Minnesota sent pick No. 127 to the Los Angeles Raiders during…
Minnesota sent pick No. 127 to the Los Angeles Raiders during the 1984 draft and received Nos. 140, 196 and 308. The Vikings used No. 140 on Allen Rice, who spent seven seasons in Minnesota, appeared in 89 games and scored 19 touchdowns for the club. The Raiders selected Andy Parker at No. 127, but his limited offensive production left Minnesota with the stronger realized return.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1984 fifth round pick (#127-Andy Parker)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1984 fifth round pick (#140-Allen Rice)
- pick 1984 seventh round pick (#196-Lloyd Lewis)
- pick 1984 eleventh round pick (#308-Lawrence Thompson)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 2, 1984, Minnesota sent pick No. 127 to the Los Angeles Raiders for picks No. 140, No. 196 and No. 308. The Raiders used No. 127 on tight end Andy Parker. Minnesota selected running back Allen Rice at No. 140, then used the later selections on Lloyd Lewis and Lawrence Thompson. The Vikings moved down 13 spots in the fifth round while adding two more draft choices.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Rice became the most productive player produced by the exchange. He spent seven seasons with Minnesota, appeared in 89 regular-season games and developed into a useful multipurpose back. His Vikings tenure included 19 total touchdowns, giving the club years of practical offensive value from the first selection it received. Lewis and Thompson did not need to become major contributors for the package to succeed because Rice alone justified meaningful value from the trade-down.
Los Angeles Raiders Return
Parker remained in the NFL long enough to appear in 81 games, but his offensive production was limited. He finished with only eight career receptions for 46 yards and two touchdowns. The Raiders gave up two additional selections to move from No. 140 to No. 127 and received a player who held roster value without becoming a significant offensive contributor. That result falls short of what Minnesota received from Rice.
Value in Hindsight
Minnesota moved down only 13 spots, collected two extra picks and still landed the best player in the transaction. Rice provided seven seasons of continuity and useful offensive production. Los Angeles' decision to move up for a targeted prospect was reasonable at the time, but Parker's limited production did not justify the extra draft capital when compared with Rice's Minnesota career.
Final Verdict
Minnesota Vikings Win. Minnesota keeps a B because the trade-down produced Rice and two additional selections while surrendering only 13 draft slots. The Raiders remain at C because Parker had an NFL career but did not deliver enough offensive value to match the package Minnesota received.