Detroit acquired offensive lineman Mike Montler from Denver,…
Detroit acquired offensive lineman Mike Montler from Denver, while the Broncos received the future 1980 eighth-round pick that became No. 196 and Ken Walter. Montler supplied immediate line value for the Lions, whereas Denver's late selection produced limited direct return. The gap is modest because the pick still had value, but Detroit realized the stronger football outcome.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1980 eighth round pick (#196-Ken Walter)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Mike Montler
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver sent Mike Montler to Detroit in August 1978 and received a future 1980 eighth-round draft choice. Transaction records trace that selection to No. 196, later used on Ken Walter. The package therefore gives each side a clear return to evaluate: Detroit received an established offensive lineman, while Denver received a late future pick with limited but real option value.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver gained a draft asset and retained flexibility rather than simply losing Montler. An eighth-round choice was never premium capital, but it still offered a chance to add inexpensive roster depth. The eventual No. 196 selection did not become a major direct payoff, however, so the Broncos' return remained more theoretical than impactful once the pick was actually converted into a player.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit received Montler and got immediate offensive-line value. Acquiring a veteran lineman can matter even without star-level production because continuity and usable snaps have practical value. Montler gave the Lions a more direct return than Denver ultimately extracted from the late selection. That does not make the deal a major steal, but it does provide Detroit with the clearer realized benefit.
Value in Hindsight
The transaction is best viewed as a modest Detroit win. Denver did obtain legitimate draft capital, and the existence of a future pick prevents the trade from being one-sided. Still, hindsight favors the side that received useful line play over the side whose late-round selection generated limited direct value. There is enough separation for different grades, but not enough to treat the trade as a major success or failure.
Final Verdict
Detroit earns a B- for converting a minor asset cost into immediate line help. Denver receives a C+ because the Broncos recovered a real future pick but did not turn it into comparable value. The Lions win narrowly on realized football contribution.