Oakland received Tampa Bay's 1978 third-round pick for guard…
Oakland received Tampa Bay's 1978 third-round pick for guard Dan Medlin and used No. 57 on Derrick Jensen. Jensen became a long-term Raider, appearing in 106 games and contributing to two Super Bowl championship teams. Medlin also gave Tampa Bay useful immediate line play, so the Buccaneers earned value, but Oakland received the stronger long-term return.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1978 third round pick (#57-Derrick Jensen)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Dan Medlin
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Tampa Bay sent its 1978 third-round choice to Oakland on September 12, 1977 for guard Dan Medlin. The Raiders used the acquired No. 57 selection on Derrick Jensen, creating useful returns for both clubs rather than a one-sided miss.
What Las Vegas Raiders Received
Jensen became the more durable asset. Pro Football Reference credits him with 106 NFL games, and his Raiders career included contributions to two Super Bowl championship teams. A third-round pick turning into a long-term roster piece across the franchise's championship era gave Oakland substantial sustained value.
What Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
Medlin was not a throwaway return. NFL records show 14 starts in 1977 and eight more in 1978 for Tampa Bay, giving the Buccaneers 22 starts over two seasons. That immediate offensive-line help was valuable for a young franchise trying to stabilize its roster.
How the Value Developed
The difference came from duration. Tampa Bay received two useful seasons, but Jensen stayed productive enough to accumulate 106 games and remain part of multiple successful Raiders teams. Oakland's draft outcome therefore surpassed Medlin's shorter Tampa Bay run.
Why the Difference Matters
Because both sides received meaningful football value, the grades should not punish Tampa Bay harshly. The Buccaneers bought immediate starting help, while Oakland accepted draft uncertainty and landed a much longer-term contributor.
Final Verdict
The Raiders receive a B+ and Tampa Bay receives a B-. The final call is Las Vegas Raiders Win because Jensen's sustained career and championship-era contribution created the larger total return.
Medlin's 22 Tampa Bay starts made the veteran acquisition useful and prevent the transaction from being lopsided. Jensen nevertheless stayed far longer, appeared in 106 games and contributed to two championship teams. Oakland converted one outgoing lineman into a decade-scale special-teams and depth presence, producing the superior cumulative return.