Denver traded fullback Joe Dawkins to New York on September…
Denver traded fullback Joe Dawkins to New York on September 4, 1974, for the 1975 third-round pick used on Mike Franckowiak. Dawkins immediately became the Giants' leading rusher, totaling 561 rushing yards and 332 receiving yards in 1974, then started 12 more games in 1975. Franckowiak produced little offensive value for Denver, making New York the clear winner.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1975 third-round pick (No. 54, Mike Franckowiak)
New York Giants Received
- player Joe Dawkins
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 4, 1974, Denver sent running back Joe Dawkins to the Giants for New York's third-round choice in the 1975 draft. The Broncos used the pick at No. 54 on Mike Franckowiak. Denver's own historical material identifies the pick as coming from New York for Dawkins, providing a clean player-for-pick exchange that can be judged on the two clubs' subsequent production.
Denver's Return
Franckowiak did not become the kind of contributor teams hope to find in the third round. He appeared in games for Denver over the next two seasons but was used sparingly on offense. His entire NFL rushing output was 14 carries for 26 yards. The selection had meaningful opportunity value at No. 54, yet Denver did not convert it into a player capable of replacing the production it had sent away.
New York's Return
Dawkins stepped directly into a major role. In 1974 he started 13 games, led the Giants with 561 rushing yards, caught 46 passes for 332 yards and scored five touchdowns from scrimmage. He returned in 1975 to start 12 games, adding 438 rushing yards and 245 receiving yards. Across two New York seasons, he produced 1,576 yards from scrimmage and 25 starts.
Value in Hindsight
This is a strong example of veteran certainty beating draft upside. A third-round pick was a real price for a back in his mid-20s, but Dawkins immediately gave New York two seasons of heavy usage. Denver's selected player never approached that impact. The Giants did not acquire a long-term star, which keeps the grade below the top tier, but the direct production difference is still substantial.
Final Verdict
New York Giants Win. New York earns a B+ for receiving 25 starts and more than 1,500 scrimmage yards for a third-round choice. Denver receives a D+ because the No. 54 selection produced very little offensive value. The Giants comfortably won the realized return.