The 2017 NFL Draft: A Comprehensive Analysis

The 2017 NFL Draft was a pivotal event in the history of American football. Held on April 27-29, 2017, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the draft witnessed the selection of 253 players over seven rounds. The Cleveland Browns held the first overall pick, which they used to select defensive end Myles Garrett from Texas A&M.

Overview and Key Statistics

• Total players drafted: 253
• First overall pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M (selected by Cleveland Browns)
• Total teams participating: 32
• Rounds: 7
• Average age of drafted players: 22.5 years
• Number of college players drafted: 249
• Number of high school players drafted: 4

Notable Draftees

Among the most notable players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft were:

• Myles Garrett: DE, Texas A&M (1st overall)
• Mitchell Trubisky: QB, North Carolina (2nd overall, Chicago Bears)
• Malik Hooker: S, Ohio State (15th overall, Indianapolis Colts)
• Marshon Lattimore: CB, Ohio State (11th overall, New Orleans Saints)
• Leonard Fournette: RB, LSU (4th overall, Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Reuben Foster: LB, Alabama (31st overall, San Francisco 49ers)

Draft Analysis

The 2017 NFL Draft was highly competitive, with several players considered to be "blue-chip" prospects. The Cleveland Browns made a bold move by selecting Myles Garrett with the first overall pick, despite his injury history. Garrett was widely regarded as the most talented defensive player in the draft, and his selection signaled a shift in philosophy for the Browns, who had previously focused on acquiring offensive talent.

The Chicago Bears also made a surprising move by trading up to the second overall pick to select Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky was not considered to be a top-tier quarterback prospect, but the Bears were impressed by his athleticism and potential.

The Indianapolis Colts made another notable move by selecting Malik Hooker with the 15th overall pick. Hooker was a standout safety who was considered to be one of the best defensive players in the draft.

Key Trends

Several key trends emerged from the 2017 NFL Draft:

• Increased emphasis on defense: Teams placed a greater emphasis on selecting defensive players in this draft, with 12 of the first 20 picks being defensive players.
• Strong quarterback class: The 2017 draft was considered to be a strong year for quarterbacks, with several talented players available.
• Rise of the wide receiver: Wide receivers were in high demand in this draft, with a record number of receivers being selected in the first round.

Draft Performance

The 2017 NFL Draft class has performed well so far, with several players making an immediate impact on their respective teams. Myles Garrett has lived up to the hype, establishing himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league. Mitchell Trubisky has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the Bears to a playoff appearance in his second season. Malik Hooker has been a consistent playmaker for the Colts, earning a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season.

Lessons and Insights

The 2017 NFL Draft provides several valuable lessons and insights for aspiring football players and NFL teams alike:

• Talent can come from anywhere: Myles Garrett was not considered to be a surefire superstar coming out of college, but he has proven that with hard work and dedication, anyone can succeed in the NFL.
• Teams should not be afraid to take risks: The Cleveland Browns made a bold move by selecting Myles Garrett with the first overall pick, but it has paid off for them in the long run.
• Quarterbacks are still the most important position in football: The Bears traded up to select Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick, demonstrating the importance of having a franchise quarterback.

Call to Action

If you are an aspiring football player, the 2017 NFL Draft should serve as an inspiration. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams of playing in the NFL. And if you are an NFL team, the draft should remind you that there is always talent available, and that you should never be afraid to take risks in order to find the players who can help you win.

Additional Resources:

• NFL Draft History: https://www.nfl.com/history/draft
• 2017 NFL Draft Results: https://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/all-draftees
• NFL Draft Rankings: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/draft-rankings/?year=2017

Tables

Table 1: 2017 NFL Draft First Round Selections

Table 2: 2017 NFL Draft Quarterback Selections

Table 3: 2017 NFL Draft Defensive Players Selected in the First Round

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: Myles Garrett's Redemption

Myles Garrett was considered to be one of the most talented players in the 2017 NFL Draft, but his stock dropped slightly due to injury concerns. The Cleveland Browns took a chance on Garrett with the first overall pick, and he has since rewarded them with his outstanding performance on the field.

What we learn: Never give up on your dreams, even if you face setbacks along the way. With hard work and dedication, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals.

Story 2: The Rise of Mitchell Trubisky

Mitchell Trubisky was not considered to be a top-tier quarterback prospect coming out of college, but he has shown flashes of brilliance in his short NFL career. The Chicago Bears traded up to select Trubisky with the second overall pick, and he has since led the team to a playoff appearance.

What we learn: Don't be afraid to take risks. Sometimes, the best players are the ones who are willing to put in the hard work and prove themselves.

Story 3: The Indianapolis Colts' Draft Haul

The Indianapolis Colts had a very successful 2017 NFL Draft, selecting several players who have made an immediate impact on the team