San Francisco received Green Bay's 1971 second-round…
San Francisco received Green Bay's 1971 second-round selection and used No. 37 overall on Washington guard Ernie Janet. Janet did not provide regular-season value to the 49ers before being traded to the Bears in 1972. Green Bay, meanwhile, got a full 14-game season from Kevin Hardy in 1970. The Packers therefore realized more immediate value despite surrendering the higher-upside draft asset.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Kevin Hardy
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1971 2nd round pick (37th overall, Ernie Janet)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Just before the 1970 regular season, Green Bay acquired defensive lineman Kevin Hardy from San Francisco for a 1971 second-round draft choice. The 49ers later used that selection at No. 37 overall on Washington guard Ernie Janet. The deal matched the Packers' immediate roster need against San Francisco's preference for future draft capital.
Hardy's Green Bay Season
Hardy gave the Packers a full season of availability. NFL records show him appearing in all 14 games for Green Bay in 1970 and making one start. He did not become a long-term Packers fixture, moving on to San Diego the following year, but Green Bay at least received a complete season of depth and defensive-line service from the player it acquired.
What San Francisco Got
A second-round pick carried meaningful value, and the 49ers used it on Janet. The outcome, however, did not match the investment. Janet's career record shows no regular-season games for San Francisco. He was traded to the Chicago Bears in September 1972 and began his NFL game career there. Whatever developmental value the 49ers saw never became regular-season production for them.
Comparing Realized Value
San Francisco received the more valuable type of asset on paper, but draft capital is ultimately judged by what it creates for the acquiring club. The No. 37 pick produced no 49ers game appearances. Green Bay received one full season and 14 games from Hardy, a modest but tangible return.
Final Verdict
Green Bay Packers Win. The Packers earn a C-plus for obtaining a full season of useful roster depth from Hardy. San Francisco earns a D because a second-round selection failed to yield a regular-season contributor for the 49ers. The margin is based on realized team value, not the original prestige of the draft pick.
Hardy's full Packers season exceeded Janet's nonexistent 49ers production.