Detroit traded picks No. 74 and No. 101 to Baltimore for No.…
Detroit traded picks No. 74 and No. 101 to Baltimore for No. 61 and selected safety Gerald Alexander. Alexander gave the Lions useful early starting snaps but did not become a long-term fixture. Baltimore selected Yamon Figurs at No. 74 and later packaged No. 101 with two other choices to acquire No. 86, where it drafted future All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda. Because other picks were required, Yanda cannot be credited solely here, but Baltimore created the stronger overall value.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick 2007 3rd round pick (74th overall, Yamon Figurs )
- pick 2007 4th round pick (101st overall; later packaged with picks 166 and 203 to acquire pick 86, Marshal Yanda )
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2007 2nd round pick (61st overall, Gerald Alexander)
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Moved Up
Detroit sent Baltimore picks No. 74 and No. 101 for the 61st selection in the 2007 draft. The Lions used No. 61 on Boise State safety Gerald Alexander, seeking an immediate secondary contributor. Baltimore chose to move down and create two opportunities instead of making one selection.
What Detroit Received
Alexander started early in his career and gave Detroit meaningful snaps in the secondary, but his tenure with the Lions did not last long enough to become a foundational return. He remained in the league after leaving Detroit, yet the club's direct benefit was essentially a short run of starting safety play.
How Baltimore Used the Picks
Baltimore selected return specialist Yamon Figurs at No. 74. His offensive role was limited, but he handled significant return duties. The more consequential asset was No. 101. The Ravens packaged it with Nos. 166 and 203 in a trade with Jacksonville for No. 86, then selected guard Marshal Yanda. Yanda became one of the greatest offensive linemen in franchise history. Because Baltimore had to add two other picks, Yanda's entire career cannot be assigned to No. 101, but this trade supplied an essential component of that move.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The Ravens' win comes from preserving and recycling draft capital rather than from Figurs alone. Detroit received a serviceable player; Baltimore used its return as part of a path toward an elite one.
Final Verdict
Baltimore Ravens Win. Baltimore earns a B+ for return value and the crucial downstream role of No. 101. Detroit receives a C+ for Alexander's limited starting tenure. The later Yanda move creates the separation without overstating this trade's sole contribution.