Chicago Bears 2017 Draft Picks A Deep Dive: What the Cardinals Actually Selected in the First Round and Beyond

In 2017, the Chicago Bears entered the NFL Draft with high expectations, buoyed by their transformation from rebuilding team to playoff contender. Selected sparingly in the first round, the Bears’ draft strategy drew intense attention—particularly for their choices by position and team need. This deep dive unpacks the Bears’ 2017 draft picks with forensic precision, revealing not just who they drafted, but the reasoning, the risks, and the long-term implications for a franchise desperate for sustained success.

### Securing Defensive Linemen First: The Core of a Revived Bound (6 Selects) The Bears skewed toward defensive talent early, putting their faith in building at tackle and pass-rush positions. With 6 selections in 2017, they prioritized players who could reinforce a foundational unit. - **Davante Adams (7th overall):** The most high-profile pick, Adams was touted as a future stanchee and potential Pro Bowl linebacker.

A product of Alabama and a first-round steal from Cleveland, Adams brought explosive speed (4.53 40-yard time) and rare primary play. Despite early injury concerns, he emerged as a key contributor, averaging 6.8 tackles and 2.6 sacks over three seasons. - **Bryce Young (5th round, 145th overall):** Though evaluated as a later-round resource, Young’s raw athleticism and upside as a defensive end caught Bears’ attention.

Next-generation talent like him reflected their willingness to gamble on raw potential, even if delayed. - **Mike Gallagher (3rd round, 82nd overall):** A gritty, physical defensive tackle from Iowa, Gallagher was signed to address penalities at forward pass and run defense. Though his NFL impact was inconsistent, his presence filled a predictable void in short-term coverage.

> “We didn’t chase Union or Giles—those were player-driven decisions, not team-first,” drew Bears Defensive Coordinator Jerusalem Greensmark. “With Adams, we picked consistency over fickleness. That’s how we rebuild.” ### Tight Ends and Versatility: Balancing Rhythm and Depth Defensive lines were addressed, but the Bears also explored tight end and utility leverage in key positions.

Their selections signaled a shift toward versatile, multi-offensive contributors. - **Motextse Manu (7th round, 236th overall):** Though undeveloped, Manu’s speed and brief stints at Iowa hinted at latent upside. While not a mainstay, his draft wrap-up demonstrated an appreciation for outside depth.

- **Dante Brown (4th round, 126th overall):** A crafty tight end with strong ball skills and snap awareness, Brown filled the role left vacant by Shonncommunication. Drafted in part for his blocking ability and red-zone threat, he became a reliable teammate to Adams, forming a dynamic unit. > “We weren’t signaling fundamentals—we signaled reliability,” said player personnel executive Hassan Abduh.

“Brown and Gallagher represent the type of player who keeps the system tight, no matter the role.” ### Rushing Risings: Drafting Backfield Depth and Button Bears’ three straight backfield picks reflected urgency in stalling a narrow running attack, though none knocked on the door—yet. - ** Brandon Ayo (6th round, 208th overall):** A mix of top-tier technique and explosive power, Ayo arrived as a developmental threat after college at Georgia Southern. Though slower off the line, his route-running and burst on contact made him a hidden asset for Special Teams.

- **First-team potential in John Groff (7th round, 230th overall):** Initially underwhelming, Groff’s transition from I-AA to NFL revealed tenacity. His 4.68 3-yard time and growing confidence showed stepwise improvement, a payoff Bears rewarded with later-round development. > “We see hard work in grooves,” said defensive backs coach Chris McKenna.

“Ayo’s trust in RBs bodes well for the future—you never fully know a player’s true ceiling until the system reshapes him.” ### The Red Section: Offensive Gains and Long-Term Vision Beyond defense, the Bears showed intention through strategic positioning—minor but telling picks at weight room, tight ends, and backup roles. These choices underscored a mindset of building a balanced, resilient roster. - **2nd-round selection: Unknown name (current no initial ID)**: Held back for probing, this player represented safety or special teams—positions often used to fill quantitative gaps.

Requiring fit over prestige, the Bears favored practicality. - **Utility reserves and third-string reliability**: Several late-round or undrafted free agents were brought into training camp, indicating awareness of depth needs. Though unsigned in core spots, these additions revealed a front office attuned to cycles and unexpected opportunities.

> “We drafted with warriors in mind,” insight opened in Bears’ 2017 draft report. “It’s not about star power alone—it’s who shows up, works, and grows.” ### Evaluating Risk vs Reward: Why the 2017 Class Was a Garcon Call While the Bears’ 2017 draft yielded underwhelming long-term stars, it served a critical function: foundational reinforcement. Adams became a consistent contributor, Gallagher provided penalizing tackle, and Brown added rhythm in the backfield.

The class leaned toward utility and durability—values over flash. Notable misses—like University of Oregon’s Drake Maye, who went undrafted but later excelled elsewhere—highlighted the difficulty in projecting college talent. The Bears’ strategy mirrored broader NFL trends: draft cleansers who sustain, not just dazzle.

> “We valued consistency in a transition year,” Greensmark explained. “Adams started fast, played smart, and filled his role. That kind of contribution beats one flashy pick that fizzles.” ### Legacy of the 2017 Draft: A Building Block, Not a Broadway Moment By NFL standards, the Bears’ 2017 draft class was modest in headline bust, but indispensable to staggered rebuilding.

Adams’ cumulative effort—over 75 career TDs and 300 Tackles—cemented the class as a foundation, not a headline. Meanwhile, NFL scouts noted the careful economizing: selecting all three interior positions at non-top-10 steps, confident in building time and identity. The 2017 cohort proved that in modern roster construction, value often lies not in star projections, but in steady contributors who evolve.

For the Bears, that meant moving beyond draft day bells to shape a team handle built on grit, repetition, and purpose. In the end, the depth Toronto Maple Leafs Farmer’s shot rings with poignancy: not all picks hit, but those who do lay the silent scaffolding beneath future success. With Adams leading the charge, the 2017 draft remains a case study in crafting championship potential, one stubborn tackle and caught catch at a time.