Cleveland traded its 2007 second-round pick and 2008…
Cleveland traded its 2007 second-round pick and 2008 first-rounder to Dallas for No. 22 and selected quarterback Brady Quinn. Quinn never became the Browns' long-term starter. Dallas later packaged the 2007 second-rounder with other picks to move up for linebacker Anthony Spencer, and the 2008 first-rounder became Felix Jones. Spencer developed into a Pro Bowl defender and Jones became a productive offensive contributor, giving Dallas a decisive win.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2007 2nd round pick (36th overall; later packaged with picks 87 and 159 to acquire pick 26, Anthony Spencer)
- pick 2008 1st round pick (22nd overall, Felix Jones)
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2007 1st round pick (22nd overall, Brady Quinn)
Trade Analysis
Why Cleveland Moved Up
The Browns sent Dallas pick No. 36 and their 2008 first-round choice for No. 22 in the 2007 draft. Cleveland selected Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, making an aggressive move to secure a player widely viewed as a possible franchise passer. Dallas accepted the future risk and gained an extra premium selection.
What Cleveland Received
Quinn never established himself as Cleveland's long-term answer. He made a limited number of starts, struggled to produce consistently and was traded after three seasons with the organization. Quarterback upside can justify aggressive draft movement, but the Browns did not receive the performance or stability required to make the gamble work.
How Dallas Used the Return
Dallas did not use No. 36 directly. The Cowboys packaged it with picks No. 87 and No. 159 to Philadelphia for No. 26 and selected linebacker Anthony Spencer. Spencer developed into a long-term starter and earned a Pro Bowl selection during his Cowboys tenure. Cleveland's 2008 first-rounder became No. 22, which Dallas used on running back Felix Jones. Jones supplied several seasons of explosive rushing, receiving and return ability.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is the danger of paying future first-round capital for a quarterback who does not hit. Cleveland concentrated two valuable selections into Quinn. Dallas converted the return into two multi-year contributors at different positions.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win. Dallas earns an A for transforming the incoming assets into Spencer and Jones. Cleveland receives a D because Quinn never became the franchise quarterback the trade was designed to secure. The Cowboys' realized return was dramatically stronger.