Cleveland Browns 2017 Draft: A Look Back
What's up, football fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class. Man, oh man, what a pivotal year that was for the Browns. The 2017 NFL Draft was supposed to be a turning point, a chance to rebuild and inject some serious talent into a franchise that was, let's just say, struggling. The Browns held multiple high draft picks, and the pressure was on to get it right. Were they able to find their franchise cornerstones? Did they hit a home run with these selections? Let's break it down, guys, and see how this draft class stacks up in hindsight. We're talking about the players they picked, the expectations they carried, and ultimately, what their impact has been on the team and the league. It's a story filled with ups, downs, and a whole lot of 'what ifs'. So, grab your favorite team's jersey, settle in, and let's get ready to explore the Cleveland Browns' 2017 draft class – a draft that had the potential to change everything.
Round 1, Pick 1: Myles Garrett, DE
Alright, let's kick things off with the absolute headliner of the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class: Myles Garrett. With the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Browns snagged the undisputed top defensive talent, Myles Garrett, out of Texas A&M. This was a pick that generated massive excitement and hope. Garrett was a physical marvel, a game-wrecking defensive end with incredible athleticism, speed, and power. The expectations were sky-high, and rightfully so. He was supposed to be the foundational piece of the Browns' defense for years to come, a player who could consistently generate pressure, disrupt opposing offenses, and become a perennial Pro Bowler. And you know what? He has absolutely delivered on that promise, and then some! Garrett has evolved into one of the most dominant defensive players in the entire NFL. He's a force of nature off the edge, racking up sacks, tackles for loss, and forcing fumbles with regularity. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet; he commands double and triple teams, freeing up his teammates and disrupting offensive game plans. He's earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, solidifying his status as a true superstar. The Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class definitely got off to a phenomenal start with Garrett. He's become the heart and soul of their defense, a leader, and a player who embodies what it means to be a top-tier pass rusher. It's rare to see a No. 1 overall pick live up to the hype, but Myles Garrett has not only met those expectations but has consistently exceeded them, proving to be one of the best draft picks in recent NFL history. His presence has been a massive boost to the Browns, turning a defense that was once a weakness into a formidable unit.
Round 1, Pick 4: Jabrill Peppers, S
Moving on in that loaded first round of the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class, the Browns made another significant selection at pick number four, taking Jabrill Peppers from Michigan. Peppers was a unique prospect, a versatile athlete who could play multiple positions in the secondary and even contribute on offense and special teams. He was known for his physicality, his ability to hit hard, and his infectious energy on the field. The idea was that Peppers could be a chess piece for the defense, a dynamic playmaker who could make an impact all over the field. The hype surrounding him was considerable, with many envisioning him as a modern-day safety who could shut down opposing tight ends and receivers while also providing run support. He also had the potential to be a dangerous return man. However, his tenure with the Browns was a bit more tumultuous than his college career suggested. While he showed flashes of his talent and athleticism, he struggled to find a consistent role and his play was often inconsistent. He was eventually traded to the New York Giants as part of the package that brought Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. Looking back, it's fair to say that while Peppers is a talented player, his impact with the Browns didn't quite match the lofty expectations that come with a top-five pick. He was a significant part of the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class, but his contributions were not as foundational as hoped. It's a tough reality for any player, especially when drafted so high, but Peppers' journey highlights the challenges of translating collegiate success to the NFL, particularly for versatile but perhaps undefined roles. He's a good player, no doubt, but the Browns were hoping for more of a game-changer at that crucial draft spot.
Round 3, Pick 65: Larry Ogunjobi, DT
Shifting gears to the third round of the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class, the Browns selected Larry Ogunjobi, a defensive tackle out of Charlotte. This was a pick that generated less fanfare than the first-round selections but proved to be a solid addition to the team. Ogunjobi was an athletic defensive tackle with good size and a motor that didn't quit. The hope was that he could provide interior disruption and help solidify the defensive line. He wasn't necessarily seen as a superstar, but rather as a player who could contribute consistently and improve the team's run defense. And for the most part, he did just that during his time in Cleveland. Ogunjobi became a reliable starter on the defensive line, playing a significant number of snaps and contributing to the team's efforts. He wasn't a dominant pass rusher, but he was a strong run defender and showed good effort on every play. He played with a high intensity and earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His presence helped provide stability on a defensive front that was often in flux. The Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class needed players like Ogunjobi who could contribute reliably, even if they weren't flashy. He was a valuable pick in the third round, providing decent production and becoming a consistent part of the defensive rotation. While he eventually moved on from Cleveland, his contributions during his tenure were positive, and he proved to be a worthwhile selection for the Browns, demonstrating that solid, reliable players can be found outside the first round.
Round 5, Pick 150: Zane Gonzalez, K
Now, let's talk about a position that often goes overlooked until things go wrong: kicker. In the fifth round of the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class, the Browns took a chance on Zane Gonzalez. Kickers are always a bit of a gamble in the NFL Draft, as consistency can be elusive. The Browns were looking for a reliable leg to handle their kicking duties, hoping Gonzalez could provide that stability. He had a strong college career at Arizona State, showcasing impressive range and accuracy. The expectation was that he could come in and be a dependable scorer for the team. Unfortunately for Gonzalez and the Browns, his NFL career did not pan out as hoped. He struggled with consistency from the start, missing crucial kicks and experiencing a high number of blocked kicks. His tenure in Cleveland was short and largely disappointing. While the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class is often remembered for its higher-profile selections, the struggles of their drafted kicker are also a part of the story. It's a tough position to draft, and sometimes, even promising college kickers don't translate their success to the professional level. Gonzalez's time with the Browns serves as a reminder of the inherent unpredictability in drafting specialists and the challenges they face in the NFL. It wasn't the home run the Browns were hoping for at this selection, and it added another layer of complexity to evaluating this draft class.
Round 7, Pick 224: Matt Milano, LB
Finally, let's wrap up our look at the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class with a pick that, in hindsight, is quite interesting: Matt Milano. He was selected in the seventh round, pick number 224, out of Boston College. Seventh-round picks are typically long shots, guys who need to fight for a roster spot and prove they belong. The hope is usually for a developmental player or someone who can contribute on special teams. Milano was a solid college linebacker, known for his instincts and ability to make plays. However, it's important to note that the Browns traded Milano to the Buffalo Bills on September 4, 2017, before the regular season even began. This is a crucial piece of information because Matt Milano went on to have a very successful NFL career with the Bills! He has become a key component of their vaunted defense, earning Pro Bowl honors and establishing himself as one of the premier linebackers in the league. This is one of those 'what if' scenarios that Browns fans often point to. Imagine if they had kept him! The Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class is often scrutinized, and the decision to trade away a player who became a Pro Bowler is a significant talking point. It highlights the fine margins in the NFL and how sometimes, a team might pass on a player who later blossoms elsewhere. While not a pick that stayed with the Browns, Milano's success story is intrinsically linked to their 2017 draft, albeit for different reasons. It's a stark reminder that draft day decisions can have long-lasting ramifications, and sometimes, the most impactful player from a class isn't the one who stays with the team that drafted him.
Overall Assessment of the 2017 Browns Draft Class
So, how do we sum up the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class, guys? It's a class that's definitely a mixed bag, leaning towards a significant success thanks to one absolute superstar. Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall has been a home run, a truly elite player who has transformed the Browns' defense and lived up to every ounce of hype. He's the undisputed centerpiece of this draft. Beyond Garrett, the results are more mixed. Jabrill Peppers, a top-five pick, showed flashes but ultimately didn't pan out as a long-term cornerstone in Cleveland before being traded. Larry Ogunjobi was a solid, reliable contributor in the middle of the defensive line, a good value pick in the third round who provided steady play. The selection of Zane Gonzalez at kicker didn't pan out, which is always a tough break for any team trying to find consistency at that crucial position. And then there's the huge asterisk of Matt Milano. The Browns drafted him in the seventh round and then traded him away, only for him to become a Pro Bowl linebacker for the Buffalo Bills. That's a tough pill to swallow for any franchise. In essence, the Cleveland Browns 2017 draft class is a classic example of how one elite player can significantly elevate the perception of an entire draft, while the rest of the selections illustrate the inherent volatility and challenges of the NFL Draft. They found their foundational pass rusher in Garrett, which is the most important thing a team can do. However, the missed opportunities with other high picks and the departure of a future star like Milano mean this class will always be debated. It's a draft that shows the Browns got one piece of the puzzle absolutely right, but the overall picture is a bit more complex and filled with decisions that invite scrutiny.
