The 2017 NFL Draft concluded later Saturday afternoon with five (5) Sun Belt players taking their talents to the Big Show, the most since 2012, when the conference graduated six.
Who Got Drafted?
Gerald Everett, South Alabama TE, 2nd Round (#44), LA Rams
Antonio Garcia, Troy OT, 3 Round (#85), New England Patriots
Ukeme Eligwe, Georgia Southern LB, 5th Round (#185), Kansas City Chiefs
Elijah McGuire, Louisiana RB, 6th Round (#190), New York Jets
Robert Davis, Georgia State WR, 6th Round (#212), Washington Redskins
The Takeaways
Everett beat out Garcia for #1. Many believed the big OT from Troy would be the NFL’s first Sun Belt pick, but it was the big playmaker from South Alabama who got the nod
Welcome to the Show, Mr. Eligwe. The Eagles’ hard hitting linebacker wasn’t even on our Draft Radar (“Bad Draft Radar!”). Eligwe joins former teammate Antwione Williams in the pros.
Mountaineers and Red Wolves shut out. Arkansas State and Appalachian State tied for the conference title, but neither program advanced a player in the draft.
Vandal vandalized! How do you pass on the draft’s top rated punter? Idaho’s Austin Rehkow will enter the draft via UDFA contract.
Verdict
The Sun Belt did improve its number over the last two seasons, where it only promoted 3 players both years. Still the potential was there to see as many as six or seven drafted. Let’s hope that the Sun Belt is trending upwards.
forgotten5.com 