What Is 2017 National Football League Draft

Overview

The 2017 National Football League Draft was a landmark event in NFL history, both for its location and fan engagement. Held from April 27 to 29, it marked the first time the draft took place outdoors, transforming Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway into a festival-style venue.

This draft was notable not only for its setting but also for the high stakes surrounding top prospects, especially defensive players. The event attracted record crowds, with over 250,000 fans attending in person, making it one of the most-watched and attended drafts to date.

• Myles Garrett, a defensive end from Texas A&M, was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns due to his elite pass-rushing ability and athleticism.
• Mitch Trubisky was taken second by the Chicago Bears, a controversial pick at the time, as he had played only 13 college starts.
• The draft included 253 total selections across seven rounds, with 228 players chosen from FBS programs and 25 from FCS or lower divisions.
• Philadelphia became the first city to host the draft in an open-air format, enhancing fan interaction with live music, player appearances, and interactive exhibits.
• The top 10 picks included three quarterbacks, highlighting a shift toward valuing offensive leadership despite concerns about their readiness.

How It Works

The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college football players to join the league. The order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with non-playoff teams picking earlier, and compensatory picks awarded for net free-agent losses.

• Round Structure: The draft consists of 7 rounds, with each of the 32 teams getting one pick per round unless trades alter the order.
• Selection Order: The team with the worst record from the prior season picks first, unless they traded the pick; the Super Bowl winner selects last in each round.
• Eligibility Rules: Players must be at least three years removed from high school and have exhausted their college eligibility to enter the draft.
• Compensatory Picks: The NFL awards 32 additional picks in Rounds 3–7 based on a formula measuring free-agent gains and losses from the previous year.
• Trade Activity: Teams frequently trade draft picks for players or future selections; in 2017, 27 trades occurred during the draft weekend.
• Time Limits: Each team has 10 minutes in Round 1 to make a pick, decreasing to 5 minutes by Round 7 to maintain event pacing.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 NFL Draft compares to recent drafts in key metrics:

The 2017 draft stood out for its massive fan turnout and outdoor format, surpassing previous attendance records. While total picks remained consistent, the shift to Philadelphia introduced a new model for future drafts, emphasizing public accessibility and city-wide celebration.

Why It Matters

The 2017 NFL Draft had lasting implications for team building and league-wide talent distribution. Several first-round picks evolved into Pro Bowl players, and the draft’s success influenced how future drafts were structured and marketed.

• Myles Garrett developed into one of the league’s premier pass rushers, recording 74.5 sacks by the end of the 2023 season.
• Patrick Mahomes, selected 10th overall by Kansas City, won NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP within three years of being drafted.
• The draft’s outdoor format in Philadelphia inspired future host cities like Nashville and Las Vegas to adopt fan-centric, open-air models.
• Teams began placing greater emphasis on quarterback value, as seen in Trubisky’s high selection, influencing draft strategy league-wide.
• Over 40 players from the 2017 draft made at least one Pro Bowl appearance by 2023, indicating strong overall talent yield.
• The event boosted local economies, with Philadelphia reporting over $100 million in economic impact from tourism and related spending.

Ultimately, the 2017 NFL Draft reshaped expectations for how the event could blend sports, entertainment, and community engagement on a national scale.