The Raiders sent reserve quarterback Billy Joe Hobert to…
The Raiders sent reserve quarterback Billy Joe Hobert to Buffalo for the 85th pick in the 1997 draft. Hobert appeared in only two games for the Bills, throwing for 133 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions before his Buffalo stay ended. Oakland used the pick on tackle Tim Kohn, who did not produce an NFL career, making this a modest Raiders win rather than a major success.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Billy Joe Hobert
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1997 3rd round pick (85th overall, Tim Kohn)
Trade Analysis
Why Oakland Made the Deal
Billy Joe Hobert had started only five games across his first two seasons with the Raiders and was not established as their long-term answer at quarterback. Trading him for a third-round pick was a sensible value play. The Raiders turned a depth quarterback into the 85th overall selection, a much more flexible roster-building asset.
What Buffalo Received
Buffalo hoped Hobert could stabilize its quarterback room, but the return was extremely brief. He appeared in two games for the Bills in 1997 and completed 17 of 30 passes for 133 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He did not start a game for Buffalo. That is very little production for a third-round pick, especially at a position where the Bills needed a credible alternative.
How the Pick Turned Out
The Raiders used No. 85 on offensive tackle Tim Kohn. Pro Football Reference's draft record shows no NFL seasons or games for Kohn, so Oakland did not capitalize on the selection. That prevents this from being graded as a strong win. The trade's advantage comes from the price Oakland extracted for Hobert, not from the player ultimately selected.
Final Verdict
Las Vegas Raiders Win. The Raiders receive a C+ because converting a reserve quarterback into a third-round pick was sound asset management even though the draft choice failed. Buffalo receives a D+ because Hobert gave the Bills only two games of poor passing production before the relationship ended. Neither side created lasting value, but Oakland clearly made the better transaction at the moment of exchange.