Denver traded return specialist Glyn Milburn to Detroit for…
Denver traded return specialist Glyn Milburn to Detroit for the 55th pick and a seventh-rounder. Milburn gave the Lions two strong seasons as a returner, including 1,627 kickoff-return yards in 1996. Denver then flipped No. 55 to Baltimore for three picks, one of which became Pro Bowl special-teamer Detron Smith. Both clubs gained useful value, but Denver's downstream return helped support two championship rosters.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1996 2nd round pick (55th overall subsequently traded, DeRon Jenkins )
- pick 1996 7th round pick (236th overall, Brian Gragert)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Glyn Milburn
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Wanted Milburn
Glyn Milburn was already an established return specialist when Detroit acquired him. The Lions did not have to wait for development: in 1996 he returned 64 kickoffs for 1,627 yards and also handled punts. He remained a heavy-use returner in 1997. Detroit therefore received two seasons of immediate special-teams value from a player with a proven NFL role.
What Denver Received
The Broncos got the 55th overall pick and a seventh-rounder. They did not keep No. 55. Eight days later, Denver sent that selection to Baltimore for picks 65, 100 and 213. Those became Detron Smith, Jeff Lewis and Leslie Ratliffe. The separate seventh-rounder became Brian Gragert. The most important piece was Smith, who played 113 NFL games, made a Pro Bowl as a special-teams player and won two Super Bowls with Denver.
How the Asset Tree Changed the Grade
If the trade is judged only as Milburn for one second-rounder and one seventh-rounder, Detroit's immediate production looks very competitive. Once Denver's next move is traced, the Broncos' side becomes stronger. They turned a return specialist into several young roster pieces, including a player who became a core special-teams contributor on championship teams.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win. Denver earns a B+ for converting Milburn into draft capital that became multiple players and meaningful championship depth. Detroit gets a B because Milburn was highly productive as a returner for two seasons and delivered exactly the role the Lions wanted. This was a good trade for both teams, with Denver holding the edge because the acquired capital generated more lasting organizational value.