(Photo by The Spun.com)

So, four years ago, the NFL draft was held in Philadelphia. It was a draft that many believed could be a platform to set the NFL up with potential faces of the league and future megastars. We have some, but we also have a lot of questions and "what ifs" from this draft. I always come back to this class due to a video on YouTube. Secret Base, formally known as SB Nation, held a draft party while announcing the first-round picks. I have seen this video at least 15 times, for the fact that the staff at SB Na....Secret Base were entertaining to watch. Check out their channel. The Cleveland Browns held the first pick and there were whispers that they wanted a quarterback with the pick. However, they stuck to their guns and drafted the obvious choice. A lot of teams weren't so lucky.

One. CLEVELAND- MYLES GARRETT DE, TEXAS A&M

The Browns selected a man who was considered a generational talent at the position. His strength and quickness makes him a nightmare matchup for offensive tackles.

THE VERDICT: Despite an incident where he swung his helmet at Mason Rudolph, Garrett has been as good as advertised. He has recorded 42.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl two times. The Browns signed Garrett to a five year $125 million contract extension in 2020.

2. CHICAGO- MITCHELL TRUBISKY QB, NORTH CAROLINA

The Bears traded up one spot and gave up multiple picks to the 49ers to pick a raw prospect in Trubisky. Watching him in highlights at UNC and you can bask in the talent and potential.

THE VERDICT: Mitchell had mixed reviews and actually made a Pro Bowl in 2018, but the Bears realized that he wasn't their quarterback of the future. He is now the backup to Josh Allen in Buffalo.

3. SAN FRANCISCO- SOLOMON THOMAS DL, STANFORD

The 49ers traded down, snagged some picks and still selected the man they wanted in Thomas, a prospect that could develop into a solid disruptive lineman.

THE VERDICT: After four years of inconsistency and injuries, San Francisco declined his fifth year option and is now with the Las Vegas Raiders.

4. JACKSONVILLE- LEONARD FOURNETTE RB, LSU

Fournette was the next in a long line of great running backs to dominate the NFL. His strength and breakaway speed make him a dangerous man to tackle in the open field.

THE VERDICT: Fournette had an up-and-down career in Jacksonville where he was unceremoniously cut by the team in 2020. Tampa Bay picked him up, became "Playoff Lenny", and won a Super Bowl. He is back for the Buccaneers this season.

5. TENNESSEE- COREY DAVIS WR, WESTERN MICHIGAN

The Titans selected the all-time FBS leader in receiving yards to be a home run threat for quarterback Marcus Mariota.

THE VERDICT: Davis had two seasons where he produced as that home-run threat and two where he struck out a lot. The Jets made him a handsomely paid man during free agency.

6. NY JETS- JAMAL ADAMS S, LSU

The Jets snagged a defensive talent in Adams that could lead New York to the promised land for a long time.

THE VERDICT: Adams became fed up with the organization and he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. He is an all-caliber talent that will lead the Seahawks into the next decade.

So, 5 out of the first six picks are no longer with the organization they were drafted by. This isn't going well.

7. LA CHARGERS- MIKE WILLIAMS WR, CLEMSON

The Chargers really didn't need Williams at the time, but Keenan Allen isn't really dependable when it comes to health.

THE VERDICT: Despite his numbers not really jumping out at you, Williams has become a safety value for Justin Herbert and the Chargers decided to pick up his fifth year option.

8. CAROLINA- CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY RB, STANFORD

Carolina took McCaffrey in hopes to reenergize an offense that needed it.

THE VERDICT: McCaffrey has done that and then some, becoming the most explosive players in the NFL and a fantasy football point generator.

9. CINCINNATI- JOHN ROSS WR, WASHINGTON

The Bengals decided to take a burner at receiver in Ross, who set the record for a 4.22 second 40 yard dash time.

THE VERDICT: That sparkling dash time hasn't translated into a sparkling career as to date. He's with the Giants now.

10. KANSAS CITY- PATRICK MAHOMES QB, TEXAS TECH

The Chiefs did something they hadn't done since 1983 and draft a quarterback in the first round. They traded up from the bottom of the first round to select Mahomes, who has God-given ability throwing the football, but many had concerns about leadership and his will to win.

THE VERDICT: Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP in his second season, Super Bowl champion and SBLIV MVP in his third season, $503 million contract, a piece of ownership with the Kansas City Royals, ketchup spokesman, State Farm spokesman....you get the idea.

Eleven. NEW ORLEANS- MARSHON LATTIMORE CB, OHIO STATE

The Saints needed help on defense....badly. The secondary was one that resembled turnstiles. Lattimore was picked to fix this.

THE VERDICT: Lattimore won Defensive Rookie of the Year and has made three Pro Bowls. New Orleans found a 💎 that made their defense way better. Hopefully, the Saints can extend him.

12. HOUSTON- DESHAUN WATSON QB, CLEMSON

Houston traded up to select Watson, who was in my option at the time, the most ready quarterback for a NFL franchise.

THE VERDICT: Watson has excelled as the Texans' franchise quarterback going forward. Then, this off-season happened. He wanted a trade to get out of Houston and has numerous lawsuits (22 to be exact) for sexual misconduct. This isn't going to end well.

13. ARIZONA- HAASON REDDICK LB, TEMPLE

The Cards drafted an edge rusher to give them a shot in the arm in the pass rush department.....despite Chandler Jones.

THE VERDICT: Reddick had solid numbers during time in Arizona, especially last season when he had a breakout season, amassing 12.5 sacks. The Cardinals declined his fifth year option before the 2020 season and went with J.J. Watt instead. He signed with Carolina during free agency.

14. PHILADELPHIA- DEREK BARNETT DE, TENNESSEE

Barnett was drafted to bring more of a defensive presence on an already stout defense.

THE VERDICT: Barnett has been effective and was a Super Bowl champion in his rookie season. The Eagles picked up his fifth year option.

15. INDIANAPOLIS- MALIK HOOKER S, OHIO STATE

Indy took Hooker to man the defensive backfield.

THE VERDICT: He has had injury issues despite playing okay when healthy. Hopefully, he can recover from his Achilles injury so a team can sign him.

16. BALTIMORE- MARLON HUMPHREY CB, ALABAMA

The Ravens took Humphrey to be a shut down corner for years to come.

THE VERDICT: Humphrey has become that with a big extension and two Pro Bowls to his name.

17. WASHINGTON- JONATHAN ALLEN DL, ALABAMA

The Football Team took Allen after he fell from a projected top 3 selection due to shoulder issues.

THE VERDICT: Allen has quietly become one of the most productive defensive linemen in the NFL. The Football Team wisely exercised his fifth year option.

18. TENNESSEE- ADOREE' JACKSON CB, USC

The Titans went defense with their second pick in the first round, tabbing Jackson to lead their defensive backfield.

THE VERDICT: Despite having four seasons of solid play, the Titans surprisingly released Jackson in a move to retool their defense. The Giants signed him to a long term deal during free agency.

19. TAMPA BAY- O.J. HOWARD TE, ALABAMA

The Bucs added "A tight end that could revolutionize the position". Please stop using that phase. He was drafted to help Jameis Winston.

THE VERDICT: I don't care what Joe Buck says, Howard hasn't been as explosive as you think. He is trying to come back from an Achilles injury in 2021. He is a Super Bowl champion though.

20. DENVER- GARRET BOLLES T, UTAH

Denver used their first round pick on Bolles, a man who had a troubled upbringing involving drugs and alcohol. He redeemed himself to shine in college and become a first round prospect.

THE VERDICT: Bolles had trouble with penalties through his first three seasons which prompted the Broncos to decline his fifth year option. Then 2020 happened and Bolles became one of the best left tackles in the game, which prompted the Broncos to extend him for four years.

TWENTY ONE. DETROIT- JARRAD DAVIS LB, FLORIDA

The Lions tabbed Davis to man the inside linebacker position.

THE VERDICT: Davis's four seasons in Detroit were a mixed bag as they declined his fifth year option and he signed with the Jets in the off-season.

22. MIAMI- CHARLES HARRIS DE, MISSOURI

The Dolphins drafted Harris in an attempt to add depth on their defense.

THE VERDICT: Harris has been labeled a bust. The Dolphins traded him to the Falcons last season. He is now with Detroit.

23. NY GIANTS- EVAN ENGRAM TE, OLE MISS

The Giants added Engram to be another weapon to help an aging Eli Manning.

THE VERDICT: Engram became Eli Manning's and then Daniel Jones's safety value. He had a breakout season in 2020 and made the Pro Bowl for the first time.

24. OAKLAND- GAREON CONLEY CB, OHIO STATE

Of course, the Raiders drafted a player which character issues.

THE VERDICT: Conley was traded to the Texans in 2019 and hasn't panned out. He is currently a free agent.

25. CLEVELAND- JABRILL PEPPERS S, MICHIGAN

Cleveland used their second first round pick on a defensive/return savant in Peppers.

THE VERDICT: Peppers was included in the OBJ trade in 2019, and has became one of the Giants' most productive players. They wisely picked up his fifth year option.

26. ATLANTA- TAKKARIST MCKINLEY DE, UCLA

The Falcons took a defensive player to help a team still reeling from 28-3.

THE VERDICT: McKinley didn't pan out in Atlanta and played for four different teams in 2020. He is now with the Browns.

27. BUFFALO- TRE'DAVIOUS WHITE CB, LSU

Buffalo traded all the way down towards the end of the first round to snag a pretty solid corner for Sean McDermott's defense.

THE VERDICT: White has become one of the most dominant corners in the NFL, and a staple to the Bills' defense.

28. DALLAS- TACO CHARLTON DE, MICHIGAN

After successfully drafting players as Ezekiel Elliott and a late round gem in Dak Prescott in last year's draft, the Cowboys hoped to strike gold again in this year's draft by selecting Charlton.

THE VERDICT: It was fool's gold as Charlton faltered in Dallas and was cut during his third season. He is now with the Kansas City Chiefs.

29. CLEVELAND- DAVID NJOKU TE, MIAMI

The Browns went offense with their third pick in the first round by selecting the versatile tight end in Njoku.

THE VERDICT: Despite his numbers not popping out in envy for fantasy football fans or the fact that he wanted a trade last year, Njoku has become a focal point to the Browns offense. They have picked his fifth year option.

30. PITTSBURGH- TJ WATT DE, WISCONSIN

The Steelers decided to select JJ's little brother and hoped he could produce as JJ.

THE VERDICT: TJ has done that. He has amassed 49.5 sacks, three Pro Bowls, 2x First-team All-Pro and an AFC Defensive Player of the Year honor last season.

Thirty one. SAN FRANCISCO- REUBEN FOSTER LB, ALABAMA

The 49ers took a chance on a player who had top-10 pick talent, but a laundry list of character issues which made his fall predictable.

THE VERDICT: Foster's character issues followed him in the NFL and unfortunately, cut his career short. What a shame.

And last, but not least.....32. NEW ORLEANS- RYAN RAMCZYK T, WISCONSIN

With the final pick in the first round, the Saints drafted Ramczyk to help keep Drew Brees upright.

THE VERDICT: Ramczyk has become an anchor on the Saints' offensive line.

So, after reading this recap, you are probably thinking, how is this first round complicated? It seems on par as any first round we seen.

Look closer.

Garrett is having a successful start of his tenure in Cleveland and could have a Hall of Fame career, but the one thing that will haunt him is the incident with Mason Rudolph. How about Garrett's team, the Cleveland Browns? Despite having three first round picks in this draft, the team still became the second franchise in NFL history to go 0-16.

The Mitchell Trubisky dilemma has become a debate throughout these four years. Did Matt Nagy sabotage Trubisky's progress by constantly yanking him out of games quickly? There were times where you get this feeling that GM Ryan Pace had his Gob from Arrested Development moment, where he made a huge mistake. If the Bears could have sat him for two years, maybe Trubisky could be more consistent? Or has Trubisky just not been good?

Leonard Fournette was supposed to be the next great running back to succeed in the NFL. As Sackonville rose, so did Fournette. When Sackonvillle imploded, so did Fournette. It's a classic case of a player who just needed a change of scenery to get his career jump-started. He did in a way.

Even Deshaun Watson. He was having a tremendous rookie season, then tore his ACL during a practice which had yours truly upset. He was the answer to having a long-term quarterback for the Houston Texans. Then, the Texans became a clownshow in the front office and the now 22 lawsuits are hanging over his head where there are whispers that Watson has played his last down in Houston.

See, the 2017 NFL Draft could be a cautionary tale because the talent coming in from college would jump to the NFL without a hitch. However, some succeeded so far, some burned out quickly. The one player that is head and shoulders ahead of everyone is Mahomes. He has achieved many milestones in four seasons than most players dream about. And is making a lot of bread than players ever have. COMBINED. TJ Watt is on his way to becoming one of the most dominating pass rusher for the next decade. Marshon Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey and Tre'Davious White have become great corner for years to come.

The first round of the the 2017 NFL Draft was a mixed bag. But it's a mixed bag that I go to see how the NFL has evolved in four years.

It's complicated.

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