Facebook Pixel

Which 2017 NFL first-rounders should get paid next?

Patrick Mahomes has a new deal, now the focus shifts, and the question remains which 2017 NFL first-rounders should get paid next? Cole Thompson explores.

Likely to receive a second contract after 2021

New Orleans Saints OT Ryan Ramczyk

Both Mickey Loomis’ picks were home runs for the franchise thus far. As it stands, it’s hard to argue with the success of Ryan Ramczyk after being selected with the final pick of the first round. All the former Wisconsin tackle has done is transitioned to the right side and become one of the game’s top pass protectors. 

Last season, Ramczyk did not allow a single sack from the right side, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. The year prior, he received Second-Team honors after allowing six total sacks in his first two years. The right tackle position is no longer just the “other tackle” as the Saints’ offense has thrived as a top-unit since his arrival. Taysom Hill, Jameis Winston, or a rookie will need protection in the post-Drew Brees era, making Ramczyk’s services a necessity.

New York Jets SS Jamal Adams 

Part of this is due to the position. The other is due to money. Whether he’s with the Jets come the 2021 offseason or not, Jamal Adams will be given top dollar as the next highest-paid safety. Give credit where it’s due – since joining the league, the No.6 overall pick has finished with a league-high in sacks (12), second-most in forced fumbles (six), and top 10 in pass breakups (25) among defensive backs.

Adams has made it clear he would like a trade this coming offseason. Of the eight teams the former LSU star has listed, only two can offer the $20 million deal he so desires before the start of the 2020 season.

Related | Jamal Adams Trade Rumors: The latest from PFN Insider Tony Pauline

Jets GM Joe Douglas has made it clear that Adams is a priority, but they will have to free up some cap space in the coming year. Whether in the Big Apple, the Lone Star State, or elsewhere, the All-Pro safety should receive an All-Pro contract no later than the 2022 offseason.

Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey 

Sometimes a player excels with the right coordinator – an exact thought with Marlon Humphrey. Two years after putting up quality numbers as the Ravens’ rookie corner, the No.16 pick has transformed into an All-Pro defender. Perhaps one of the top press cornerbacks in the league, Humphrey finished last season with three interceptions, 14 pass deflections and two forced fumbles that both were returned for touchdowns.

Thanks to Humphrey’s larger frame, his ability to erase a receiver is uncanny. Also used in blitz packages, the Alabama alum helped generate pressure off the edge, thus leading to turnovers in the process for the Wink Martindale’s defense. Although far from a finished product, Humphrey should earn a lucrative deal from either the Ravens or someone else will have a potential elite corner for the next six years.

Too soon to tell

Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams 

Williams has been a quality No.2 option for Anthony Lynn’s squad to begin his career. The former No.7 pick tallied his first 1,000-yard season in 2019 but managed only to score two touchdowns. So long as Williams finds a middle ground as in scoring and yards, he should receive a new deal sooner than expected. 

New York Giants TE Evan Engram 

Engram excelled in his rookie year with 722 yards and six touchdowns. Since then, the flex tight end has averaged 44.5 catches per season with at least 467 yards and three scores. It all depends on how he fits in Joe Judge’s offense. 

Washington DL Jonathan Allen 

Washington is going through enough troubles, but at least the team struck gold with Jonathan Allen. Entering his fourth season, the Alabama product has tallied at least six sacks in two years while tallying 10 quarterback hits. However, time will tell if Allen will succeed in Ron Rivera’s new defensive front for the foreseeable future.

Tennessee Titans CB Adoree’ Jackson 

The Titans had two first-round picks, and neither are guaranteed to be on the roster past 2021. However, Adoree’ Jackson has a better chance of sticking around. The Titans’ corner had his best season in coverage despite what the numbers say, plus battled extensive injuries in the process. One more sound year should be enough for a new deal.

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku 

With the new additions in Cleveland, David Njoku wants out. The team has already exercised his fifth-year deal, giving whoever was going to trade for him the option to see if he can develop by 2021. One of the more athletic freaks of the position, Njoku has shown promise with eight career touchdowns and over 1,000-receiving yards.

New York Giants SS Jabrill Peppers

Peppers declined in his first year with New York but still excelled as the starting strong safety. With 70-plus tackles in the past two years, along with at least one interception, there’s certainly room for improvement. However, if Peppers develops next season, he should be worth an average extension.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard 

What to do with O.J. Howard? Trade him, keep him, give him an extension? Still unknown three years into his career, Howard never found a home in Bruce Arians’ offense and could be shipped out for the right price. In a new offense, expect the team to trade for him to sign him if he thrives.

Philadelphia Eagles DE Derek Barnett 

Barnett’s been an average player since he was drafted 14th overall. After missing most of 2018, the Tennessee product tallied career-highs in sacks (6.5), tackles (31) and forced fumbles (2). The salary cap will decide Barnett’s fate with the team following the 2021 season.

Indianapolis Colts S Malik Hooker 

Of all the first-round picks that didn’t see their option picked up, Malik Hooker’s certainly was the strangest. The biggest knock on Hooker is his health, who still has yet to play a full season. When on the field, the Ohio State standout has thrived in coverage, limiting targets in his direction while tallying seven career interceptions. If he can see action in all 16 games, a contract extension could be in his cards.

Cole Thompson is the lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson and @PFN365 for all up to date NFL content.

Related Articles