xavier Worthy in the first round and signed Marquise Brown in free agency to round out the receiver room.

The scout said the interior offensive line of guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith and center Creed Humphrey is “as good as it gets,” though they called right tackle Jawaan Taylor “a holding machine.” Taylor was called for an NFL-high 20 penalties in 2023.

Kansas City came to terms on an extension with Jones, their All-Pro defensive tackle, in March, making the anchor of one of the NFL’s best defenses the highest-paid defensive lineman. Bringing him back was “pivotal,” the scout said for a unit that will be even better when defensive end Charles Omenihu returns from a torn ACL.

The biggest offseason departure for the reigning champs was cornerback L’jarius Sneed, who was traded to the Titans. However, the scout doubts Sneed will be missed all that much and said cornerback Trent McDuffie is ready for an increased role.

The Chiefs know all about trading away a key piece and coming back better than before. Since sending Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins in 2022, Kansas City has won back-to-back Super Bowls and is favored to win the Big Game once again .

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