Denver sent the 166th pick in the 1992 draft to the Jets and…
Denver sent the 166th pick in the 1992 draft to the Jets and received Nos. 181 and 208. New York used No. 166 on quarterback Jeff Blake, while Denver selected Jim Johnson and Dietrich Lockridge with the acquired choices. Blake went on to a long NFL career with extensive starting experience, far surpassing the realized value of Denver's two selections and giving the Jets a substantial hindsight victory.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1992 seventh round pick (#181-Jim Johnson (b))
- pick 1992 eighth round pick (#208-Dietrich Lockridge)
New York Jets Received
- pick 1992 sixth round pick (#166-Jeff Blake)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During the 1992 draft, Denver moved the 166th overall selection to the New York Jets. In return, the Broncos received picks 181 and 208. The Jets used No. 166 on East Carolina quarterback Jeff Blake. Denver used its two selections on Jim Johnson and Dietrich Lockridge, spreading one sixth-round slot into a seventh- and an eighth-round opportunity.
Denver Broncos Return
The move-down strategy gave Denver two chances instead of one, but neither selection produced a career comparable to the player taken at 166. Johnson and Lockridge did not become notable long-term contributors for the Broncos. The transaction therefore illustrates the risk of gaining quantity late in the draft without finding a player who supplies lasting roster value.
New York Jets Return
Blake did not become a Jets star, but his eventual NFL career is still the strongest outcome created by the trade. He developed into a starting quarterback with Cincinnati and remained in the league for many seasons, producing thousands of passing yards and substantial starting experience. Hindsight grading follows the player created by the acquired selection, not only the seasons spent with the club that drafted him.
Value in Hindsight
The Jets concentrated two late picks into the selection that produced a legitimate NFL quarterback. Denver increased its number of selections but failed to generate comparable value. Quarterback outcomes carry particular weight because even a mid-level starter represents a difficult and valuable draft hit.
Final Verdict
New York earns an A- and Denver a C-. The Jets' acquired pick produced by far the best career in the transaction. Denver's process was reasonable, but the two-player return did not justify moving away from the slot that became Jeff Blake.