Denver moved up from No. 88 to No. 67 and landed guard Dan…
Denver moved up from No. 88 to No. 67 and landed guard Dan Neil, who became a long-term starter and a member of both Super Bowl championship teams. The price was substantial: Dedric Ward, Chuck Clements, Jason Ferguson and a 1998 sixth-rounder. Neil was excellent value, but New York produced two durable contributors from the package, giving the Jets the deeper overall return.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1997 3rd round pick (67th overall, Dan Neil )
New York Jets Received
- pick 1997 3rd round pick (88th overall, Dedric Ward), 1997 6th round pick (191st overall, Chuck Clements), 1997 7th round pick (229th overall, Jason Ferguson) and 1998 6th round pick (183rd overall, Dustin Johnson)
Trade Analysis
Why Denver Paid to Move Up
Denver was chasing a specific offensive-line target and used a four-asset package to climb 21 spots in the third round. The move worked on its own terms. Dan Neil became a fixture at right guard, starting 104 of 108 career games and earning two Super Bowl rings with the Broncos. For a team entering a championship window, turning several later assets into a dependable starting lineman made immediate football sense.
What New York Collected
The Jets did more than move down. They received the 88th pick, used on Dedric Ward; the 191st pick; the 229th pick, used on Jason Ferguson; and a 1998 sixth-round selection. Ward developed into a useful receiver and played 103 NFL games. Ferguson was the bigger prize, playing 159 games and becoming a durable interior defender. Those two players alone gave New York a broad return from one third-round slot.
How the Outcomes Compare
Neil was arguably the single most valuable player produced by the exchange for his original team. His durability and role on Denver's championship offensive line matter heavily. The Jets, however, created two meaningful NFL careers plus additional lottery tickets. That depth makes the package stronger when the entire asset tree is judged rather than only the best individual player.
Final Verdict
New York Jets Win. Denver earns a B+ because the move delivered exactly what a contender wanted: a long-term starter who helped protect a championship offense. New York earns an A- for converting one third-round pick into multiple contributors, especially Ward and Ferguson. It was a productive trade for both clubs, but the Jets generated more total value.