Minnesota moved up from No. 112 and added No. 137 to obtain…
Minnesota moved up from No. 112 and added No. 137 to obtain Arizona's No. 97 pick, selecting tight end Hunter Goodwin. Arizona used the two incoming choices on center Aaron Graham and tackle James Dexter. Goodwin became a long-tenured NFL blocking tight end, so Minnesota did receive value, but Graham and Dexter combined for substantially more starts and useful line play. Arizona's two-player return earns the narrow win.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1996 4th round pick (112th overall, Aaron Graham )
- pick 1996 5th round pick (137th overall, James Dexter )
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1996 4th round pick (97th overall, Hunter Goodwin )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 21, 1996, Minnesota moved up from No. 112 to No. 97 in the fourth round, sending Arizona the later fourth-round pick plus No. 137 in the fifth. The Vikings selected tight end Hunter Goodwin. Arizona used No. 112 on center Aaron Graham and No. 137 on tackle James Dexter. The basic bet was one targeted player for Minnesota against two offensive-line prospects for Arizona.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Goodwin was not a receiving weapon, but he built a long NFL career as a blocking tight end. He appeared in 119 career games and provided value that does not show up through receptions alone. Minnesota therefore did not miss on the move-up. The Vikings identified a player who stayed in the league for years and filled a specialized role, which supports a solid B- despite the cost of the extra selection.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona's trade-down created two linemen with more conventional starting value. Graham played 92 career games and started 40, spending a substantial portion of his early career with the Cardinals. Dexter played 49 games and started 33. Getting two players who could handle starting offensive-line responsibilities from a fourth- and fifth-round pairing is a strong return, especially compared with surrendering only one higher fourth-round pick.
Value in Hindsight
This is a good trade on both sides rather than a winner-and-loser blowout. Minnesota got a durable specialist. Arizona got two linemen and more aggregate starting snaps. The Cardinals deserve the edge because the extra pick was not merely depth; it became part of a two-player return with meaningful NFL careers.
Final Verdict
Arizona wins narrowly, B to B-. Goodwin validates Minnesota's move-up, but Graham and Dexter gave the Cardinals more combined starting value and made the trade-down strategy pay off.