Peter King's Top 10 of
1997
Posted: Wed April 15, 1998
Sports Illustrated's NFL writer selects the best players to come out of the 1997 draft,
based on last season's
performance (with original round and selection number).
1. QB Jake Plummer, Arizona (2,
42)
A year ago, the Cards thought they got their quarterback of
the future in the middle of the second round. Today, the
Cards know they have their quarterback of the future in
Jake
Plummer.
2. DE Jason Taylor, Miami (3, 73)
In five years, he'll be thought of as the premier
pass-rusher of this
draft.
3. SS Sam Garnes, Giants (5,
136)
Chased off some mediocre veterans and was the Giants'
second-best defensive back in
1997.
4. RB/KR Leon Johnson, Jets (4,
104)
Two returns for touchdowns last year, and heading into a
third-down back role this year. Terrific, instinctive
player.
5. LB Derek Smith, Washington (3, 80)
Started and flourished as a rookie on a team that
desperately needed front-seven
help.
6. LB Derrick Rodgers, Miami (3,
92)
Third-rounder got a bunch of rookie-of-the-year votes.
'Nuff
said.
7. DT Seth Payne, Jacksonville (4, 114)
Jags might owe him a win—he played great in emergency role
in home victory vs. Houston. Gutty player who tries
hard.
8. RB Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay (1, 12)
He changed the way teams play the
Bucs.
9. RB Antowain Smith, Buffalo (1,
23)
Classic big back will be NFL staple for years. He'll win a
rushing title some
day.
10. OT Walter Jones, Seattle (1, 6)
Any team any year would use the sixth pick in the draft on
a franchise left tackle, and that's what Jones is on his
way to
becoming.
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