NFL Draft 2017: Ranking draft success by conference

By Jerran Anderson | May 1, 2017

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round pick defensive back Jabrill Peppers talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Deshaun Watson (Clemson) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 12 overall pick to the Houston Texans 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; Deshaun Watson (Clemson) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 12 overall pick to the Houston Texans in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. ACC

The Atlantic Coast Conference had 43 players taken in the NFL Draft, but just four of those picks were first-rounders. The Miami Hurricanes led all schools with 8 picks. The North Carolina Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers weren’t too far behind with six picks. While the Pittsburgh Panthers saw five former players drafted.

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The Chicago Bears took an early risk on former Tar Heel quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick. Deshaun Watson was the third quarterback off the board but second ACC player taken with the 12th overall pick to the Houston Texans.

Watson’s former teammate, wide receiver Mike Williams, was picked seventh by the Los Angeles Chargers. Former Hurricane tight end David Njoku was the fourth player from the ACC taken in the first round. He was the 29th pick to the Cleveland Browns.

Former Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook fell out of the first round due to some character issues. He should be a good fit, however, with the Minnesota Vikings, who took him with the 41st pick in the second round.