What can TCU fans expect from the 2017 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Philadelphia, and while there aren’t any Frogs expected to go in the first round, it’s likely that at least two TCU players will be drafted before the weekend ends. So, kick back, relax, and see where the newest Frogs in the NFL will wind up.

Josh Carraway and Aviante Collins are the two Horned Frogs likely to be drafted at some point this weekend, while several more, including Deante Gray, James McFarland, Ja’Juan Story, Aaron Curry, Kenny Iloka, and Derrick Green all wait to see if they have their name called, or how quickly their phone rings once round 7 ends.

Sure, this year isn’t like recent years past, where TCU saw guys like Jason Verrett, Jerry Hughes, and Josh Doctson taken in the first round, but a handful of Horned Frogs have gone later in drafts and still found success at the next level.

For example, Marcus Cannon and Marshall Newhouse were both taken in the fifth round, and both started on Super Bowl winning teams. Jeremy Kerley and Tank Carder were both taken in the fifth round as well. Last year, TCU lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai was taken by the Eagles in the fifth round, and he wound up starting a handful of games for Philadelphia.

And let’s not forget that Derrick Kindred was taken in the fourth round just a season ago, and he wound up starting five games for the Browns, and recording 46 tackles on the season.

Joey Hunt and Kolby Listenbee were both sixth round draft picks last season, and while an injury kept Listenbee off the field, Hunt saw time in nine games for the Seahawks, and even started one.

Carraway posted decent numbers at the NFL Combine last month, posting a 4.79-40 time, and a second best (out of the DL group) 11.71 60-yard shuttle time, but Aviante Collins absolutely boosted his draft stock with his performance.

Collins recorded the second most reps on the bench, with 34, one behind the leader, and he flew down the field in the 40, posting a 4.81. For some perspective, Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes ran a 4.80.

I’ve seen mock drafts that have both Carraway and Collins going anywhere from the fourth to seventh rounds, so we’ll really just have to wait and see.

One thing I know, though, is that they’ve both earned the right to get to this point, and I’m pulling for them to continue to find success.

How to watch round 1 of the 2017 NFL draft

When: Thursday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Philadelphia City Hall

TV: ESPN, NFL Network

Commentators: ESPN — Trey Wingo, Mel Kiper Jr., Jon Gruden, Louis Riddick | NFLN — Rich Eisen, Mike Mayock, Daniel Jeremiah, David Shaw

Online: NFL.com/NFL Now, Watch ESPN