The 2017 NFL Draft was one of the most exciting events in recent football history. Held from April 27 to April 29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this draft saw teams carefully selecting players to shape their rosters for the coming seasons. It was a turning point for many franchises, with some securing future stars and others facing scrutiny for their decisions.
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What Was the 2017 NFL Draft?
The 2017 NFL Draft was the 82nd annual meeting of National Football League franchises. It allowed teams to select eligible college players to join their rosters. The draft consisted of seven rounds, with a total of 253 players selected. Each team’s goal was to strengthen its roster by addressing weaknesses or building on existing talent.
First-Round Highlights of the 2017 NFL Draft
The first round of the 2017 NFL Draft was filled with suspense and strategic moves. Here are some of the most notable picks:
- Myles Garrett (Defensive End) was the first overall pick, selected by the Cleveland Browns. His combination of athleticism and power made him a top prospect.
- Mitchell Trubisky (Quarterback) was chosen second by the Chicago Bears after a surprising trade to move up one spot.
- Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback) was the 10th overall pick, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. This pick turned out to be a franchise-defining moment as Mahomes later became an MVP and Super Bowl champion.
Biggest Steals of the 2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft wasn’t just about the first round. Teams found significant value in later rounds as well:
- Alvin Kamara (Running Back): Drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints, Kamara became a dynamic offensive weapon.
- George Kittle (Tight End): Selected in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers, Kittle developed into one of the league’s top tight ends.
- Aaron Jones (Running Back): A fifth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers, Jones became a consistent performer in the backfield.
These late-round picks demonstrated the importance of thorough scouting and player evaluation.
Trades That Shaped the 2017 NFL Draft
Trades played a significant role in the 2017 NFL Draft, altering the trajectory of several teams. The Chicago Bears’ decision to trade up for Mitchell Trubisky remains one of the most debated moves. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs’ trade for the 10th overall pick to secure Patrick Mahomes set them up for long-term success.
Other notable trades included teams moving up to grab highly-rated prospects or accumulating additional picks to build depth.
Notable Undrafted Free Agents
While the draft spotlight is on selected players, undrafted free agents also made headlines. Players like Austin Ekeler, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, went on to become key contributors in the NFL. The 2017 NFL Draft proved that talent can be found outside the seven rounds.
Impact of the NFL Draft on Teams
The players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft had varying impacts on their teams:
- Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett became a cornerstone of their defense, solidifying their pass rush.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes transformed the franchise into perennial Super Bowl contenders.
- New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara revitalized their offense and added versatility.
Some teams saw immediate results, while others benefited from long-term development.
The Legacy of the 2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft is remembered for its depth of talent and franchise-altering picks. Players like Patrick Mahomes, Alvin Kamara, and George Kittle have become household names, proving their worth far beyond draft day.
However, the draft also highlighted the challenges of evaluating talent. Some high picks didn’t live up to expectations, while others outperformed their draft positions.
Key Storylines of the 2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft featured captivating storylines that kept fans and analysts engaged. From the Cleveland Browns’ first overall pick of Myles Garrett to the bold trades for quarterbacks, the draft was filled with excitement. Teams aimed to secure their future stars, creating intense speculation about their selections.
One of the most talked-about storylines was the Chicago Bears trading up for Mitchell Trubisky. This decision sparked debates about the value of the move. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes’ selection by the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted the importance of long-term vision.
Quarterbacks of the 2017 NFL Draft
The 2017 NFL Draft showcased a group of promising quarterbacks, though their careers have taken different paths. Mitchell Trubisky, selected second overall, faced scrutiny for inconsistent performances. Deshaun Watson, taken by the Houston Texans, quickly became one of the league’s standout players.
Patrick Mahomes emerged as the crown jewel among the quarterbacks. Drafted 10th overall, Mahomes displayed incredible talent, earning MVP honors and leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances. This draft underscored how vital the right quarterback is for a franchise.
Defensive Stars from the 2017 NFL Draft
Defensive talent was abundant in the 2017 NFL Draft, with Myles Garrett leading the way as the first overall pick. Garrett solidified his status as an elite pass rusher, anchoring the Cleveland Browns’ defense. Another standout was Marshon Lattimore, selected by the New Orleans Saints, who became a top-tier cornerback.
Players like T.J. Watt, drafted late in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, demonstrated exceptional value. Watt’s impact as a dominant edge rusher earned him multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, proving the depth of talent in this draft.
Running Backs Who Made an Impact
The 2017 NFL Draft produced several game-changing running backs who reshaped their teams’ offenses. Leonard Fournette, taken fourth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, brought power and physicality to their backfield. However, later-round picks like Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones stood out as exceptional value selections.
Kamara’s versatility and ability to create explosive plays made him a vital part of the New Orleans Saints’ offense. Similarly, Aaron Jones’ consistency and scoring ability turned him into a key asset for the Green Bay Packers, showing how teams can find stars outside the first round.
Long-Term Effects of the 2017 NFL Draft on the NFL
The 2017 NFL Draft had lasting effects on the league, shaping team successes and failures for years to come. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs built dynasties around their picks, while others faced challenges from underperforming selections.
The draft reinforced the importance of scouting and development, as some late-round picks outshone first-rounders. As time passes, the NFL Draft continues to stand out as one of the most impactful in NFL history, shaping the careers of players and the fortunes of franchises.
Frequently Asked Question
Who was the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft?
Myles Garrett, a defensive end from Texas A&M, was the first overall pick, selected by the Cleveland Browns.
Which quarterback was selected first in the 2017 NFL Draft?
Mitchell Trubisky was the first quarterback selected, taken second overall by the Chicago Bears.
Who is the most successful player from the 2017 NFL Draft?
Patrick Mahomes, selected 10th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, is widely regarded as the most successful player, earning MVP honors and multiple Super Bowl wins.
How many players were drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft?
A total of 253 players were selected across seven rounds in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Which teams made the most notable trades during the draft?
The Chicago Bears trading up for Mitchell Trubisky and the Kansas City Chiefs trading up for Patrick Mahomes were the most notable trades.
Who was the biggest steal of the 2017 NFL Draft?
George Kittle, drafted in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers, is often considered the biggest steal due to his rise as an elite tight end.
What was the impact of the NFL Draft on the Kansas City Chiefs?
The Chiefs secured Patrick Mahomes, who transformed the team into a perennial contender and Super Bowl powerhouse.
Which running backs stood out from the 2017 NFL Draft?
Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones emerged as top performers, despite being third- and fifth-round picks, respectively.
What were the major surprises of the 2017 NFL Draft?
The Bears trading up for Trubisky and the unexpected rise of later-round picks like Kamara and Kittle were significant surprises.
What is the legacy of the 2017 NFL Draft?
The 2017 NFL Draft is remembered for its depth, producing stars like Patrick Mahomes, Myles Garrett, Alvin Kamara, and George Kittle.
Conclusion
The 2017 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the NFL’s history. It showcased the unpredictable nature of player evaluation and the lasting impact of strategic decision-making. As teams continue to build through the draft, the lessons from 2017 serve as a reminder of the importance of scouting, planning, and execution.
Whether it’s the rise of late-round stars or the success of first-round picks, the NFL Draft remains a fascinating chapter in football history.
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