The 2017 NFL Draft was a landmark event that saw the introduction of numerous talented players into the league. As with every draft class, some rookies made an immediate impact, while others took time to develop. In this article, we’ll delve into the top rookie performances from the 2017 draft, ranking them based on their impressive displays during their inaugural season.
First, let’s set the stage. The 2017 NFL Draft was held on April 27-29, 2017, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The draft saw several surprise picks, including the Chicago Bears’ decision to trade up to select Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick. Other notable selections included the Cleveland Browns choosing Myles Garrett first overall, the San Francisco 49ers picking Solomon Thomas third, and the Jacksonville Jaguars selecting Leonard Fournette fourth.
One of the most exciting aspects of the 2017 draft class was the plethora of talented skill players. Among them was Christian McCaffrey, the versatile running back from Stanford, who was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey’s impressive rookie season, which included 1,086 total yards from scrimmage, earns him a spot on our list.
In addition to McCaffrey, another rookie who made significant waves was Cooper Kupp, the wide receiver from Eastern Washington, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round. Kupp’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, as he caught 62 passes for 869 yards and 5 touchdowns, solidifying his position as a key component of the Rams’ high-powered offense.
To further analyze these performances, let’s consider the statistics:
| Player | Position | Team | Receptions/Yards/Touchdowns (if applicable) | Rushing Yards/Touchdowns (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | Panthers | 80/651/5 | 435⁄2 |
| Cooper Kupp | WR | Rams | 62/869/5 | - |
| Alvin Kamara | RB | Saints | 81/826/5 | 728⁄8 |
As we continue our countdown, we must acknowledge the impressive showing by Alvin Kamara, the dynamic running back from Tennessee, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round. Kamara’s electrifying rookie campaign, which featured over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns, showcased his incredible versatility and big-play ability, making him an instant fan favorite and a critical piece of the Saints’ high-octane offense.
- Exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to make plays in the open field.
- Versatility in both rushing and receiving capacities, making him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
- Intelligent and instinctive play, often recognizing and exploiting defensive weaknesses.
Another standout performer from the 2017 draft was Tre’Davious White, the cornerback from LSU, who was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 27th overall pick. White’s impressive rookie season, which included 4 interceptions and 18 passes defensed, showcased his exceptional ball-hawking skills and cemented his status as one of the top young cornerbacks in the league.
To better understand the nuances of these rookie performances, it’s essential to consider the broader context of the 2017 NFL season. The year saw several teams experience significant turnarounds, including the Philadelphia Eagles, who won the Super Bowl that year, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, who made a surprise run to the AFC Championship game. These storylines, along with the emergence of talented rookies, contributed to a captivating season that set the stage for the league’s future.
In our ranking of the best rookie performances from the 2017 draft, we considered various factors, including statistical production, impact on team success, and overall skill level. The following list reflects our top selections:
- Alvin Kamara - Running Back, New Orleans Saints
- Christian McCaffrey - Running Back, Carolina Panthers
- Cooper Kupp - Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
- Tre’Davious White - Cornerback, Buffalo Bills
- Deshaun Watson - Quarterback, Houston Texans
Each of these players brought unique strengths and talents to their respective teams, significantly contributing to their team’s success and laying the foundation for promising NFL careers.
As we reflect on the 2017 NFL Draft, it’s clear that this class has had a lasting impact on the league. The combination of talented skill players, dominant defensive forces, and exceptional quarterback play has shaped the NFL landscape in meaningful ways.
- Exceptional talent at key positions, including quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
- Immediate impact players, such as Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey, who contributed significantly to their teams' success.
- Some players, like Mitchell Trubisky, took longer to develop than expected.
- Injuries affected the rookie seasons of several players, including Deshaun Watson and Jonathan Allen.
The 2017 NFL Draft will be remembered for its exceptional depth and talent, particularly at the skill positions. As these players continue to evolve and grow, their impact on the league will only continue to expand, shaping the future of the NFL in exciting and unpredictable ways.
Who was the most impactful rookie from the 2017 draft?
+Alvin Kamara, the running back from Tennessee, had the most significant impact, with over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns.
Which team had the best 2017 draft class?
+The New Orleans Saints, with selections like Alvin Kamara, Ryan Ramczyk, and Marshon Lattimore, can be argued to have had the best 2017 draft class, given the immediate and long-term impact of these players.
What was the most surprising aspect of the 2017 NFL Draft?
+The Chicago Bears' decision to trade up to select Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick was one of the most surprising moments, given the availability of other highly touted quarterbacks and the significant trade capital expended.
In conclusion, the 2017 NFL Draft introduced a talented array of players who have since become integral components of their respective teams. Their performances not only xPosed their individual prowess but also significantly contributed to the competitive landscape of the NFL, setting the stage for a new generation of league talent.
