# The 2017 NFL Football Draft Explained: Key Facts and Hidden Insights
Every year, the NFL draft shakes up the football world—and let’s be honest, fans can’t wait to see their favorite teams land the next superstar. The 2017 NFL football draft was no exception. But what made this draft truly memorable? Let’s dive in and uncover the data, strategies, and surprises that defined 2017’s picks.
# What Is the 2017 NFL Football Draft and Why Does It Matter?
When someone talks about the 2017 NFL football draft, they mean the annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players, aiming to transform their roster. This particular draft features some of the most storied selections in recent history.
In April 2017, hundreds of prospects hoped to hear their names called in Philadelphia. Teams strategized for months, weighing stats, character, potential, and team needs.
For die-hard football fans, the “NFL Draft” promises hope and suspense, while for organizations it’s their biggest opportunity to reboot or solidify success.
# Main 2017 NFL Football Draft Themes
**Q: What were people searching for with this keyword?**
Most searches for “2017 NFL football draft” fall into the information category. People want to know who was drafted, how picks were made, and what impact these players had. Others scanned headlines to discover sleeper picks and surprising trades.
# Related Keywords (LSI):
— 2017 NFL draft prospects
— first round picks 2017
— NFL draft order 2017
— draft busts and steals 2017
— Philadelphia NFL draft
# Section 1: Draft Shocks — Who Were the Top 10 Picks?
Let’s break down the top of the 2017 NFL football draft board. Here are the first 10 selections and their positions:
| Pick | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myles Garrett | Cleveland Browns | Defensive End |
| 2 | Mitch Trubisky | Chicago Bears | Quarterback |
| 3 | Solomon Thomas | San Francisco 49ers | Defensive End |
| 4 | Leonard Fournette | Jacksonville Jaguars | Running Back |
| 5 | Corey Davis | Tennessee Titans | Wide Receiver |
| 6 | Jamal Adams | New York Jets | Safety |
| 7 | Mike Williams | Los Angeles Chargers | Wide Receiver |
| 8 | Christian McCaffrey | Carolina Panthers | Running Back |
| 9 | John Ross | Cincinnati Bengals | Wide Receiver |
| 10 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Quarterback |
Just look at Patrick Mahomes—taken 10th, he became league MVP just two seasons later. On the other hand, Mitch Trubisky was chosen ahead of Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. NFL fans still debate those decisions.
# Section 2: Draft Busts vs. Steals — Who Surprised Us Most?
It happens every year: some picks overperform, others fall short. In 2017, notable “steals” included Alvin Kamara, taken 67th, who became Offensive Rookie of the Year (来源: NFL.com); and George Kittle, selected in the fifth round, who evolved into a top tight end.
Meanwhile, first-rounders like John Ross struggled with injuries, and some teams regretted passing on Mahomes.
# Section 3: How the 2017 NFL Football Draft Works — Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a practical “how-it-happens” guide based on our team’s experience following draft coverage and analysis year after year:
STEP 1 — Eligible college players declare for the draft, hoping to be scouted.
STEP 2 — Teams evaluate prospects through the NFL Combine, pro days, and interviews.
STEP 3 — The draft order is set, usually based on last season’s records.
STEP 4 — GM and staff build their “draft boards,” ranking prospects.
STEP 5 — The draft itself kicks off; each team has limited time to pick per round.
STEP 6 — Trades and surprise moves frequently occur during live selection.
STEP 7 — Teams sign their newly drafted players, and media cover top storylines.
Trust me, watching the war rooms scramble during trades and counterpicks is pure drama.
# Section 4: Impact Players — How Did the 2017 Draft Shape the NFL?
A huge point here: Five years after the 2017 NFL football draft, Mahomes, McCaffrey, and Kamara became franchise icons, reshaping their teams’ fortunes. In fact, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win in 2020 (来源: ESPN).
Notably, defensive talents like Myles Garrett and Jamal Adams became cornerstones for their teams.
However, teams like the Bears faced criticism for passing on quarterbacks who would later become hallmarks of the league.
# Section 5: Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions in Draft Strategy
Here’s where many teams trip up:
— Overvaluing performance at the Combine vs. real game film.
— Reaching for a team need rather than the best player available.
— Failing to dig into injury history or off-field concerns.
WARNING: One shocking stat—nearly one-third of first-round picks from 2017 failed to make a lasting impact by their third season. Rushing picks based on hype rather than depth of analysis is risky.
# Section 6: Comparing Two Draft Analysis Tools for 2017 NFL Football Draft
Want to track the draft or analyze picks? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of two top resources:
| Feature | NFL.com Draft Tracker | Pro Football Focus (PFF) |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Pick Updates | Yes | Limited |
| Player Grades | Basic | Advanced Metrics |
| Historic Draft Data | Extensive | Comprehensive |
| User Interface | Simple, Clear | Data-Dense |
| Team Needs Analysis | Partial | Detailed |
According to my experience, casual fans love NFL.com for its clarity; fantasy managers or analysts often prefer PFF for deeper insights.
# Section 7: Your Ultimate 2017 Draft Strategy Checklist
Want to make sense of a draft, plan your own analysis, or get ahead in fantasy leagues? Use this action checklist to cover your bases:
— Review each team’s major needs before the draft.
— Watch the NFL Combine highlights, but compare with full game tapes.
— Track historic draft trends for favored positions.
— Consult both NFL.com and PFF for the latest analysis and player grades.
— Record surprising trades and mid-round steals; they often become stars.
— Analyze post-draft impact by looking at rookie performance stats.
# Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of the 2017 NFL Football Draft
There’s no doubt—the 2017 NFL football draft changed the game for years to come. Prospects like Mahomes, McCaffrey, and Kamara weren’t just picks; they became culture-defining leaders.
So, whether you’re a data enthusiast or a fan reminiscing about the drama, remember: the secrets of draft success come down to careful planning, strategic evaluation, and, sometimes, taking a bold risk.
Stay tuned for next season’s draft. You never know when the next legend will rise.
