Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft: A Deep Dive

Hey Browns fans, let's rewind to 2017, a pivotal year for our beloved Cleveland Browns. The 2017 NFL Draft was a massive event, and for the Browns, it represented a significant opportunity to reshape the franchise. With multiple high draft picks, the pressure was on to find foundational pieces that would lead to future success. This draft class was packed with talent, and the Browns had a chance to pick some real game-changers. We'll be taking a long, hard look at the decisions made, the players selected, and how this draft class ultimately impacted the team's trajectory. It's time to get into the nitty-gritty of the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft, guys, and see what went down.

The Browns' Early Picks: Setting the Stage

Alright, let's talk about where the Browns were at heading into the 2017 Draft. They were coming off a disappointing 2016 season, and it was clear a major overhaul was needed. The front office understood that the draft was the most crucial avenue for rebuilding. They held the No. 1 overall pick, a golden ticket that every team dreams of. This pick alone carried immense weight and expectations. Would they go with a quarterback? A dominant pass rusher? The suspense was palpable. Adding to their high picks, they also possessed the No. 12 overall pick, giving them two chances to land elite talent early. Having two top-15 selections is a rare luxury, and it amplified the importance of every decision. The goal was clear: find cornerstone players who could turn the franchise around. The pressure on the scouting department and the coaching staff to hit on these picks was immense. We're talking about franchise-altering selections here, guys. A miss could set the team back years, while a home run could provide the spark needed for a resurgence. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft was truly about redefining the future, and these early picks were the cornerstone of that strategy. The team needed playmakers on both sides of the ball, and with such high picks, the hope was that they could address multiple critical needs. The excitement and anticipation surrounding these selections were through the roof, as fans desperately yearned for hope and a clear path to competitiveness. The organization knew this was a make-or-break moment, and every analyst, fan, and insider was dissecting every potential move.

The Star Quarterback Gamble: Myles Garrett and Beyond

With the No. 1 overall pick in the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft, the team selected Myles Garrett, a phenomenal defensive end out of Texas A&M. This was a bold and impactful choice, addressing a major need for a dominant pass rusher. Garrett was considered by many to be the top prospect in the entire draft, a generational talent with the potential to wreck opposing offenses. His athleticism, size, and relentless motor made him an ideal fit to anchor the Browns' defensive line for years to come. This pick signaled a commitment to building a strong defense first, a philosophy that many successful franchises have employed. Garrett quickly proved his worth, showcasing flashes of brilliance and developing into one of the league's premier defensive players. His ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt plays was exactly what the Browns desperately needed. He became a true force on the defensive side of the ball, a player opponents had to game plan around. The selection of Garrett was widely seen as a home run, a foundational piece that could elevate the entire defense. He brought an intensity and a playmaking ability that had been missing. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft was instantly validated by such a high-caliber selection. Following up such a significant pick, the Browns still had the No. 12 overall selection. This gave them another fantastic opportunity to add a difference-maker. The anticipation built around who they would choose next, hoping to pair another top talent with Garrett. The strategy was clear: build through the trenches and add impact players. Garrett represented the start of that vision, and the subsequent picks aimed to complement his presence and address other key areas of the roster. The team was clearly investing in elite talent with these top selections, and the hope was that Garrett would be the first of many stars to emerge from this draft class.

Addressing the Quarterback Question: DeShone Kizer

Now, let's talk about the most scrutinized position in all of sports: quarterback. With the No. 52 overall pick in the second round of the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft, the team took a chance on DeShone Kizer, a quarterback from Notre Dame. This was a move that generated a lot of discussion and debate among fans and analysts. Kizer possessed the ideal physical tools – size, arm strength, and mobility – that scouts often covet in a franchise quarterback. He had shown flashes of potential during his college career, leading many to believe he could develop into a solid NFL signal-caller. However, his decision-making and consistency were questions that loomed large. The Browns were in a desperate search for a long-term answer at quarterback, a position that had been a revolving door for the franchise for years. Taking Kizer in the second round was a calculated risk, not as high-stakes as a top-10 pick, but still significant given the team's needs. The hope was that Kizer could sit, learn, and develop behind veteran leadership before being thrust into the starting role. Unfortunately for Kizer and the Browns, his NFL career didn't pan out as hoped. He struggled with consistency, turnovers, and adapting to the speed of the professional game. While he showed glimpses of his talent, he was ultimately unable to secure the starting job long-term or deliver the consistent success the team craved. This pick, in hindsight, became one of the more disappointing aspects of the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft. It highlighted the difficulty of finding a franchise quarterback and the risks associated with developing unproven talent. The Browns continued to search for their signal-caller of the future in subsequent drafts, but the Kizer pick served as a stark reminder of how challenging that quest truly is. The hope was high, but the reality proved to be a different story, underscoring the complexities of quarterback evaluation and development at the professional level.

The Rest of the Haul: Finding Value Later

Beyond the early rounds, the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft continued with the goal of finding valuable contributors. The team understood that building a successful roster requires contributions from all levels of the draft, not just the top picks. With the No. 65 overall pick in the third round, they selected Larry Ogunjobi, a defensive tackle from Charlotte. Ogunjobi was a solid pick who provided depth and an eventual starting role on the defensive line. He was a hardworking player who steadily developed his game and became a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. His selection represented a good value in the third round, adding a player who could contribute immediately and grow with the team. In the fourth round, the Browns added Howard Wilson, a cornerback from Cincinnati. While Wilson's NFL career was unfortunately cut short due to injury, he showed promise before his setback. This pick, like many in later rounds, is often a gamble on potential. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft aimed to find hidden gems and players who could outperform their draft position. The fifth round saw the Browns pick Adam Shaheen, a tight end from Ashland. Shaheen was an intriguing prospect with good size and athleticism, but he ultimately didn't make a significant impact with the Browns. Later rounds saw picks like Jabrill Peppers (via trade, not a direct pick in this draft but associated with the draft capital used) and other selections aimed at adding depth and competition. It's crucial to remember that not every pick in a draft class will be a star, but the goal is to find players who can fill roles, contribute on special teams, and develop into valuable starters. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft was a comprehensive effort to address various needs and add talent across the board. While the early picks garnered the most attention, these later-round selections are just as vital for building a complete team. Some players may exceed expectations, while others may not pan out, but the process of evaluating and selecting is what drives team building in the NFL. The Browns were certainly swinging for the fences with their top picks, but they also made efforts to find value and depth throughout the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft.

The Legacy of the 2017 Draft Class

So, what's the lasting legacy of the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft? It's a complex picture, guys. On one hand, you have Myles Garrett, an absolute superstar and a franchise cornerstone. His selection at No. 1 overall has been a resounding success, and he's delivered on the immense expectations placed upon him. He's become a dominant force in the NFL, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate year after year, and a player who embodies the toughness and grit the Browns aim for. His impact cannot be overstated, and he's undeniably the biggest success story from this draft class. However, the story isn't all sunshine and roses. The quarterback situation remained a persistent issue. DeShone Kizer, the high-profile second-round pick, did not pan out as hoped. His tenure with the Browns was short and largely unsuccessful, highlighting the ongoing struggle to find a reliable franchise quarterback. This pick, unfortunately, became a symbol of the team's continued search for stability under center. Other picks in the Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft yielded mixed results. Larry Ogunjobi provided solid contributions on the defensive line, proving to be a valuable mid-round selection. However, the overall impact of the draft class, outside of Garrett, was not as transformative as the Browns had hoped. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft is often remembered for the stark contrast between the immense success of Myles Garrett and the struggles at other key positions, particularly quarterback. It serves as a case study in the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft and the challenges of rebuilding a team. While Garrett provides a shining beacon of success, the class as a whole represents a mixed bag of outcomes. It underscored the need for consistent evaluation, development, and sometimes, a bit of luck. The Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft was a pivotal moment, shaping the team's identity and direction for years to come, with its most significant impact being the acquisition of a truly generational talent in Myles Garrett. The draft's legacy is therefore dominated by that one incredible pick, while the rest of the class serves as a reminder of the inherent difficulties in building a complete and competitive NFL roster through the draft alone. It's a draft that fans will always remember for both its triumphs and its shortcomings.