NFL Draft 2017: A Look at the Best Pick from Each Round
Sixth Round
Chase Roullier, IOL, Wyoming
Selected No. 199 Overall (Washington Commanders: via Minnesota Vikings)
There were a couple of players taken in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft that became valuable starters for their teams. An underrated selection made during this round was Washington’s selection of Chase Roullier. They actually traded up two picks in the round to take him.
Roullier started seven games during his rookie season in relief of Spencer Long. Following that season he was named the team’s starter at the position. He started 16 games during the 2018-19 season. Then the following season started all 14 games he played. This past year Roullier once again started all 16 games for Washington.
Following the 2020-21 season, Washington gave Roullier a four-year $40 million extension. That contract would make Roullier a top-10 paid player at his position. That extension was well deserved because Roullier was named the 10th best center in the league entering the year. He was listed ahead of household names like Ryan Jensen, David Andrews, Alex Mack, and Matt Paradis. Roullier earned a 76.4 grade from PFF that season which was a career-high to that point.
During the 2021-22 season, Roullier was limited to only eight games for Washington. He started all eight games for Washington as expected. Roullier earned a career-high 83.7 grade from PFF this past season.
Roullier may not be a household name yet. But he is an emerging star at the center position that has become a foundational piece of the Washington Commander’s offensive line that is in need of long-term starters.
Honorable Mentions: