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2017 NFL Draft: The biggest steal in each round

By Sayre Bedinger

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jonathan Allen (Alabama) is selected as the number 17 overall pick to the Washington Redskins in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jonathan Allen (Alabama) is selected as the number 17 overall pick to the Washington Redskins in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) catches a pass for a first down in front of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Manny Rugamba (5) at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Michigan 14 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) catches a pass for a first down in front of Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Manny Rugamba (5) at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat Michigan 14 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

5. player. 45. . Tight End. Michigan. Jake Butt

It wouldn’t have mattered what round Jake Butt was taken in after the second round, because at that point, he probably would have made the ‘biggest steals’ list. For the Denver Broncos in the fifth round?

This might be the best value in the entire draft.

Butt was a big time playmaker for Michigan and a reliable target in the passing game. There’s something left to be desired in his run blocking skills, but he’s a willing and capable blocker and a pretty complete overall player.

There were many who considered Butt to be the best tight end in the country, even over O.J. Howard for a time, and his value dropped significantly after a torn ACL in Michigan’s bowl game against Florida State.

It was Butt’s second ACL tear, so teams obviously needed to make sure he’d be cleared medically, but even if he has to redshirt a year, this is a guy who is going to make an instant impact when he is able to get onto the field.

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