Atlanta received the 1972 fifth-round selection used on Billy…
Atlanta received the 1972 fifth-round selection used on Billy Taylor. Taylor did not appear in an NFL regular-season game, so the Falcons realized little on-field value from the pick. The C grade reflects a valid draft return without meaningful production, leaving Atlanta close to Buffalo in a low-impact exchange that is best judged as Even Trade.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1972 fifth round pick (#109- Billy Taylor )
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Greg Lens
- player Randy Marshall
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1972-02-01, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills completed this exchange. Atlanta Falcons received 1972 fifth round pick (#109-Billy Taylor), while Buffalo Bills received Greg Lens; Randy Marshall. Historical team, player, and draft records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare what each side actually gained.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received the 1972 fifth-round selection used on Billy Taylor. Taylor did not appear in an NFL regular-season game, so the Falcons realized little on-field value from the pick. The C grade reflects a valid draft return without meaningful production, leaving Atlanta close to Buffalo in a low-impact exchange that is best judged as Even Trade.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo received Greg Lens and Randy Marshall, but neither player produced a meaningful lasting return for the Bills. The C grade reflects legitimate veteran compensation that failed to create a clear advantage. Because Atlanta's fifth-round choice also produced no regular-season NFL value, the practical outcomes remain balanced enough to support an Even Trade verdict.
Value in Hindsight
The trade produced little lasting value for either franchise. Atlanta's fifth-round pick became Billy Taylor, who never appeared in a regular-season NFL game, while Buffalo's two players did not create a meaningful long-term contribution. With neither side converting its return into durable production, an Even Trade verdict fits the outcome.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Atlanta Falcons earns a C, and Buffalo Bills earns a C. Those grades weigh the supported compensation, the quality and duration of the resulting contributions, and the practical football value each club ultimately realized from the exchange.