Patrick Mahomes II, first row on right, poses for a photo with family during an NFL Draft watch party at Lago del Pino in Tyler, Texas, on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Mahomes II is expected to be drafted in the first round. (Chelsea Purgahn/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

“I’m going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come.”

Patrick Mahomes II didn’t break out into the old Wilbert Harrison song, but it would have been fitting.

Mahomes, the strong-armed gunslinger quarterback from Whitehouse, was the 10th overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in Thursday’s 82nd annual NFL Draft.

“This is such an awesome feeling,” said the Texas Tech quarterback at a NFL Draft Party with friends and family at Lago del Pino west of Tyler. “It is unbelievable. Growing up, you see guys going in the draft and you dream about it.

“I can’t put in the words what this means. … Everyone who knows me knows I will take Texas Tech, Whitehouse and East Texas to the NFL with me.”

Mahomes was surrounded by his mother Randi, father Pat, brother Jackson and sister Mia, girlfriend Brittany Matthews as well as grandparents and a host of others including Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury, Whitehouse coach Adam Cook, Little League coach Chad Parker and his father’s coach at Lindale, Mike Smith. His agent, Leigh Steinberg was also on hand.

With a room full of people and his former Whitehouse teammates behind him, the buzz started that KC had traded up to the No. 10 pick with the Buffalo Bills and the Chiefs were selecting Mahomes.

The crowd erupted not once, not twice but three times, the latter when it was official on the TV screen.

Mahomes took the call from Kansas City coach Andy Reid and then talked with other members of the Chiefs front office.

“It is exciting to get to work with such a successful NFL coach,” Mahomes said.

Mahomes said he was ready to continue working and be ready whenever he is needed. Alex Smith, a former No. 1 pick with the San Francisco 49ers, is the current Chiefs QB.

After Mahomes’ name was called there were some tears, donning of a Chiefs cap, along with many hugs, handshakes and photos.

As usual, Mahomes remained calm, sporting his magical smile while dapperly dressed in a blue sports coat.

Mahomes, who played a round of golf earlier on Thursday, said he will head to KC on Saturday and workouts are scheduled to begin Monday.

Mahomes was invited to Philadelphia for the draft, but he wanted to share the moment with his family and friends.

He added he visited the KC facilities and toured Arrowhead Stadium during the pre-draft process.

“I’m excited the Chiefs showed they believe in me and what I can bring to their organization,” Mahomes said. “Their fans are so passionate. I am looking forward to playing for the Chiefs and for the Chiefs’ fans.”

Mahomes shot up the draft board after his NFL Combine workout and his stellar interviews. The Academic All-Big 12 selection clearly impressed the teams as a number of squads were trying to get the former All-East Texas QB and the 2013 AP State Player of the Year.

Speculation centered on the Arizona Cardinals taking Mahomes at No. 13, but the Chiefs took action, trading up 17 spots with the Bills. The Bills received the Chiefs’ No. 1 pick this year, along with a No. 1 and No. 3 next season.

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