This selection represents a specific moment in the National Football League’s annual player selection process held seven years ago. Positioned early in the second round, it offered a team the opportunity to acquire a player with high potential, often considered a value pick due to the talent still available at this stage of the draft.
The second round is often viewed as a sweet spot in the draft. Teams can find players who may have been overlooked in the first round or who possess specific skills that align with team needs. Historically, many successful NFL players have been drafted in the second round, proving the value and impact these selections can have on a franchise. The particular selection made in 2017 at this position carried the weight of expectation for the drafting team, hoping to contribute to their future success.
This article will delve deeper into the specific player chosen, the team that made the selection, and the subsequent impact on their trajectory within the league. Further analysis will explore the overall landscape of the 2017 draft and the notable players selected around this pick, providing context and perspective to the selection’s significance.
1. Round 2
The 34th pick inherently belongs to the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. This round holds a unique position, bridging the gap between the high-profile first-round selections and the later rounds where teams often focus on developmental prospects and filling specific roster needs. Understanding the dynamics of the second round is crucial to appreciating the significance of the 34th overall selection.
-
Value and Potential:
Round 2 often presents excellent value. Teams frequently find players who possess first-round talent but slipped due to positional depth, perceived minor flaws, or team-specific draft boards. This creates opportunities to acquire high-potential players who can become significant contributors. The 34th pick, being near the top of the second round, amplifies this potential for acquiring a starting-caliber player.
-
Strategic Drafting:
Teams often approach Round 2 with specific positional needs in mind. Having addressed immediate needs in the first round, teams can focus on bolstering other areas of their roster or selecting the “best player available” regardless of position. This strategic flexibility adds complexity to the 34th pick, as teams weigh immediate needs against long-term potential.
-
Historical Precedent:
Examining past second-round selections provides valuable context. Numerous Pro Bowl players and even Hall of Famers have been drafted in the second round, demonstrating the talent available at this stage. This historical precedent underscores the potential impact a successful 34th pick can have on a franchise.
-
Contractual Considerations:
Second-round picks typically command less lucrative contracts than first-round selections. This financial flexibility can be advantageous for teams, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of their roster. This fiscal aspect contributes to the overall value proposition of the 34th pick.
These facets of the second round directly influence the context and importance of the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft. By understanding the unique dynamics of this roundthe blend of value, strategy, historical precedent, and financial implicationsone can better appreciate the significance of this particular selection and its potential impact on the drafting team.
2. Early selection
The designation “early selection” applied to the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft stems from its position near the beginning of the second round. This positioning carries significant weight, influencing the perceived value and potential of the player chosen. Draft order dictates the availability of talent, and being early in the second round often provides teams access to players who might have been considered late first-round prospects. The perceived drop-off in talent between the late first round and early second round is often minimal, making the 34th selection a prime opportunity to acquire a high-impact player.
This concept is further reinforced by historical precedent. Numerous players selected early in the second round have developed into Pro Bowlers and All-Pro selections, demonstrating the caliber of talent typically available at this stage of the draft. For example, in the 2016 draft, Myles Jack, considered a potential top-10 pick, fell to the 36th selection due to injury concerns. While injuries impacted his career, his early selection in the second round underscored the potential value teams find at this point in the draft. The 34th pick in 2017, similarly, held the promise of uncovering a player with significant upside.
Understanding the implications of an early second-round selection provides context for evaluating the success of the pick. While not all early second-round selections pan out, the historical trend suggests a higher probability of finding a starting-caliber player compared to later rounds. This reinforces the importance teams place on maximizing the value of their early selections and highlights the pressure and expectation associated with the 34th pick in 2017. Analyzing the player’s performance relative to other early second-round selections offers a more accurate assessment of the team’s decision-making and the player’s development.
3. Team Needs
Analyzing the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft requires considering the drafting team’s specific needs. Roster deficiencies, positional depth, and overall team strategy significantly influence draft decisions. Understanding these needs provides crucial context for evaluating the selection’s effectiveness and potential impact on the team’s trajectory.
-
Addressing Roster Gaps:
Teams often use the draft to fill critical roster holes. If a team lacked a starting-caliber quarterback, edge rusher, or cornerback, the 34th pick might have represented an opportunity to acquire a player who could immediately contribute at a position of need. This strategic approach prioritizes filling immediate needs over selecting the “best player available” regardless of position. For example, if a team’s secondary struggled the previous season, selecting a highly-rated cornerback with the 34th pick would address a clear roster deficiency.
-
Building Positional Depth:
Even with established starters, teams prioritize building depth to mitigate the impact of injuries and ensure long-term competitiveness. The 34th pick could have been used to select a player who might not start immediately but offered valuable depth and potential to develop into a future starter. This approach emphasizes long-term roster construction and preparing for unforeseen circumstances, such as injuries or player departures. A team with an aging offensive line, for example, might draft a promising young tackle with the 34th pick to develop behind a veteran starter.
-
Strategic Fit within a Scheme:
Coaches and general managers consider how a player’s skillset aligns with their team’s specific schemes on both offense and defense. The 34th pick might have been used to select a player whose strengths complemented the team’s offensive or defensive philosophy. A team employing a zone-blocking scheme, for instance, might prioritize an offensive lineman with athleticism and agility over sheer size and strength. This strategic approach maximizes a player’s potential impact within a specific system.
-
Balancing Immediate Need vs. Long-Term Potential:
Drafting requires balancing the need for immediate contributions with the potential for long-term growth. The 34th pick presented a decision point: select a player who could contribute immediately, or choose a player with higher upside but a longer developmental timeline. This delicate balance requires careful evaluation of a player’s current abilities, projected development, and the team’s overall roster composition. A team rebuilding might prioritize long-term potential, while a team contending for a championship might favor a player who could contribute immediately.
Considering these team-specific needs provides essential context for evaluating the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft. By understanding the drafting team’s roster composition, strategic goals, and coaching philosophy, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the selection’s rationale and potential impact on the franchise. Evaluating the pick solely based on the player’s individual performance overlooks the broader context of team needs and strategic fit, which are critical components of a successful draft strategy.
4. Player Potential
Player potential represents a crucial factor in evaluating the 34th pick of the 2017 NFL draft. This selection, positioned early in the second round, often targets players exhibiting promising attributes but requiring further development. Scouting reports, combine performance, and college production converge to create a projection of a player’s potential trajectory in the NFL. Teams meticulously assess this potential, weighing it against immediate needs and the overall draft landscape. The 2017 draft provides illustrative examples. While Patrick Mahomes, selected 10th overall, showcased immediate starting potential, the 34th pick likely targeted a player with a different developmental timeline, perhaps requiring a year or two to acclimate to the professional level. This inherent uncertainty underscores the importance of projecting player potential accurately.
The concept of “potential” encompasses various factors. Physical attributes like size, speed, and strength provide a foundation. However, intangible qualities such as work ethic, leadership, and football intelligence also contribute significantly to a player’s projected development. The 34th pick necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of these tangible and intangible traits. Historical data provides further context. Players like Dak Prescott, a fourth-round selection in 2016, demonstrate how accurately assessing potential can yield substantial returns. Conversely, highly touted prospects can fail to reach their projected potential due to injuries, inconsistent performance, or scheme mismatches. These outcomes underscore the inherent risk associated with projecting future performance based on potential.
Evaluating the success of the 34th pick in 2017 requires a long-term perspective, considering the player’s development over several seasons. Did the selected player reach their projected potential? Did they contribute meaningfully to the team’s success? These questions necessitate analyzing performance metrics, playing time, and overall impact. While immediate contributions are desirable, the true measure of a successful draft pick often lies in the player’s long-term development and sustained performance. Understanding player potential and its inherent uncertainties provides a framework for evaluating the 34th pick and its contribution to the drafting team’s long-term success. This evaluation requires patience and a nuanced understanding of player development within the context of the NFL.
5. Historical Context
Evaluating the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft requires examining its historical context. This involves analyzing past performance of players selected at this position, understanding draft trends, and considering the broader landscape of the 2017 draft class. This historical perspective provides valuable insights into the potential and expectations associated with the 34th pick.
-
Past Performance at the 34th Pick:
Reviewing the historical performance of players selected 34th overall offers a benchmark for evaluating the 2017 selection. Examining career trajectories, statistical production, and overall impact of players drafted at this position in previous years provides a frame of reference. Did these players become long-term starters? Did they achieve Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition? This historical data helps establish realistic expectations and provides a basis for comparison. For example, if historically the 34th pick yielded a starting-caliber player in roughly 50% of drafts, this informs expectations for the 2017 selection.
-
Draft Trends and Positional Value:
Analyzing historical draft trends reveals patterns in positional value and team strategies. Certain positions, like quarterbacks and edge rushers, are often prioritized in the early rounds, while others, like running backs or interior offensive linemen, may be undervalued. Understanding these trends sheds light on the perceived value of the 34th pick. If the 2017 draft was considered deep at wide receiver, for example, selecting a receiver at 34 might have been viewed as excellent value. Conversely, reaching for a quarterback at 34 in a weak quarterback class could be considered a risky move.
-
The 2017 Draft Class:
The specific composition of the 2017 draft class provides crucial context. A strong draft class overall elevates the potential value of the 34th pick, as talent often trickles down into the second round. Conversely, a weaker class might diminish the perceived value. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the 2017 class helps contextualize the selection. The presence of highly-rated quarterbacks at the top of the draft, for instance, could influence the availability of other positions later in the first and second rounds, impacting the strategic value of the 34th pick.
-
Team Draft History:
The drafting team’s historical success in the draft also contributes to the context surrounding the 34th pick. Teams with a strong track record of identifying and developing talent in the second round might generate higher expectations for this selection. Conversely, teams known for poor draft decisions might face greater scrutiny. This team-specific historical context further shapes the narrative surrounding the 34th pick in 2017.
By considering these historical factors, a more comprehensive understanding of the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft emerges. This historical context provides a benchmark for evaluating the selection’s success, considering both the player’s individual performance and the broader draft landscape. It allows for a more nuanced analysis that moves beyond simply assessing the player’s statistics and considers the strategic decision-making within the context of the draft’s historical trends and the team’s specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the 34th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, providing clarity and further context surrounding this specific pick.
Question 1: What is the significance of the 34th pick in the NFL draft?
The 34th pick holds significance due to its placement early in the second round. This position often allows teams to select players with first-round talent who may have been overlooked or slipped due to various factors. It represents a balance between potential and immediate contribution.
Question 2: How does the 34th pick compare to later-round selections?
Historically, players selected 34th overall tend to have a higher probability of becoming NFL starters and impactful players compared to those chosen in later rounds. This stems from the perceived higher talent level available at this stage of the draft.
Question 3: What factors influence a team’s decision-making at the 34th pick?
Several factors influence the decision, including team needs, positional value, player potential, and overall draft strategy. Balancing immediate needs with long-term potential is a critical consideration for teams making this selection. The specific dynamics of the 2017 draft class also play a role.
Question 4: How can one assess the success of the 34th pick in the 2017 draft?
Assessing the success requires a multifaceted approach, considering the player’s performance relative to expectations, their contribution to the team, and their career trajectory. Comparing the player’s development to other players drafted in the same round and overall draft class provides additional context.
Question 5: Why is historical context important when analyzing draft picks?
Historical context provides valuable insights into the potential and expectations associated with specific draft positions. Analyzing past performance at the 34th pick and understanding draft trends offers a benchmark for evaluating the selection and its long-term impact.
Question 6: Where can one find more information about the 2017 NFL draft and its outcomes?
Reputable sports news websites, NFL team websites, and statistical databases offer comprehensive information regarding the 2017 draft, including player profiles, team selections, and subsequent career statistics.
Understanding the various factors surrounding the 34th pick, including team needs, player potential, and historical context, provides a more comprehensive understanding of its significance in the 2017 NFL draft. Further analysis of the specific player chosen and their subsequent career trajectory will complete the picture.
The next section delves into the specifics of the player selected 34th overall in the 2017 NFL draft, exploring their pre-draft evaluation, the drafting team’s rationale, and their subsequent impact on the league.
Tips for Evaluating Early Second-Round NFL Draft Picks
Evaluating the success of early second-round draft picks, such as the 34th overall selection in 2017, requires a nuanced approach that considers various factors beyond immediate performance. These tips provide a framework for assessing such selections effectively.
Tip 1: Consider Team Needs: Evaluate the drafting team’s roster composition and positional needs prior to the draft. A pick that initially appears questionable might address a specific deficiency or fit a long-term strategic plan.
Tip 2: Account for Player Potential: Recognize that early second-round picks often represent high-potential prospects requiring development. Patience is crucial, as these players may not contribute significantly in their first or second seasons.
Tip 3: Analyze Historical Precedent: Research the historical performance of players drafted at the same position and draft slot. This provides a benchmark for realistic expectations and potential career trajectories.
Tip 4: Evaluate Scheme Fit: Consider how a player’s skill set aligns with the drafting team’s offensive or defensive schemes. A player’s potential can be maximized or limited based on scheme fit.
Tip 5: Factor in Draft Class Depth: The overall strength of a draft class influences the value of individual picks. A deep class at a particular position may result in talented players being available later than expected.
Tip 6: Avoid Overemphasizing Combine Metrics: While athletic testing data is valuable, it should not overshadow game film analysis and on-field production. Combine numbers provide a snapshot of physical attributes but don’t fully represent a player’s football skills or instincts.
Tip 7: Monitor Player Development Over Time: Track a player’s progress over multiple seasons to gain a comprehensive understanding of their development. Early struggles do not necessarily indicate future failure, while early success does not guarantee sustained performance.
By applying these tips, one can develop a more informed perspective on the value and potential of early second-round draft picks, allowing for a more accurate assessment of a team’s draft decisions and a player’s development within the context of the NFL.
This analysis of draft evaluation techniques provides a foundation for the concluding section, which summarizes the key takeaways regarding the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft and its broader implications.
Conclusion
Analysis of the 34th pick in the 2017 NFL draft requires a comprehensive understanding of its context within the second round, the drafting team’s needs, and the player’s potential. Early second-round selections represent a balance between immediate contribution and long-term development. Historical precedent demonstrates the potential value of this draft position, while also highlighting the inherent uncertainties in projecting future performance. Evaluating the success of this pick necessitates considering team-specific factors, player development trajectories, and the overall landscape of the 2017 draft class. This multifaceted approach avoids simplistic evaluations based solely on immediate outcomes and acknowledges the complexities of player development within the NFL.
The 34th pick, like all draft selections, represents a calculated risk with the potential for significant reward. Further investigation into the specific player chosen, their career progression, and the drafting team’s subsequent success provides a deeper understanding of the pick’s ultimate impact. This long-term perspective offers valuable lessons for teams and analysts evaluating future drafts, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making, player evaluation, and the ongoing process of player development within the ever-evolving landscape of professional football. The true measure of a draft pick’s success lies not in immediate results but in the sustained contributions and long-term value they bring to a franchise.
Youtube Video:
