Atlanta moved from No. 5 to No. 1 for Michael Vick, sending…
Atlanta moved from No. 5 to No. 1 for Michael Vick, sending San Diego Tim Dwight, the fifth pick, a third-rounder and a 2002 second-rounder. Vick became a transformative Falcons star and led Atlanta to the 2004 NFC Championship Game. The Chargers used No. 5 on Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and also gained useful supporting assets, giving San Diego the greater total return.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 2001 1st round pick (1st overall, Michael Vick)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Tim Dwight
- pick 2001 1st round pick (5th overall, LaDainian Tomlinson)
- pick 2001 3rd round pick (67th overall, Tay Cody)
- pick 2002 2nd round pick (48th overall, Reche Caldwell)
Trade Analysis
This is one of the rare blockbuster draft trades in which both teams obtained a player capable of redefining a franchise. Atlanta wanted Michael Vick badly enough to move from fifth to first overall before the 2001 draft. The Falcons sent San Diego wide receiver and returner Tim Dwight, the No. 5 pick, the 67th selection and a 2002 second-rounder. Vick justified much of that aggression. He became the face of the Falcons, made three Pro Bowls with Atlanta and produced one of the most memorable quarterback seasons of the era in 2004, when he helped the club reach the NFC Championship Game.
Vick's Atlanta tenure, however, ended abruptly after the 2006 season because of his federal dogfighting case and subsequent suspension and imprisonment. That limits the total organizational return even though his on-field peak was special. Atlanta received six seasons, four as its primary starter, rather than the decade-plus foundation normally envisioned when trading a large package for the first pick.
San Diego's return aged exceptionally well because the fifth selection became LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson developed into a Hall of Fame running back, won the 2006 NFL MVP award, set the single-season touchdown record and became the centerpiece of multiple Chargers playoff teams. Dwight also provided immediate receiving and return value. The third-round choice became Tay Cody, while the 2002 second-rounder became Reche Caldwell, who contributed for four seasons.
The Falcons should not be judged as though they missed completely. They acquired a unique quarterback whose rushing ability changed defensive strategy and whose 2004 run gave the franchise one of its best seasons. But the Chargers received an all-time great at No. 5 without surrendering the ability to add multiple other players. Tomlinson's longevity, peak and Hall of Fame career create more cumulative value than Atlanta received from Vick. San Diego wins the trade, but Atlanta's grade remains comfortably positive because the central gamble did produce a genuine star.