Detroit traded picks No. 39 and No. 71 to San Francisco for…
Detroit traded picks No. 39 and No. 71 to San Francisco for No. 29 in the 1986 draft and selected running back Garry James, who became a Lions starter and produced a 140-yard game as a rookie. San Francisco drafted Larry Roberts at No. 39 and flipped No. 71 to the Rams in a deal that produced Charles Haley and Steve Wallace draft capital, creating far greater long-term value.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1986 second round pick (#29-Gary James)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1986 second round pick (#39-Larry Roberts (b. 1963-06-02))
- pick 1986 third round pick (#71-Hugh Millen)
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Moved Up
Detroit acquired the 29th pick from San Francisco for No. 39 and No. 71 in the 1986 draft. The Lions used No. 29 on LSU running back Garry James, who stepped into a meaningful role as a rookie and was part of Detroit's effort to rebuild its backfield after Billy Sims' career-ending injury.
What Detroit Received
James became a starter in 1986 and delivered some notable production, including a 140-yard rushing performance against Green Bay. His presence gave Detroit real immediate value, so the Lions' side was not empty. His NFL impact, however, did not become a long-term franchise return comparable with what San Francisco eventually created from the two picks it received.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers used No. 39 on defensive end Larry Roberts. Roberts played 89 NFL games and recorded 28 sacks, giving San Francisco a useful front-seven contributor. The more important piece was No. 71, which the 49ers traded to the Rams for quarterback Jeff Kemp and picks No. 96 and No. 101.
How the Chain Changed the Deal
San Francisco used No. 96 on Charles Haley and No. 101 on Steve Wallace. Haley became a Hall of Fame pass rusher and the first player to win five Super Bowl rings. Wallace became a long-time starting tackle and three-time Super Bowl champion. Those outcomes turned a second-round move-down into an exceptional downstream haul.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns an A+ and Detroit a B-. James gave the Lions useful early production, but Roberts plus the trade chain that produced Haley and Wallace created vastly more lasting value. The 49ers' ability to multiply No. 71 makes this a clear San Francisco 49ers Win.