Denver Broncos received 1988 tenth round pick (#268-Channing…
Denver Broncos received 1988 tenth round pick (#268-Channing Williams) in the 1987-08-27 exchange involving Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver used the acquired tenth-round pick on Channing Williams, but Williams never appeared in an NFL regular-season game for the Broncos. That realized return supports a D grade for Denver Broncos. The overall verdict is Pittsburgh Steelers Win, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1988 tenth round pick (#268-Channing Williams)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Ken Woodard
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver sent linebacker Ken Woodard to Pittsburgh for a 1988 tenth-round pick, No. 268, which the Broncos used on Channing Williams. The deal is judged by the value each club directly realized from the assets it controlled, without assigning later production to a team after an asset had moved elsewhere.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver used the acquired tenth-round pick on Channing Williams, but Williams never appeared in an NFL regular-season game for the Broncos. The D grade reflects that direct outcome in proportion to the cost and scale of the transaction. A minor trade does not need to create a star to be useful, but sustained starts, dependable role value, or retained draft capital matter more than name recognition alone.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Woodard appeared in seven games for Pittsburgh in 1987, providing the Steelers with the only regular-season contribution directly produced by either side of the exchange. The C grade reflects that direct outcome in proportion to the cost and scale of the transaction. A minor trade does not need to create a star to be useful, but sustained starts, dependable role value, or retained draft capital matter more than name recognition alone.
Value in Hindsight
The transaction was minor and neither side gained an important long-term piece. Even so, seven actual games are more realized value than a draft selection that produced no regular-season appearances. The comparison stays proportional to the size of the exchange and focuses on what each organization actually received while it controlled the acquired player or pick.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh wins narrowly because Woodard supplied the only direct NFL playing value from the trade. Final grades: Denver Broncos D, Pittsburgh Steelers C. The final verdict is Pittsburgh Steelers Win.