Indianapolis traded the 22nd pick in the 2001 draft to the…
Indianapolis traded the 22nd pick in the 2001 draft to the Giants for picks 30, 91 and 193. New York selected cornerback Will Allen at No. 22, while the Colts used No. 30 on Reggie Wayne and the later choices on Cory Bird and Jason Doering. Allen became a long-term NFL starter, but Wayne's 1,006 catches, 13,566 yards and 80 touchdowns gave Indianapolis the decisive return.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2001 1st round pick (30th overall, Reggie Wayne )
- pick 2001 3rd round pick (91st overall, Cory Bird )
- pick 2001 6th round pick (193rd overall, Jason Doering )
New York Giants Received
- pick 2001 1st round pick (22nd overall, Will Allen )
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
New York wanted to move up eight spots in the 2001 first round for cornerback Will Allen. Indianapolis agreed to send the 22nd pick in exchange for the Giants' first-rounder at No. 30, third-rounder at No. 91 and sixth-rounder at No. 193. The Colts therefore stayed in the first round while adding two more selections.
What Indianapolis Received
The defining piece was Reggie Wayne at No. 30. Wayne became one of the most productive receivers in Colts history, finishing his Indianapolis career with 1,006 receptions, 13,566 receiving yards and 80 touchdowns. He became a central part of the Peyton Manning-era offense and a champion with the 2006 Colts. Indianapolis also used the additional selections on Cory Bird at No. 91 and Jason Doering at No. 193.
What New York Received
The Giants selected Allen at No. 22. He was not a failed pick: Allen became a regular starter in New York and ultimately started 130 of 140 games over a 12-year NFL career. His Giants tenure provided legitimate value at cornerback. That matters when judging the transaction, because New York received a durable starting player rather than losing the exchanged draft capital outright.
Why the Verdict Lands Here
The difference is the magnitude of Wayne's career. New York received a useful starter, but Indianapolis obtained a franchise great while also adding two extra selections. Wayne's longevity, production and championship contribution create a much larger realized return.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. Indianapolis earns an A for landing Wayne while adding draft capital. New York receives a C because Allen became a legitimate long-term NFL starter, but his value did not approach Wayne's franchise-defining production.