Oakland moved from No. 10 to No. 2 in the 1997 draft, also…
Oakland moved from No. 10 to No. 2 in the 1997 draft, also receiving a sixth-rounder, and selected defensive tackle Darrell Russell. New Orleans received Daryl Hobbs plus picks 10, 39 and 107, using the first on guard Chris Naeole. Russell reached a higher peak with two Pro Bowls, while Naeole delivered much greater career longevity. The trade was productive for both sides and finishes close to even.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1997 1st round pick (2nd overall, Darrell Russell)
- pick 1997 6th round pick (166th overall subsequently traded, John Fiala )
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Daryl Hobbs
- pick 1997 1st round pick (10th overall, Chris Naeole)
- pick 1997 2nd round pick (39th overall, Jared Tomich)
- pick 1997 4th round pick (107th overall subsequently traded, Pratt Lyons)
Trade Analysis
Oakland paid aggressively to move from No. 10 to No. 2 because the Raiders wanted USC defensive tackle Darrell Russell. The complete package sent to New Orleans was Daryl Hobbs plus the 10th, 39th and 107th selections, while Oakland received No. 2 and pick 166. Russell initially made the gamble look excellent. He became one of the league's most disruptive interior defenders, earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections and producing a dominant stretch near the end of the 1990s. His combination of size and pass-rush ability gave Oakland the star upside it sought.
The problem was longevity. Russell's career unraveled because of suspensions and off-field issues, and his NFL tenure ended far earlier than his talent suggested. New Orleans' main return, guard Chris Naeole at No. 10, never reached Russell's peak but became a durable professional who started for years with the Saints and Jaguars. Second-rounder Jared Tomich had a short career, Daryl Hobbs was later traded by New Orleans to Seattle, and the fourth-round choice was moved again. The Saints therefore did not turn every piece into meaningful production, but Naeole alone supplied a long runway of starting-caliber snaps.
This is a rare trade where peak value and career value point in different directions. For roughly two seasons, Russell looked like the best possible result and justified Oakland's move. Across the full careers, Naeole's durability narrows the gap dramatically. The extra Saints assets were not strong enough to make New Orleans a clear winner, while Russell's shortened career prevents an Oakland victory despite his elite ceiling. Matching B grades and an even verdict capture the balance. The asset list should also identify Daryl Hobbs as a player rather than folding his name into a draft-pick entry.