Dallas moved up from No. 14 to No. 2 in the 1977 draft and…
Dallas moved up from No. 14 to No. 2 in the 1977 draft and selected Tony Dorsett, a future Hall of Fame running back who immediately helped a championship team. The Cowboys paid four selections, including two second-rounders, but Dorsett’s star-level production and longevity made the aggressive move an A+ outcome.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1977 first round pick (#2-Tony Dorsett)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 1977 first round pick (#14-Steve August)
- pick 1977 second round pick (#30-Tom Lynch)
- pick 1977 second round pick (#41-Terry Beeson)
- pick 1977 second round pick (#54; traded back to Dallas for Duke Fergerson; Dallas used it on Glenn Carano)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On draft day in 1977, Dallas sent Seattle the No. 14, No. 30, No. 41 and No. 54 choices for the No. 2 pick. The Cowboys used No. 2 on Tony Dorsett. Seattle selected tackle Steve August at 14, defensive back Tom Lynch at 30 and linebacker Terry Beeson at 41. The Seahawks then separately sent the No. 54 choice back to Dallas for wide receiver Duke Fergerson; Dallas used that returned pick on quarterback Glenn Carano. Duke Fergerson therefore was not part of the direct Dorsett package.
Why Dallas Gets the Edge
Dorsett was exactly the kind of player who justified paying a premium to move up. He became an immediate offensive weapon, helped Dallas win Super Bowl XII as a rookie and built a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys. His combination of rushing production, explosiveness and longevity gave Dallas a true franchise player. When the target of a major draft-day move reaches that level, the acquiring team can earn an elite grade even when the package going out is substantial.
How Seattle’s Return Held Up
Seattle’s side was much better than a failing grade. August became a long-term starting tackle, Lynch started extensively in the secondary, and Beeson developed into a central defender who led the Seahawks in tackles in multiple seasons. Those are three meaningful starters from one package, plus the ability to turn the fourth choice into Fergerson. Seattle did not match Dorsett’s star power, but it accelerated roster construction for a young expansion franchise.
Final Verdict
Dallas earns an A+ because Dorsett became a Hall of Famer and championship centerpiece. Seattle earns a B+ because three of the direct selections produced substantial starting value and the fourth was immediately recycled in a separate deal. The Cowboys won on superstar impact, but the Seahawks’ return was productive enough that calling their side a disaster badly understates what they received.