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2017 first-round NFL picks who had their options declined
Leonard Fournette was the fourth overall pick in 2017. Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire

2017 first-round NFL picks who had their options declined

Over the last week, NFL teams had the option to exercise five-year options for first-round picks drafted in 2017, locking them in for the 2021 season. These 14 first-rounders had their options declined.

 
1 of 14

Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bears

Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Bears
Jeff Hanisch / USA Today Sports Images

The enigmatic Trubisky had his fifth-year option declined, which wasn't a surprise after the Bears acquired Nick Foles this offseason. After a good sophomore season, Trubisky faltered last year and will battle Foles for the starting job in training camp. It's another disappointing chapter for Bears fans who saw the team trade up to No. 2 overall in 2017 to take Trubisky when Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were also available.

 
2 of 14

Solomon Thomas, DE, 49ers

Solomon Thomas, DE, 49ers
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images

San Francisco had one of the most dominant defensive lines in football last year, but Thomas didn't contribute much to it. The third pick in 2017 has been a bust in three seasons, with a total of six sacks.

 
3 of 14

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars
Brian Spurlock / USA Today Sports Images

Drafted fourth overall, four picks ahead of Panthers star back Christian McCaffrey, Fournette has had an inconsistent first three seasons after a great career at LSU. He was able to rebound from an injury-plagued 2018 season to rush for 1,152 yards  and 1,674 yards from scrimmage last year.

 
4 of 14

Corey Davis, WR, Titans

Corey Davis, WR, Titans
George Walker IV / USA Today Sports Images

Davis' career got off to a great start, particularly in Year 2 with 65 catches for 891 yards in 2018. However, the former fifth overall draft choice was upstaged by rookie A.J. Brown last year.

 
5 of 14

John Ross, WR, Bengals

John Ross, WR, Bengals
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

Ross set the 40-yard dash record at the 2017 NFL combine, but staying on the field has been a challenge for him in three seasons. He's played a total of 24 games, though the speedster did start to produce last year with 506 yards in eight games. The ninth pick in 2017, Ross could struggle to find playing time this year with A.J. Green's return and the drafting of second-round pick Tee Higgins.

 
6 of 14

Haason Reddick, LB, Cardinals

Haason Reddick, LB, Cardinals
Jeff Hanisch / USA Today Sports Images

Reddick seemed to fall out of favor in the new Cardinals defense during the second half of last season but still finished the year with 76 tackles in 16 games. Not surprisingly, Arizona opted to the 2017 13th overall pick's fifth-year option after seeing less playing time.

 
7 of 14

Malik Hooker, S, Colts

Malik Hooker, S, Colts
Matt Kryger / USA Today Sports Images

Hooker has struggled with injuries in three seasons with the Colts, playing a total of 34 games. The former 15th overall pick is hoping to get on track in what's now a walk year.

 
8 of 14

Garett Bolles, OT, Broncos

Garett Bolles, OT, Broncos
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports Images

Bolles has struggled at left tackle in three seasons since the Broncos drafted him 20th overall. Although he's never missed a start, Bolles' future with the franchise is now in doubt beyond 2020.

 
9 of 14

Jarrad Davis, LB, Lions

Jarrad Davis, LB, Lions
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Davis has gone through a transitioning Lions defense since Matt Patricia was hired and also has struggled with injuries. The former 21st overall draft choice played only 11 games in 2019, but he did have an impressive 2018 season with 100 tackles and six sacks.

 
10 of 14

Charles Harris, LB, Falcons (drafted by Dolphins)

Charles Harris, LB, Falcons (drafted by Dolphins)
Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports Images

The Falcons declined Harris' fifth-year option shortly after they acquired the former 22nd overall pick. He didn't make much of an impact with Miami over three seasons, recording a total of 3.5 sacks.

 
11 of 14

Gareon Conley, CB, Texans (Drafted by Raiders)

Gareon Conley, CB, Texans (Drafted by Raiders)
Thomas Shea / USA Today Sports Images

The Raiders gave up on Conley last season, trading the former 24th overall pick to Houston in October. The Texans subsequently declined his fifth-year option this offseason, but Conley could still play a big role in 2020.

 
12 of 14

Takkarist McKinley, DE, Falcons

Takkarist McKinley, DE, Falcons
Jason Getz / USA Today Sports Images

McKinley regressed in his third NFL season with only 3.5 sacks in 14 games after showing promise in his first two years. The Falcons are counting on the former former 26th overall pick this year after moving on from Vic Beasley.

 
13 of 14

Taco Charlton, DE, Chiefs (Drafted by Cowboys)

Taco Charlton, DE, Chiefs (Drafted by Cowboys)
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Charlton has been a relative bust since Dallas spent the 28th overall pick in 2017 on him. He was traded to Miami before last season, then released this offseason after appearing in only 10 games for the Dolphins in 2019. The Chiefs took a flier on him this year, hoping he can build on last season's five sacks.

 
14 of 14

Reuben Foster, LB, Redskins (drafted by 49ers)

Reuben Foster, LB, Redskins (drafted by 49ers)
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images

Foster has had an unfortunate eventful early career since he was taken 31st overall by the 49ers in 2017. He was suspended two games in 2018 for violating the league's personal conduct policy and released following a second arrest. Foster was claimed off waivers by Washington but missed all of 2019 due to a knee injury.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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