Tampa Bay moved up 10 spots in the seventh round of the 2004…
Tampa Bay moved up 10 spots in the seventh round of the 2004 draft, sending fullback Darian Barnes and pick No. 216 to Dallas for No. 206. The Buccaneers selected Mark Jones, who did not make their initial roster and later returned as a return specialist. Dallas selected Patrick Crayton, who became a productive six-year Cowboys receiver, making the Cowboys the clear winner of a low-cost draft-day exchange.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Darian Barnes
- pick 2004 7th round pick (216th overall, Patrick Crayton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2004 7th round pick (206th overall, Mark Jones )
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Tampa Bay wanted to move up 10 places in the seventh round of the 2004 draft and sent Dallas fullback Darian Barnes plus pick No. 216 for pick No. 206. The Buccaneers used the acquired selection on return specialist Mark Jones. Dallas accepted a modest move down and gained both a veteran player and another chance at the end of the draft.
What the Returns Produced
Jones did not survive Tampa Bay's initial 2004 roster cut, although he later returned to the Buccaneers and contributed as a return specialist. Dallas used No. 216 on Patrick Crayton. Crayton developed into a dependable receiver and returner, playing six seasons for the Cowboys. His career totals reached 247 receptions, 3,650 receiving yards and 25 receiving touchdowns, with his most productive years coming in Dallas. Barnes also spent the 2004 season with the Cowboys as a blocking fullback.
How the Value Developed
Crayton became the trade's defining asset because he provided years of offensive and special-teams value from a seventh-round pick. He started 33 games for Dallas, topped 500 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons and added punt-return touchdowns later in his Cowboys tenure. Tampa Bay eventually received some return-game value from Jones, but it was not close to matching Crayton's sustained contribution.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The exchange shows how even a 10-slot move late on draft day can matter when one club identifies a useful player with the pick it receives. Dallas gained an additional veteran and still selected the best player in the transaction after moving down.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win is the best fit. Dallas earns a B+ because Crayton became a long-term contributor at almost no acquisition cost, while Tampa Bay earns a D+ because moving up for Jones produced only limited value and surrendered the pick that became Crayton.