2017 NFL Season: 5 Players Facing Make-Or-Break Years

Dec 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) looks up after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Even as the offseason continues, many players are already looking towards the 2017 NFL season as one that could decide the fate of their career.

Not necessarily in terms of future contract status, but whether their team and others believe they can cut the mustard at the pro level. It’s generally believed that by the third or fourth seasons of a career it’s clear whether a player will be really good or a bust. For several former 1st round picks, the time is at hand for one reason or another. Here are five names that know the clock is ticking. If they don’t put it together this year, they probably never will.

Kevin White (WR, Chicago Bears)

Probably the player on this list who’s had the absolute worst luck. Kevin White was viewed by many as the most talented receiver in the 2015 draft class. A rare mix of size, speed and athleticism. Unfortunately his career has been derailed by two-straight broken leg injuries. Some fear whether or not he’ll ever live up to his potential. He was playing well prior to his most recent setback. With Alshon Jeffery gone now, Chicago is hoping he finally breaks out.

Blake Bortles (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

The lukewarm vote of confidence from Tom Coughlin was a loud and clear message. Blake Bortles is on notice. The honeymoon is long over. He can’t hang his hat on being a high draft choice anymore. After another erratic season that featured a huge regression in productivity from the year before, this 2017 campaign will likely decided whether Coughlin goes in a different direction. It won’t be numbers that do it either. He needs to start winning football games.

Ereck Flowers (OT, New York Giants)

Eli Manning has always been a quarterback tied to his protection. He’s not one who can survive pressure and work his way around it. When he’s protected he’s very good. When he isn’t? Not so much. That is a big reason the team drafted Ereck Flowers. They had hoped he’d become their left tackle of the future. Thus far it’s been a rocky road. His blocking is inconsistent to a point where many are wondering if he should move to the other side or even inside to guard.

Arik Armstead (DE, San Francisco 49ers)

He came in with so much fanfare in 2015. The heir apparent to Justin Smith. After a strong rookie year playing limited snaps though, Arik Armstead false started in 2016, producing 2.5 sacks before bowing out with injury after eight games. To make matters worse it looks like the 49ers are going to switch from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3. So it might be awkward for him finding a fit in the new system. It’s often difficult for high draft choices to recover from these many setbacks.

Darqueze Dennard (CB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Being stuck on a loaded depth chart can be frustrating for a 1st round pick. Darqueze Dennard has known that feeling well behind Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick. Through three seasons he has started just four games for the Bengals. Worse still he only has one interception in his career. No doubt the team is getting impatient for him to start producing results. Especially with another 1st round pick, William Jackson, expected to return healthy this year.

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