Cleveland moved Herman Fontenot, picks 74 and 127, and its…
Cleveland moved Herman Fontenot, picks 74 and 127, and its 1990 first-round selection to Green Bay for picks 31 and 114 in the 1989 draft. The Browns used those choices on Lawyer Tillman and Kyle Kramer. Green Bay's future first became Tony Bennett, while the Packers also received Anthony Dilweg and Vince Workman. The premium future first and deeper package produced a decisive Packers advantage.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1989 second round pick (#31-Lawyer Tillman)
- pick 1989 fifth round pick (#114-Kyle Kramer)
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Herman Fontenot
- pick 1989 third round pick (#74-Anthony Dilweg)
- pick 1989 fifth round pick (#127-Vince Workman)
- pick 1990 first round pick (#18-Tony Bennett)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On the second day of the 1989 draft, Cleveland paid aggressively to move into the second round. The Browns received selections 31 and 114 from Green Bay. In return, the Packers obtained Herman Fontenot, picks 74 and 127, and Cleveland's 1990 first-round choice. Cleveland used its new picks on Lawyer Tillman and Kyle Kramer, while Green Bay's package ultimately included Anthony Dilweg, Vince Workman and Tony Bennett.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland moved Herman Fontenot, picks 74 and 127, and its 1990 first-round selection to Green Bay for picks 31 and 114 in the 1989 draft. The Browns used those choices on Lawyer Tillman and Kyle Kramer. Green Bay's future first became Tony Bennett, while the Packers also received Anthony Dilweg and Vince Workman. The premium future first and deeper package produced a decisive Packers advantage.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay sent picks 31 and 114 to Cleveland and received Herman Fontenot, picks 74 and 127, plus Cleveland's 1990 first-rounder. Cleveland selected Lawyer Tillman and Kyle Kramer; Green Bay's return ultimately included Anthony Dilweg, Vince Workman and first-round linebacker Tony Bennett. The Browns failed to turn their move up into comparable impact, making the Packers' acquisition of future first-round capital the defining value in hindsight.
Value in Hindsight
Future first-round picks carry uncertainty on draft day, but that uncertainty is precisely why they can create outsized value. Cleveland needed Tillman to become a high-level player for the cost to make sense. He did not. Green Bay, meanwhile, received more total assets and converted the delayed premium choice into a legitimate contributor. The gap between the intended payoff and the realized payoff is substantial.
Final Verdict
Green Bay earns an A and Cleveland a D. The Packers absorbed a short-term move down, added multiple pieces and eventually turned Cleveland's future first into Tony Bennett. Cleveland's return did not approach that value. This is a clear example of a future first-round pick becoming the decisive asset after the team moving up failed to land a difference-maker.