Philadelphia will host 2017 NFL draft

Philadelphia will host the 2017 NFL draft.

Philadelphia will host the 2017 NFL draft, the league announced on Thursday.

"Philadelphia is a passionate football town and will serve as a tremendous backdrop for the Draft and provide a great atmosphere for our fans and incoming players," commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Jeffrey Lurie has been a strong advocate and supporter of the draft on behalf of the City of Philadelphia throughout the entire selection process. We look forward to working with the Philadelphia Eagles, the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) to create a week-long celebration of football for our fans."

Philadelphia will take over hosting duties from Chicago, which hosted the annual event the last two years. The draft was held in New York City from 1965 to 2014 until the NFL decided to start switching locations. 

Philadelphia has previously hosted the draft 14 times, most recently in 1961.

The Eagles currently do not have a first-round pick in 2017.

Dallas is reportedly vying to host the draft in 2018. Green Bay may try to host in 2019, 2020 or 2021.