A few years ago, the idea of Patrick Mahomes being sackable felt like fantasy, like trying to catch a ghost in the open field. His game was too fluid, his vision too sharp, and his feet? Magic. Defenses tried and failed. Then tried again and still failed. But somewhere between Super Bowl LIV’s glory and SB LIX’s six-sack breakdown, something shifted. The cheat code that once made Mahomes untouchable started glitching. Whether it was the mileage catching up, simply smarter and customized defensive schemes, or yes, the offensive line regressing, teams found pressure points. The Eagles exposed them on the biggest stage
Six sacks, two picks, and a quarterback forced into rushed reads, Patrick was the target. Ex-Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams (now, a Patriot) gave insight into how they pulled it off on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast: “That’s any quarterback’s weakness… pressure up the middle. He started looking at the line before he could even look at his receivers.” Their goal was to make Mahomes paranoid—to force him into “sandlot ball” before he could even start his reads. The result? Mistakes. Rushed throws. And, for once, a vulnerable No. 15. And now, that vulnerability is inspiring a new wave of defenders.
Enter Mason Graham, the Michigan wrecking ball projected to land with Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers in the 2025 Draft. While chatting with FOX’s Cassie Carlson on the draft day, Graham didn’t mince words when asked which NFL QB he wants to take down most. “Probably Patrick Mahomes,” he said. “He’s kind of at the top right now, so I want to sack him.”
Just five worded wish. But for Mahomes? That’s five too many. Because that statement doesn’t come from just any rookie. Graham is the real deal—24 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks last season for the Michigan Wolverines, and a College Football Playoff title to his name. He’s got burst, tenacity, and a motor that doesn’t stop. Even if his draft stock has wobbled slightly, most evaluators still see him as one of the most NFL-ready defensive tackles in the class.
And this “I want to sack him” declaration isn’t even hate—it’s homage. It’s respect. Mahomes is the guy. The boss level. So, of course, a young star wants a piece. But let’s not pretend Mahomes is out here flailing. The Chiefs’ QB is still delivering MVP-caliber throws with defenders in his lap. Yes, the sacks are up—36 last season, an NFL career-high, compared to 27 in 2023—but that doesn’t mean defenses have cracked the Mahomes code. They’ve just gotten closer. And that’s what makes this Mason vs. Mahomes storyline worth watching.
And if Shanahan does get his guy in red and gold? After two brutal Super Bowl losses to the Chiefs, the 49ers might finally have the interior disruptor they need to flip the script on Mahomes. Let’s just say this rivalry isn’t going away. But for the Chiefs, it’s also an alarm.
The Chiefs shouldn’t escape the reality: Patrick Mahomes needs security
In 2024, Mahomes was sacked 36 times—his highest total since becoming a full-time starter. That’s nine more than the previous year. And let’s not even talk about the 239 yards lost in the process. You felt that one, didn’t you? The Chiefs sure did, especially during Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles swallowed up Mahomes six times, forcing him into desperation mode. The O-line just didn’t hold. And Philly? They smelled blood.
Season
Games Played
Sacks Taken
Sack Yards Lost
2024
16
36
239 yards
2023
16
27
186 yards
2022
17
26
188 yards
2021
17
28
146 yards
2020
15
22
147 yards
So, what’s really going on in Kansas City? Why are defenses getting home so often now? Well, three things jump off the tape. First, the offensive line hasn’t held up its end. Regression is the polite word. Second, blitzes are flying in with zero respect—teams are dialing up heat and forcing Mahomes outside the pocket early. And then Mahomes himself isn’t escaping like before. His rush attempts are down, lowest last year at 307 in the last five years, his improvisation is also a tick slower. He’s still elite under pressure, no doubt—but even Houdini needs a little help up front.
Which brings us to the NFL Draft. “Every offseason, it’s offensive line and defensive line.” That’s how Kansas City’s GM Brett Veach put it. And he’s not wrong. The Chiefs have always built from the trenches. But now? They need more than just bricks—they need a fortress. With four picks in the first three rounds, Veach is keeping both lines in play.
Some believe the O-line is the top priority. Others want a wrecking ball to pair with Chris Jones on defense. The team already signed Jaylon Moore—a backup in San Francisco turned to a $30 million/ 2 years, including $21.2 million guaranteed, bet in K.C.—and Jerry Tillery was brought in for defensive line depth. But neither solves the problem outright.
They’re still hunting. Maybe at pick 31. Maybe earlier if they trade up. But you get the sense there’s a short list. Meet Grey Zabel. There’s real buzz around Zabel—a plug-and-play lineman who CBS Sports says could be the “perfect addition” to fix the Super Bowl fallout. He’s not flashy, but he’s mean, tough, and has played every O-line position except center. In fact, he lined up at left tackle all of last year.
“Andy Reid’s offense needs a better line after Super Bowl LIX’s embarrassing defeat,” CBS noted, backing Zabel’s fit. Want metrics? The North Dakota State alum finished first in production score (91), second in athleticism (90), and with a total score of 87, he stood at first amongst the OTs at the Combine, per NFL.com.
And if that isn’t enough, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has him pegged as a first- or second-round guy. Imagine dropping someone that versatile into this mix? With Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia still trying to lock down left tackle, and Mike Caliendo failing to secure left guard, Zabel offers something nobody else on the roster does: flexibility. It’s not just about getting Mahomes protection anymore—it’s about making sure what happened in Super Bowl LIX never happens again.
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