The first day of the 2017 NFL draft took spectators through a roller-coaster ride filled with loops and turns that left even the smartest mock-drafter in awe.The Chicago Bears initiated the quarterback frenzy, which put other teams eyeing a signal-caller on high alert. Rumors swirled about the Cleveland Browns' plan to trade up from No. 12 after acquiring edge-rusher Myles Garrett with the No. 1 overall pick, as relayed byCleveland Plain Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot.Bears general manager Ryan Pace's move up to No. 2 to select quarterback Mitchell Trubisky put the kibosh on any hope the Browns had of landing the North Carolina product. The trade effect rippled, which added urgency for teams looking to acquire the quarterback of their choice. Once the Kansas City Chiefs moved up for Patrick Mahomes at No. 10, the Houston Texans couldn't sit at No. 25 and expect to land their preferred signal-caller, Deshaun Watson.That's why it's hard to predict selection order in any draft. One trade can affect the strategy of several teams with similar ideas or the same prospect in mind.Outside of the quarterback hoopla, a couple of Alabama prospects took a tumble and two NFC teams picked up great value for the picks. What's the grade for each first-round selection'Notable First-Round SelectionsNo. 2 Chicago Bears: Mitchell TrubiskyOnce NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Trubisky as the Bears' pick at No. 2, most thought about quarterback Mike Glennon, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the team during the offseason, per Spotrac.As NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stated, the team already attached Glennon's throwing arm to a short leash:As a one-year starter at North Carolina, Trubisky will need time to develop behind the scenes before he takes a live snap under center in the regular season. Glennon could play out two full campaigns as a stopgap signal-caller while the understudy prepares for his opportunity.Still, the Bears have significant guaranteed cash tied to their quarterbacks, per ESPN's Darren Rovell:After the Jay Cutler experiment, the Bears need options. The franchise has lacked stability at quarterback in recent memory. Pace seems focused on righting the ship at the position whether it's Glennon or Trubisky for the future.No. 12 Houston Texans: Deshaun WatsonWatson landed in the best situation among the three quarterbacks selected in the first round. After signing off on a four-year, $72 million contract and one rocky season, the Houston Texans severed ties with quarterback Brock Osweiler.The Clemson product will compete with Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden for the starting spot under center.In two starts, Savage failed to throw a touchdown pass with wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller Jr. at his disposal. Weeden hasn't thrown a pass since the 2015 season. Watson's competition won't exactly push him to his outer limits.Nonetheless, the No. 12 overall pick will come into training camp with something to prove. Prior to the draft, Watson expressed that he would take it personally if Trubisky went before him as the top passer in the class."It's like a slap in the face, to be honest," Watson told ESPN's Josina Anderson (h/t Pro Football Talk).Well, Watson,consider yourself slapped across the cheek. In terms of collegiate accomplishments, the Clemson quarterback achieved far more than the two signal-callers picked before him, per ESPN Stats & Info:With college production and a CFP National Championship victory in the rearview mirror, Watson will attempt to further elevate his game as a pro on a team that needs him. He's set up to succeed with a dynamic running back in Lamar Miller and a top-10 wideout in Hopkins at his disposal.No. 31 San Francisco 49ers: Reuben FosterBased on the past couple of months, many saw linebacker Reuben Foster's draft-day slide coming a mile away. At one point, the San Francisco 49ers contemplated taking the Alabama prospect at No. 2 overall, per MMQB's Albert Breer:General manager John Lynch played his cards well on Thursday night. He acquired extra picks and moved down just one spot to select defensive end Solomon Thomas with the draft's third pick.Then, he somehow coaxed a divisional rival into helping his team move up to take Foster. Reporter Ed Werder scratched his head a bit after the exchange:According to Rapoport, the 49ers did their due diligence on Foster before making the decision:If not for trading up to No. 31, San Francisco would've likely drafted him at No. 34 overall. In total, the 49ers have a young, solid defense with a grizzled veteran in NaVorro Bowman in the middle. On Thursday, Lynch added two potentially immediate high-impact assets to the front seven.Remember those physical matchups between Jim Harbaugh's 49ers and Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks' We could see those hard-hitting contests again. However, San Francisco must address its offense on Day 2. Quarterback Brian Hoyer needs another perimeter weapon.Stats provided bySports ReferenceandPro Football Referenceunless otherwise noted.
Click here to read full news..
