Chicago Bears Draft 2017: A Turning Point Marked by Bold Moves and Unmet Expectations

In the pivotal 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears made headlines not just for selecting quarterback Griffin Kard migrated from USC, but for a broader strategy that combined aggressive talent acquisition with sobering results. As the franchise sought to rebuild from years of underperformance, the Bears entered the draft with high hopes but left with unanswered questions about player development and roster construction. The class, featuring defensive standouts, diverse skill-position players, and a few unexpected pick-shaped talents, reflected the Bears’ vision—but ultimately fell short of transforming a waiver-wraction into championship-caliber depth.

The draft class underscored the Bears’ commitment to building a physical, disciplined defense anchored by a strong quarterback core. Of particular note was Griffin Kard, whose $4.1 million first-round contract represented a significant investment. Kard, a prototypical pocket passer with quick hands and a dogged work ethic, was seen as a linebacker-killer retooled into a quarterback—an unconventional trajectory that generated widespread curiosity.

His selection signaled the front office’s willingness to trust unproven draft picks, but also raised immediate concerns about immediate impact versus long-term development.

The Defensive Core: Kard and the Emerging Secondary

Griffin Kard’s draft classified a seismic shift in the Bears’ defensive philosophy. Takeovers of the end zone, improved pad efficiency, and a younger, more athletic backfield were all targeted through targeted skill-position drafting.

Kard’s impact was measured not just in NFL clout but in healing a defensive unit that had long struggled with consistency. Under his leadership, the Bears’ secondary gained a dynamic face-up threat, with Kard excelling in short-yardage situations and as a run-stopping asset. Beyond Kard, the draft featured other defensive contributors who showcased depth and promise: - Vontae Davis, chosen as the Bears’ second-round pick, brought speed and amino spill—valuable in short-coverage game plans.

- A veteran signing at better-than-average value: linebacker Allen judgment, a physical presence off the field, filled a critical niche in run support. - Cornerback Derrick Brooks Jr., a pre-draft prospect, added seasoned leadership to a shrinking secondary bend. “Kard’s arrival brought immediate identity,” noted defensive coordinator Rex리는 early after the draft.

“He’s not just a quarterback candidate—he’s a linebacker in disguise, reprogramming how we defend the runner.”

Balancing Talent with Needs: The Draft’s Strategic Trade-offs

The Bears’ draft strategy in 2017 reflected a deliberate balancing act between compensating for past roster deficits and projecting future growth. While Kard injected momentum into the pass protection front, key positions remained underfilled. The offensive line remained adjusted despite a sweep pick at 247, and the quarterback position—already seeded at Kard—seeemed deep only through differential prospects.

The running back slot attracted little fanfare, with a high-risk, high-reward pick in Church Hill’s defensive backfield promise receiving mixed evaluation from analysts. The team’s front office, led by Then director Jeff Saturday, emphasized “positional scarcity” as a core challenge. “We needed a shared quarterback talent *and* supporting roles—Kard was a coup, but the rest of the class needed more refinement,” Saturday explained in post-draft interviews.

The decision to prioritize one elite name over broader positional balance sparked debate, particularly among fans advocating for a heavier investment in the running game or defense of special teams. Draft records reveal the Bears’ allocations: - First Round: Griffin Kard ($4.1M) – Specialized in quarterback transition - Second Round: Vontae Davis ($23M) – High-ceiling cornerback - Third Round: Improved linebacking and secondary stock at reduced value - Fourth Rounds: Minimal high-flip prospects, favoring consistent skill players over unproven risers This allocation mirrored a calculated risk: betting that incremental, high-character players would coalesce into functional depth over time.

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Several standout selections and strategic choices defined the 2017 draft class beyond Kard.

The third-round pick of linebacker Trent McDuffie exemplified the Bears’ appetite for physical, immediate contributors. Drafted out of Wake Forest, McDuffie provided bulky blocking and elite tackling—qualities highly rated for run defense and playmaking Outside Linebacker (OLB) duties. His emergence as a starter within two seasons illustrated the value of under-the-radar talent nurtured through structured development.

In linebacker, the team selectodi ageing but resilient veteran D’Qwell Miller—a prospect from Texas A&M—brought speed and instinct, though his impact was tempered by career-altering nagging injuries that limited long-term ceiling. Meanwhile, offensive line range concluded with seven-round selection of defensive lineman D’Lon Brooks, a pass-rusher from Georgia, whose payload potential offered a hidden weapon downfield. United States-based prospects formed the drafting core: - Three corners: Democratized talent from Big Ten programs - One safety: Seasoned coverage threat, improved via proagility and film study - One inside linebacker: Rocky Martinez, drafted from BYU—brisk linebacker with early resilience - One running back: Pressure at 196th overall, offering draft capital but limited projected production The Bears’ strategy here emphasized “proven upside” over flash—choosing labeled role players who could integrate into the culture quickly