Atlanta Falcons received 1969 fourth round pick (#103-Dickie…
Atlanta Falcons received 1969 fourth round pick (#103-Dickie Lyons) and 1969 fifth round pick (#127-Tony Pleviak). Atlanta turned veteran lineman Dan Grimm into two 1969 draft choices, giving the Falcons multiple chances to add roster value. The picks became the No. 103 and No. 127 selections. Neither choice became a major star, but the two-asset return was more useful than the limited long-term value Indianapolis obtained from Grimm after the deal. That stronger outcome supports a B+ grade for Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1969 fourth round pick (#103-Dickie Lyons)
- pick 1969 fifth round pick (#127-Tony Pleviak)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Dan Grimm
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1969-01-28, Atlanta Falcons received 1969 fourth round pick (#103-Dickie Lyons) and 1969 fifth round pick (#127-Tony Pleviak), while Indianapolis Colts received Dan Grimm. Historical team, transaction, draft, and player records support the package. The comparison credits each club for direct production and draft value it actually controlled after the exchange.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta Falcons received 1969 fourth round pick (#103-Dickie Lyons) and 1969 fifth round pick (#127-Tony Pleviak). Atlanta turned veteran lineman Dan Grimm into two 1969 draft choices, giving the Falcons multiple chances to add roster value. The picks became the No. 103 and No. 127 selections. Neither choice became a major star, but the two-asset return was more useful than the limited long-term value Indianapolis obtained from Grimm after the deal. That outcome supports a B+ grade. Later draft movement is treated as asset history, not as automatic credit for a player selected by another franchise.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Indianapolis Colts received Dan Grimm. Indianapolis received Dan Grimm, an experienced lineman who already had established NFL service. That gave the Colts a known veteran rather than future draft uncertainty, but his post-trade impact did not outweigh Atlanta's two-choice return. The Colts received legitimate immediate value, just not enough to match the broader package controlled by Atlanta. That outcome supports a C+ grade. The same standard applies to direct playing time, retained draft capital, and any clearly documented later transfer of the acquired asset.
Value in Hindsight
The 1969 draft records traces Atlanta's acquired fourth- and fifth-round choices to Nos. 103 and 127, while the Colts received veteran lineman Dan Grimm. The strongest hindsight evidence is the NFL contribution and asset control created by the exchange itself. That keeps the comparison proportional and avoids assigning another club's later player production to the original holder of a moved pick.
Final Verdict
The final call is Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta Falcons earns B+, and Indianapolis Colts earns C+. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side realized without overstating the importance of a terminal draft selection.