The 2017 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked from 19th, 18th and 20th through the
draft. They traded their 4th and 6th round picks to the NY
Jets for an additional 3rd round selection. They traded up
in the 7th round with Miami in return for a 2018 7th round
selection.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - One truly oustanding selection in
Godwin that dominates the others which were a little disappointing overall. Evans and
Beckwith both had promising careers ended with serious injuries and OJ Howard never
panned out to anything like a first round selection.
OJ Howard
Justin Evans
Chris Godwin
Kendell Beckwith
Jeremy McNichols
1 - TE - OJ Howard - Alabama
Was been somewhat of a disappointment in his five Buccaneer seasons having been a 1st round pick in the 2017 draft. Was used primarily
as a blocker in 2021 having had his 2020 season curtailed through injury, Was a real deep threat at times in his first two seasons. Moved on
to Buffalo after the 2021 season.
2 - S - Justin Evans - Texas A&M
Was a starter for his first two seasons with the Bucs but then suffered a serious Achilles injury that ultimately ended his career after nearly
two years on the IR list. Had led the team in interceptions in his rookie season. Did not catch on with any other team after being released by
the Buccaneers. Was the Bucs' second selection in the 2017 draft having been a two-year starter at Texas A&M.
3 - WR - Chris Godwin - Penn State
Now the second-leading receiver in franchise history behind his partner-in-crime Mike Evans and recorded his third consecutive 1,000-yard
season in 2023. Made a successful return from his serious knee injury sustained in December 2021 and became the second Buc ever to
record over 100 receptions in a season. Had a real breakout season in 2019 leading the Bucs in receiving and earning his first Pro Bowl trip
along with second-team All-Pro status.
3 - LB - Kendell Beckwith - LSU
Had an excellent rookie season playing as the regular strongside linebacker in the 4-3 defense and also made four starts at middle
linebacker when Kwon Alexander was out injured. Was the Bucs' third selection in the 2017 draft taking a chance on his quick recovery from
a torn ACL injury sustained in November 2016. Suffered serious injuries in an off-season car accident in 2018 and in spite of two years'
rehab, was not able to return and was released, never playing in the NFL again
5 - RB - Jeremy McNichols - Boise State
Did not make the team out of training camp having struggled with pro concepts as seen during the Hard Knocks series. Was picked up by
the 49ers for their practice squad and was activated late in the season.
7 - DT - Stevie Tu'kolovatu - USC
Was injured during training camp and missed the entire 2017 season. Struggled with injuries at the outset of training camp the following year
and was released with an injury settlement before the first pre-season game.
Stevie Tu’kovlovatu
