Atlanta acquired quarterback Ron Vander Kelen from Minnesota…
Atlanta acquired quarterback Ron Vander Kelen from Minnesota during the 1968 draft for its 1968 seventh-round pick and a 1969 draft choice. Vander Kelen never appeared in a regular-season game for the Falcons and moved to Calgary in the CFL later that year.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Ron Vander Kelen
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1968 seventh-round pick (No. 167; Oscar Reed )
- pick 1969 fifth-round pick (No. 106; Jim Barnes)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Atlanta's 1968 media guide says Ron Vander Kelen was traded from Minnesota early that year for two draft choices. Contemporary UPI coverage during the draft identifies the price more precisely as Atlanta's 1968 seventh-round choice plus an undisclosed 1969 choice. Pro Football Archives dates Vander Kelen's trade to January 31, 1968. Minnesota's official draft history identifies No. 167 Oscar Reed as a 1968 seventh-round choice from Atlanta and No. 106 Jim Barnes as a 1969 fifth-round choice from Atlanta, completing the asset chain.
Atlanta's Return
Vander Kelen had been a useful Minnesota reserve and threw for 522 yards in 1967, but the Falcons never received a regular-season appearance from him. Pro Football Archives records the trade and subsequent 1968 Atlanta release before he joined Calgary in the CFL. The Falcons therefore spent two draft choices on a quarterback who did not play a regular-season snap for them.
Minnesota's Return
The Vikings used the 1968 seventh-rounder on Oscar Reed, who became a meaningful long-term contributor. Minnesota's official history credits Reed with 1,968 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns from 1968 through 1974. The second pick, No. 106 Jim Barnes in 1969, did not produce an NFL regular-season career, but Reed alone gave Minnesota substantial value from the package.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. Minnesota earns a B+ because one of the two acquired picks became a seven-season contributor with nearly 2,000 rushing yards. Atlanta earns a D because Vander Kelen never reached the Falcons' regular-season roster. Barnes failing to make an NFL impact keeps the Vikings return below the highest grade tier, but the realized gap is still clear.