New York received seventh-round picks in 1979 and 1980, used…
New York received seventh-round picks in 1979 and 1980, used on Keith Brown and Bennie Leverett. The choices provided low-cost opportunities, but neither return matched the veteran production Houston received from the player in the deal. The longer view produces a C grade for New York Jets. Houston earns a B+ and New York a C.
New York Jets Received
- pick 1979 seventh round pick (#187-Keith Brown (b))
- pick 1980 seventh round pick (#190-Bennie Leverett)
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Rich Caster (Richard Caster)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
New York Jets received 1979 seventh round pick (#187-Keith Brown (b)) and 1980 seventh round pick (#190-Bennie Leverett), while Houston Oilers received Rich Caster (Richard Caster). The transaction is best judged by the football value those assets ultimately produced for the teams that acquired them, rather than by draft position or name recognition alone.
What New York Jets Received
New York received seventh-round picks in 1979 and 1980, used on Keith Brown and Bennie Leverett. The choices provided low-cost opportunities, but neither return matched the veteran production Houston received from the player in the deal.
What Houston Oilers Received
Houston acquired tight end Rich Caster. Caster caught 20 passes for 316 yards and five touchdowns in 1978, then added 18 catches for 239 yards in 1979 and 27 catches for 341 yards with three touchdowns in 1980.
How the Value Developed
Two seventh-round selections were reasonable compensation for a veteran, so the Jets should not receive an extreme failing grade. Yet Houston received three seasons of clear receiving production and nine touchdowns from Caster. That direct output comfortably exceeds the realized value New York created from the two late picks.
Why the Difference Matters
The important distinction is realized team value. New York Jets and Houston Oilers each acquired something usable, but the length, role and quality of the resulting contributions were not equal. That difference is what drives the hindsight grades without exaggerating the importance of a standard-tier transaction.
Final Verdict
Houston earns a B+ and New York a C. The Oilers received meaningful multi-season offense from Caster at a modest draft cost. The Jets retained two chances in the late rounds, but those selections did not generate enough value to make the trade close in hindsight.