Dallas Cowboys Win
Summary: Pittsburgh traded the 17th overall pick to Dallas for the 21st pick and a third-round selection. Dallas used the 17th pick on Emmitt Smith, who went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a Hall of Famer. Analysis: Emmitt Smith won three Super Bowls, three rushing titles, a league MVP, and became the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Pittsburgh moved down just four spots and received a modest third-round sweetener. Eric Green (#21) was a talented tight end but suffered from consistency issues; Craig Veasey (#81) was a reserve. The pick differential (4 spots) did not justify foregoing a generational rusher. This is one of the worst draft-day trades in Pittsburgh history. Downgraded from A- to F for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1990 first round pick (#21-(Bernard) Eric Green)
- pick 1990 third round pick (#81-Craig Veasey)
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1990 first round pick (#17-Emmitt Smith)
Trade Summary
Summary: Pittsburgh traded the 17th overall pick to Dallas for the 21st pick and a third-round selection. Dallas used the 17th pick on Emmitt Smith, who went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a Hall of Famer. Analysis: Emmitt Smith won three Super Bowls, three rushing titles, a league MVP, and became the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Pittsburgh moved down just four spots and received a modest third-round sweetener. Eric Green (#21) was a talented tight end but suffered from consistency issues; Craig Veasey (#81) was a reserve. The pick differential (4 spots) did not justify foregoing a generational rusher. This is one of the worst draft-day trades in Pittsburgh history. Downgraded from A- to F for Pittsburgh.
Trade Analysis
Summary: Pittsburgh traded the 17th overall pick to Dallas for the 21st pick and a third-round selection. Dallas used the 17th pick on Emmitt Smith, who went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a Hall of Famer. Analysis: Emmitt Smith won three Super Bowls, three rushing titles, a league MVP, and became the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Pittsburgh moved down just four spots and received a modest third-round sweetener. Eric Green (#21) was a talented tight end but suffered from consistency issues; Craig Veasey (#81) was a reserve. The pick differential (4 spots) did not justify foregoing a generational rusher. This is one of the worst draft-day trades in Pittsburgh history. Downgraded from A- to F for Pittsburgh. Dallas Cowboys received 1990 first round pick (#17-Emmitt Smith) and gave up 1990 first round pick (#21-(Bernard) Eric Green); 1990 third round pick (#81-Craig Veasey). The partner grade reflects the same value curve from the opposite side of the transaction.