The NFL draft is a pivotal moment for franchises, where decisions can shape the future of teams for years to come. Some draft-day trades stand out as particularly impactful, changing the course of NFL history. Here are five of the best draft-day trades that have had lasting legacies.
1. Jerry Rice (1985 Draft)
In 1985, the San Francisco 49ers orchestrated what I would consider to be the most successful draft-day trade in NFL history. The 49ers traded their first-round pick (28th overall), their second-round pick (No. 56), and third-round pick (No. 84) to the New England Patriots to move up to the 16th spot—they also received a third-round selection (No. 75). With that No. 16 pick, they selected wide receiver Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State.
Rice went on to become the most accomplished wide receiver in NFL history, holding records for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. His career with the 49ers included three Super Bowl championships, 11 All-Pro selections, and numerous other accolades, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players ever. The trade for Rice was a masterstroke that provided San Francisco with a generational talent.
2. Patrick Mahomes (2017 Draft)
The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold move in the 2017 NFL Draft by trading up from the 27th overall pick to the 10th spot, held by the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Chiefs sent their first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a 2018 first-round pick to Buffalo. With the 10th pick, Kansas City selected quarterback Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech.
Mahomes quickly proved that the Chiefs made one of the best investments in NFL history. By his second season as a starter, he led Kansas City to a Super Bowl victory and earned the Super Bowl MVP. Mahomes’ arm strength, mobility, and football intelligence have redefined the quarterback position, and this trade has been instrumental in establishing the excellence of the Chiefs’ franchise.
3. Emmitt Smith (1990 Draft)
In the 1990 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys made a strategic move to secure one of the greatest running backs of all time. The Cowboys traded up from the 21st overall pick to the 17th pick, held by the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which Dallas only gave up their third-round pick. With the 17th pick, the Cowboys selected Emmitt Smith from the University of Florida.
Smith became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 rushing yards over his career. He played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s, leading the team to three Super Bowl championships. Smith’s talent made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense and one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
4. Derrick Brooks (1995 Draft)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a franchise-changing decision in the 1995 NFL Draft when they traded with the Dallas Cowboys to move up and select linebacker Derrick Brooks from Florida State with the 28th overall pick, giving up their second-round pick and two third-round picks to Dallas.
Brooks became the heart of the Buccaneers’ defense for more than a decade. His leadership and playmaking abilities were instrumental in Tampa Bay’s dominant defensive performances, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 2003. Brooks was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The trade for Brooks was a key factor in making the Buccaneers Super Bowl champions.
5. Chargers and Giants Swap Quarterbacks (2004 Draft)
One of the most memorable draft-day trades occurred in 2004 when the San Diego Chargers and New York Giants swapped quarterbacks. The Chargers selected Eli Manning with the first overall pick, but Manning had expressed his unwillingness to play for San Diego. The Giants, who had the fourth overall pick, selected Philip Rivers. Shortly after, the two teams executed a trade: Manning to the Giants for Rivers, along with New York’s third-round pick in 2004, and first and fifth-round picks in 2005.
Manning went on to lead the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, and his Super Bowl MVP awards cemented his legacy in New York. Philip Rivers had a solid, borderline Hall of Fame career with the Chargers and set numerous franchise records, though he never won a Super Bowl. The trade had significant impacts on both franchises, with Manning’s success making it one of the most talked-about draft-day trades in NFL history.
These trades highlight the impact that draft day decisions can have on the trajectory of NFL franchises. Each of these moves brought immense talent to their respective teams and altered the landscape of the league, showcasing the high stakes and excitement of the NFL draft.
