Atlanta received two selections in the 1996 draft, the…
Atlanta received two selections in the 1996 draft, the fourth-round choice used on Juran Bolden and the fifth-round choice used on Gary Bandy, for safety Roger Harper. Turning one veteran into two controlled draft assets gave the Falcons multiple chances to create roster value. That broader return supports Atlanta's C+ grade and a narrow win in a modest transaction.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1996 4th round pick (127th overall, Juran Bolden )
- pick 1996 5th round pick (164th overall, Gary Bandy )
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Roger Harper
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1996-04-20, Atlanta Falcons received 1996 4th round pick (127th overall, Juran Bolden) and 1996 5th round pick (164th overall, Gary Bandy), while Dallas Cowboys received Roger Harper. The exchange is supported by the historical transaction and draft records carried into this review, allowing the two returns to be judged by the value each club actually controlled after the deal.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received two selections in the 1996 draft, the fourth-round choice used on Juran Bolden and the fifth-round choice used on Gary Bandy, for safety Roger Harper. Turning one veteran into two controlled draft assets gave the Falcons multiple chances to create roster value. That broader return supports Atlanta's C+ grade and a narrow win in a modest transaction. The grade reflects the practical value of that return rather than the reputation or theoretical value of the asset on the day of the trade.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas acquired safety Roger Harper and surrendered the two picks that became Juran Bolden and Gary Bandy. Harper's Cowboys tenure was limited, so Dallas did not receive enough lasting value to outweigh the flexibility Atlanta gained from two draft choices. The Cowboys still obtained an NFL veteran, which keeps the grade at C rather than pushing the result into a clearly poor range. The same standard applies on this side: tangible playing value and clearly retained draft capital matter more than an eventual asset's label alone.
Value in Hindsight
The important distinction is quantity and control. Atlanta converted one veteran into two draft selections, while Dallas received a player whose stay with the Cowboys did not create a comparable long-term return. The difference is real but not enormous, which fits a one-step grade separation rather than an exaggerated verdict.
Final Verdict
The final call is Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta Falcons earns C+, and Dallas Cowboys earns C. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized, while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.