Denver Broncos and Baltimore Colts exchanged 1973 seventh…
Denver Broncos and Baltimore Colts exchanged 1973 seventh round pick (#166-John Grant) for John Mosier. Denver turned a reserve tight end into John Grant, who played 99 games for the Broncos from 1973 through 1979 and started 30. A seventh-round choice becoming a seven-season defensive contributor is a strong late-round outcome. In hindsight, Denver Broncos produced the stronger realized return, with the grade based on actual post-trade service and traceable downstream value rather than the nominal asset label alone.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1973 seventh round pick (#166-John Grant)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player John Mosier
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver sent tight end John Mosier to Baltimore on September 11, 1972 and received the Colts' 1973 seventh-round pick, which became defensive lineman John Grant at No. 166.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver Broncos and Baltimore Colts exchanged 1973 seventh round pick (#166-John Grant) for John Mosier. Denver turned a reserve tight end into John Grant, who played 99 games for the Broncos from 1973 through 1979 and started 30. A seventh-round choice becoming a seven-season defensive contributor is a strong late-round outcome. In hindsight, Denver Broncos produced the stronger realized return, with the grade based on actual post-trade service and traceable downstream value rather than the nominal asset label alone.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Baltimore Colts sent 1973 seventh round pick (#166-John Grant) and received John Mosier. Mosier gave Baltimore only one season of modest service. A seventh-round choice becoming a seven-season defensive contributor is a strong late-round outcome. In hindsight, Denver Broncos produced the stronger realized return, with the grade based on actual post-trade service and traceable downstream value rather than the nominal asset label alone.
Value in Hindsight
A seventh-round choice becoming a seven-season defensive contributor is a strong late-round outcome. Baltimore received a one-year reserve, while Denver secured years of depth and starting production. The result is not close even though the original assets looked modest at the time.
The grade also avoids rewarding either side simply for acquiring a named veteran or a numbered draft choice. The useful question is what the new club actually received after the transaction: games, starts, production, roster longevity, or a traceable downstream selection. That realized-value test keeps a small historical exchange from being overstated.
Final Verdict
Denver wins comfortably. The Broncos receive an A- for converting Mosier into a long-tenured defender, while Baltimore receives a C because Mosier at least made the roster for a full season but created little lasting value.