Denver acquired Houston’s 31st overall pick during the 1985…
Denver acquired Houston’s 31st overall pick during the 1985 draft and used it on wide receiver Vance Johnson. The Broncos sent the 36th and 138th picks to Houston. Johnson became a core Denver receiver, finishing his Broncos career with 415 receptions, 5,695 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. That decade of offensive value gave Denver the stronger result even though Houston also received productive players.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1985 second-round pick (No. 31 overall - Vance Johnson)
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1985 second-round pick (No. 36 overall - Richard Byrd)
- pick 1985 fifth-round pick (No. 138 overall - Lee Johnson)
Trade Analysis
Why the Transaction Belongs on Draft Day
Denver's move for the 31st overall selection was part of the April 30, 1985 draft activity. The Broncos moved up from No. 36 and also sent No. 138 to Houston. Denver used the acquired choice on Vance Johnson. Houston used the two incoming selections on Richard Byrd and Lee Johnson. The pick package therefore belongs to one draft-day exchange rather than a placeholder date.
What Denver Received
Johnson became one of the signature receivers of the John Elway era. He spent the heart of his career in Denver and finished his Broncos tenure with 415 receptions, 5,695 receiving yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. He was a major part of multiple AFC championship teams and provided the deep speed Denver was seeking when it moved up. That is excellent value from the 31st pick.
What Houston Received
The Oilers did well too. Richard Byrd, chosen 36th, played 75 NFL games and spent his career with Houston. Lee Johnson, selected 138th, immediately became Houston's punter and launched an 18-season NFL career. He punted for the Oilers for several seasons before continuing elsewhere. The two-pick return was productive enough that Houston deserves much more than a losing grade based solely on Denver landing the most famous player.
How the Value Settled
Denver received the best single asset and years of important offensive production. Houston received two genuine NFL contributors, including a long-lived specialist. The trade therefore was productive on both sides, but Johnson's sustained role in Denver's passing game created the higher ceiling and the larger franchise impact.
Final Verdict
Denver earns an A and Houston/Tennessee a B+. The Oilers' return was strong, yet Vance Johnson became a decade-long Broncos weapon and a central member of contending teams. Denver wins the comparison without making Houston's side a failure.