Even though Patrick Mahomes excels as a quarterback, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes Joe Burrow and Aaron Rodgers have better mechanics.

Dan Orlovsky snubs Patrick Mahomes off the top 10 quarterback list (Image via IMAGO)

Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in football, but that doesn’t mean he tops in every skill set that defines a quarterback. According to Dan Orlovsky, the two-time NFL MVP doesn’t possess the same level or quality of mechanics as his peers, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Aaron Rodgers.

Orlovsky listed seven parameters in which he divided the best quarterbacks. While the former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst included Mahomes in most of the categories, in his opinion, the three-time Super Bowl winner doesn’t possess the best mechanics in the game.

To simplify the term mechanics, Dan Orlovsky explained.

Who is a natural thrower? Who has the best footwork? Who moves well within the pocket and always plays in rhythm? It all factors into mechanics. When things are clean, I’m looking for a repetitive throwing motion. And when things aren’t clean, I’m looking for the ability to make it work because of a strong base.

Dan Orlovsky said per ESPN.com The Bengals’ Joe Burrow topped the list with the Rams’ Matthew Stafford, and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert were third and fourth. Here are the top 10 quarterbacks with the best mechanics, according to Dan Orlovsky:

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)

Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

CJ Stroud (Houston Texans)

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)

Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)

Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)

Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)

Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)

Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Why didn’t Patrick Mahomes make Dan Orlovsky’s list of quarterbacks with the best mechanics?

Orlovsky, being a former quarterback, understands the ins and outs of what makes an elite quarterback. Mahomes is the best player in the league, even if Tyreek Hill was voted the best, but he is not the best in every aspect of quarterback play.

Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

In mechanics, Joe Burrow outranked his competition. The Pro Bowler and Comeback Player of the Year got the nod because;

He is always ready to throw and can smoothly repeat the motion rep after rep.

Dan Orlovsky wroteIn his first three seasons, the LSU graduate had a completion percentage of 65.3%, 70.4%, and 68.3% because of his flawless mechanics.

Excluding Patrick Mahomes was a big surprise, as besides being an accurate passer, he is also famous for his placement (throwing the ball away from defenders, which makes it easier for receivers to catch the ball).

In an ESPN report from 2023, compiled by several analysts, Mahomes was not only part of the list but was the third name on it behind Burrow and Rodgers.

The gap between the two reports is only one year, and the difference is stark, albeit they are from different individuals. Mahomes had a down year by his standards with 401 completions for just over 4100 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. However, it was mostly down to his receivers dropping the ball—the most in the league with 42.