The Chiefs had four players start at left tackle last season, top receiver Rashee Rice missed most of the season, as did Marquise Brown. And running back Isiah Pacheco appeared in just seven games. That likely explains why Mahomes was voted as the NFL's top quarterback in an ESPN survey of league executives, coaches and scouts.

Patrick Mahomes was voted as the best QB in the NFL for third consecutive year in ESPN's annual player rankings.

"Patrick Mahomes has dominated the NFL, but even legends have rivals. From Derwin James’ physical coverage to Roquan Smith’s tactical blitzing, and Josh Allen’s regular-season dominance to Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl triumph—these five names have consistently challenged Mahomes’ greatness.