Baltimore sent defensive back and returner Ron Gardin to New…
Baltimore sent defensive back and returner Ron Gardin to New England for the fifth-round choice that became No. 115 in the 1972 draft, where the Colts selected Don Croft. Gardin supplied the Patriots with immediate 1971 playing time, while Croft never produced regular-season value for Baltimore. That modest but real contribution gives New England the better side of a small trade.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1972 fifth round pick (#115-Don Croft)
New England Patriots Received
- player Ron Gardin
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Baltimore traded defensive back and return specialist Ron Gardin to New England on September 27, 1971, receiving a 1972 fifth-round choice in return. Colts draft history identifies that selection as No. 115, used on defensive tackle Don Croft of Texas-El Paso. The transaction therefore offers a fairly clean comparison between a player who could help immediately and a future middle-round selection.
What Baltimore Got
The Colts converted the pick into Croft, but the selection did not become useful regular-season production for Baltimore. Croft's professional career continued elsewhere, including time with Buffalo, so the pick was not meaningless from a talent-identification standpoint. For this trade, however, the important question is what Baltimore actually received from the asset it acquired. The answer is very little on-field return for the Colts.
What New England Got
Gardin already had experience as a defensive back and returner, and New England put him on the field during the 1971 season. His Patriots stay was not long enough to turn this into a major acquisition, but he provided immediate roster utility that the exchanged draft choice never matched for Baltimore. Gardin's return ability also gave the Patriots another way to use him beyond defensive snaps.
How the Value Separated
A fifth-round pick normally carries more long-term upside than a short veteran stint, so Baltimore's process made sense. Hindsight changes the comparison because Croft did not deliver for the Colts, while Gardin did play for New England after the exchange. Neither side uncovered a cornerstone, which keeps the grade spread narrow.
Final Verdict
New England wins a modest trade. The Patriots received actual 1971 contribution from Gardin, while Baltimore's fifth-round return did not become a Colts contributor. C+ for New England and C- for Baltimore reflect a real but limited advantage rather than a franchise-shaping result.