San Diego moved up from the second round to No. 22 in 1983,…
San Diego moved up from the second round to No. 22 in 1983, sending San Francisco both No. 49 and No. 36. The Chargers selected cornerback Gill Byrd, who became a franchise standout and intercepted 42 passes in his career. That is an excellent result, but the 49ers received Roger Craig plus another second-round asset that they immediately used in the Wendell Tyler deal.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1983 first round pick (#22-Gill Byrd)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1983 second round pick (#49-Roger Craig)
- pick 1983 second round pick (#36-Mike Wilcher; subsequently traded to Los Angeles Rams in Wendell Tyler deal)
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Moved Up
The Chargers wanted defensive back Gill Byrd and paid two second-round selections, Nos. 49 and 36, to move into the first round at No. 22. Official Chargers draft-trade history and contemporary draft records identify both second-rounders in the package, an important detail because the extra No. 36 choice created significant value for San Francisco beyond Roger Craig.
What the Chargers Received
Byrd justified a first-round investment. He became one of the best defensive backs in franchise history, spending his entire career with the Chargers and finishing with 42 interceptions. A team that trades up for a player of that quality deserves a strong grade even when the other side ultimately does better.
How San Francisco Multiplied the Return
The 49ers used No. 49 on Roger Craig, who became a defining player of the Bill Walsh era. Craig contributed as both a runner and receiver, earned major individual honors and played central roles on championship teams. San Francisco also controlled No. 36 after the trade. Three days later, that selection was sent to the Rams with No. 87 for Wendell Tyler, Cody Jones and No. 59. Tyler then rushed for 1,262 yards during the 49ers' 1984 title season.
Why the 49ers Win
San Diego landed an excellent player, but San Francisco turned one first-round slot into two separate high-impact pathways: Craig directly and the premium asset used to acquire Tyler. That combination creates a larger franchise return without making the Chargers' decision a failure.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns an A+ and the Chargers an A-. Byrd made the move worthwhile for San Diego, but Craig plus the downstream value of the second No. 36 pick gives the 49ers the decisive edge.