Denver received Atlanta's 2002 seventh-round pick and…
Denver received Atlanta's 2002 seventh-round pick and eventually used No. 228 on safety Chris Young. Young provided only modest NFL value for the Broncos, so the draft return never developed into a significant payoff. Because Henri Crockett stepped directly into a useful role for Atlanta, Denver's side settles at C rather than matching the Falcons' stronger result.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2002 7th round pick (228th overall, Chris Young )
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Henri Crockett
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver traded Henri Crockett to Atlanta on August 2, 2001, receiving a 2002 seventh-round draft choice in return. That selection eventually became No. 228 and was used on safety Chris Young. Crockett had signed with Denver earlier in the offseason before being moved back to Atlanta, where he immediately resumed a useful role. The trade therefore pits a late pick against proven veteran snaps.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver's return became Chris Young at the back end of the 2002 draft. A seventh-round selection always carries limited expected value, and Young did not develop into a major long-term contributor for the Broncos. The club did at least convert Crockett into a real draft asset rather than losing him without compensation. That keeps the outcome around neutral, but the resulting on-field value was modest.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received the stronger immediate return. Crockett already fit the organization and was able to provide veteran linebacker snaps, including starting work. For the cost of a seventh-round pick, the Falcons acquired a player who could help the defense right away rather than waiting on a low-probability developmental selection. That practical certainty matters in evaluating a small veteran-for-pick trade.
Value in Hindsight
The Falcons did not land a star, and Denver did not surrender premium draft capital, so the grade gap should remain reasonable. Atlanta nevertheless obtained more useful football value from the transaction. Crockett's direct contribution outweighed what Denver ultimately received from Young. The trade is a good example of a late pick being less valuable in practice than a dependable veteran role player.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta earns a B- for converting a seventh-round pick into immediate linebacker help. Denver receives a C because the pick became a real player, but not one who matched Crockett's useful contribution for the Falcons.