St. Louis moved down four spots in the second round and added…
St. Louis moved down four spots in the second round and added a fifth-round pick, selecting linebacker Calvin Favron at No. 46 and running back Mark Bell at No. 130. Favron played 50 games with 21 starts for the Cardinals, while Bell made only a limited contribution. The package produced useful depth and starting snaps without creating a major long-term advantage.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1979 second round pick (#46-Calvin Favron)
- pick 1979 fifth round pick (#130-Mark Bell)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1979 second round pick (#42-Willie Jones (Lorenzo))
Trade Analysis
This was a compact draft-day trade rather than a franchise-altering transaction. Oakland moved from No. 46 to No. 42 in the second round and paid an additional fifth-round pick, No. 130. The Raiders used the higher selection on Florida State defensive lineman Willie Jones. St. Louis used the two selections on linebacker Calvin Favron and running back Mark Bell.
Jones supplied the Raiders with immediate pass-rush value. Florida State’s historical biography credits him with 10 sacks as a rookie, and he was part of the Oakland team that won Super Bowl XV. His overall NFL run was brief, however: the Raiders’ own roster history lists 40 games and three starts. That makes him a useful contributor rather than the kind of long-term starter who would make the move-up an obvious win.
Favron gave St. Louis a different kind of value. He played four seasons for the Cardinals, appeared in 50 games and made 21 starts. He was not a star, but he offered more sustained starting experience than Jones. Bell added little to the package, so the extra fifth-rounder did not create a second major payoff.
The value therefore balances in different ways. Oakland received the more memorable peak contribution and a player who helped a championship roster. St. Louis received more total starting volume from Favron while also taking a second swing with Bell. Neither side generated enough surplus value to separate clearly from the other. Matching B- grades and an Even Trade verdict better reflect the modest but real production both clubs obtained.