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Philadelphia to Host the 2017 NFL Draft at the Rocky Steps

By George Stockburger

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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After months of rumors, the location of the 2017 NFL Draft is now official

When the next generation of NFL players are drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, they will run up the the same Art Museum steps in “Rocky” to greet the commissioner.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the draft moving back to Philadelphia on April 27 in a press release Thursday morning.

"“Philadelphia is a passionate football town and will serve as a tremendous backdrop for the Draft and provide a great atmosphere for our fans and incoming players,” Goodell said. “Jeffrey Lurie has been a strong advocate and supporter of the draft on behalf of the City of Philadelphia throughout the entire selection process. We look forward to working with the Philadelphia Eagles, the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) to create a week-long celebration of football for our fans.”"

Philadelphia has hosted the NFL Draft 14 times, including the first ever 80 years ago. The city has not held the event since 1961. The Ben Franklin Parkway is known for hosting events such as concerts, the visit of Pope Francis, and various other festivals throughout the year.

Philadelphia does not currently have a first round pick, as they traded it to Cleveland in exchange for the second overall pick in 2016. The selected quarterback Carson Wentz with that second overall pick.

While historically the NFL Draft has been held in New York, the past two years have been in Chicago. The league has explored other cities, such as Dallas, Green Bay, and Los Angeles.

Once the Rams new stadium/convention center is finished, the Draft is expected to move to the West Coast.

Los Angeles and Philadelphia were the reported favorites earlier this year, but clearly the league wants to wait until the Rams facility is open.

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