Washington moved up from No. 128 to No. 113 in the 1986 draft…
Washington moved up from No. 128 to No. 113 in the 1986 draft and added No. 159 to complete the trade with Atlanta. The move produced linebacker Ravin Caldwell, who spent six seasons with Washington and appeared in 79 games, including on the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. Atlanta's two selections, Dan McMillen and Keith Williams, did not provide comparable staying power. Washington paid extra volume but found the useful long-term player.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1986 5th round pick (128th overall, Dan McMillen)
- pick 1986 6th round pick (159th overall, Keith Williams )
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1986 5th round pick (113th overall, Ravin Caldwell)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington moved up fifteen spots in the 1986 draft, acquiring No. 113 from Atlanta. The Falcons received No. 128 in the fifth round plus No. 159 in the sixth. Washington selected linebacker Ravin Caldwell, while Atlanta used its two choices on Dan McMillen and Keith Williams.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Washington moved up from No. 128 to No. 113 in the 1986 draft and added No. 159 to complete the trade with Atlanta. The move produced linebacker Ravin Caldwell, who spent six seasons with Washington and appeared in 79 games, including on the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. Atlanta's two selections, Dan McMillen and Keith Williams, did not provide comparable staying power. Washington paid extra volume but found the useful long-term player.
Washington Return
Atlanta received picks No. 128 and No. 159 from Washington for No. 113. The Falcons used those selections on Dan McMillen and Keith Williams, while Washington chose linebacker Ravin Caldwell. Caldwell remained with Washington for six seasons, played 79 games and contributed across an era that included two Super Bowl championships. Atlanta gained an extra selection, but the quantity advantage did not produce the better NFL return, leaving Washington with the stronger result.
Value in Hindsight
Washington paid a sixth-round pick to improve its position by fifteen slots. That premium is easy to defend when the targeted player supplies six seasons of depth, special-teams work and defensive snaps. Caldwell's presence on two championship rosters should not be mistaken for star-level individual value, but it does reinforce how long he remained useful to a successful team.
Final Verdict
Washington earns a B+ and Atlanta a C-. The Falcons increased their number of selections, but Washington selected the only player in the exchange who became a long-term contributor for the acquiring franchise. The move-up cost was modest and the payoff was sustained, giving Washington a clear edge.