Report: 2017 NFL Draft to be held in Philadelphia

A U.S. Congressman said that the 2017 NFL Draft will be held in Philadelphia.

The NFL Draft moved to Chicago in 2015 after being in New York City from 1965 to 2014. After two years in Chicago, the draft may be moving elsewhere, according to a report from Philly.com.

Philadelphia last held the draft in 1961, at a time when the event was nowhere near the spectacle it is today. There were also 20 rounds in that 1961 draft. Imagine Mel Kiper and Todd McShay for 20 rounds.

The report on Philly.com explains that while Bob Brady claims the draft is coming to Philadelphia, the city has yet to confirm:

"Although the city did not confirm that a deal had been made, Brady (D., Phila.) said that Mayor Kenney called him Thursday to tell him that the city had agreed to host the draft and to commit $5 million to pull off the three-day event."

If Brady is correct, he may have spoiled a surprise the city wanted to reveal at some point in the near future. And based on the fact Brady said the mayor called him, it seems like the draft is indeed headed to Philadelphia in 2017.

This move may mean the draft is pegged to move around much more, allowing football fans all over the country to take in the event.

Cities like Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas could easily put in bids to host such an event if it is going the route of the Super Bowl and moving around often.

With the goal of expanding the reach of the game in mind, this is a smart idea. Having the draft in New York City every year was a tradition, but the last two years in Chicago proved the change of venue had little effect on the enjoyment of the event.

The city should make an announcement on Brady’s comments soon, but is looks like NFL fans can begin planning their trip to Philadelphia next spring.

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