Houston traded four picks to Tennessee for Nos. 27 and 159,…

The full compensation changes the way this trade should be understood. Houston did not simply exchange a second-round pick for the right to draft Jason Babin. The Texans sent Tennessee four selections: Nos. 40, 71, 103 and 138. In return they received the 27th pick and No. 159. Houston used the first-rounder on Babin, a productive college edge defender whom the young franchise hoped would become a foundational pass rusher. Babin's Houston career never reached that level. He played three seasons for the Texans, recorded 13 sacks and was eventually traded to Seattle for safety Michael Boulware in 2007. Babin later became a Pro Bowl pass rusher with Philadelphia, but that breakthrough occurred years after Houston had moved on and cannot rescue the original Texans outcome. The No. 159 selection was also moved again rather than becoming a core Houston player. Tennessee spread its return across the roster. Ben Troupe showed flashes at tight end but did not become a long-term star. Randy Starks was the most important piece, playing four seasons for Tennessee before building a lengthy career that eventually included more than 150 starts. Fifth-round guard Jacob Bell developed into a starter and spent four seasons with the Titans before receiving a significant free-agent contract from St. Louis. Bo Schobel supplied depth. The trade therefore illustrates the danger of paying several mid-round selections to chase one first-round target. Houston concentrated its value in Babin and did not receive enough production before giving up on him. Tennessee diversified the return and found two players with substantial starting careers. Correcting the old asset list from one incoming Titans pick to the complete four-pick package makes the Titans' advantage much larger and better grounded in what actually happened.