Mahomes defers to Smith while transitioning to pro game

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is in no rush while transitioning to the professional ranks.

Mahomes was selected 10th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and is positioned to become the team's quarterback of the future.

The 21-year-old attended his first practice during the rookie minicamp on Saturday and said he's aiming to work on his game while Alex Smith remains the starter for the upcoming season.

"I come in with a little bit of pressure, but it's Alex's team - Alex (Smith) is the starting quarterback," Mahomes said Saturday to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. "So I have time to really work on my game and become ready and available for whenever Coach Reid needs me."

Mahomes said he's focusing on the verbiage of the Chiefs' playbook, as head coach Andy Reid has no intention of limiting the scope of the offense while the rookie adjusts.

"The words are pretty difficult, but it's about knowing what's happening when you say the word," Mahomes said. "You can study the stuff and get it all down and be able to say the right things to the coaches, but unless you're out there making the plays, making the checks right, then it doesn't mean that it's right."