Buffalo moved up from the third round into pick No. 61 of the…
Buffalo moved up from the third round into pick No. 61 of the 2002 draft, sending San Francisco selections 69 and 102. The Bills chose defensive end Ryan Denney, while the 49ers selected linebacker Saleem Rasheed and kicker Jeff Chandler. Denney became a long-term rotational defender in Buffalo, while San Francisco received two contributors from the extra volume. The returns are close enough to support an Even Trade.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 2002 2nd round pick (61st overall, Ryan Denney)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2002 3rd round pick (69th overall, Saleem Rasheed)
- pick 2002 4th round pick (102nd overall, Jeff Chandler)
Trade Analysis
Why Buffalo Moved Up
The Bills wanted defensive end Ryan Denney and paid two selections, Nos. 69 and 102, to reach pick No. 61. Moving from the early third round into the late second gave Buffalo a better chance to secure its preferred defensive lineman. Denney then justified part of that conviction by remaining with the Bills for several seasons as a rotational end and special-teams contributor.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers chose quantity over the higher slot. They used pick No. 69 on linebacker Saleem Rasheed and No. 102 on kicker Jeff Chandler. Neither became a franchise cornerstone, but San Francisco received two roster opportunities instead of one. That is the basic benefit of trading down: spreading the value across multiple players reduces dependence on a single selection.
How the Careers Kept the Deal Balanced
Denney's longevity is Buffalo's strongest argument. He stayed with the Bills for years and provided useful defensive snaps without becoming a star. San Francisco's return was split between Rasheed and Chandler, each of whom contributed but did not create a major long-term advantage. The 49ers' extra pick volume roughly offsets Buffalo landing the most durable individual player from the three selections.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Buffalo and San Francisco each receive a C-plus. The Bills paid a reasonable premium to secure a player who became a long-term depth piece, while the 49ers turned one pick into two contributors. There is no convincing hindsight case that either side captured enough additional value to deserve a clear win, so the original balance remains the best conclusion.