Jacksonville moved up from No. 58 to No. 52 for defensive end…
Jacksonville moved up from No. 58 to No. 52 for defensive end Quentin Groves, sending Tampa Bay an additional fifth-round pick and a 2009 seventh-rounder. Groves produced only 2.5 sacks in two Jaguars seasons. Tampa's direct second-round selection, Dexter Jackson, also disappointed, but the extra assets helped create Geno Hayes and E.J. Biggers, both useful Buccaneers defenders. Tampa produced much more total value.
Jacksonville Jaguars Received
- pick 2008 2nd round pick (52nd overall, Quentin Groves)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2008 2nd round pick (58th overall, Dexter Jackson)
- pick 2008 5th round pick (158th overall; packaged with pick 120 to Chicago for picks 115 and 175, used on Dre Moore and Geno Hayes; Chicago later selected Kellen Davis at 158)
- pick 2009 7th round pick (217th overall, E.J. Biggers)
Trade Analysis
Why Jacksonville Traded Up
The Jaguars sent Tampa Bay picks No. 58 and No. 158 in 2008 plus a 2009 seventh-rounder to move to No. 52 for Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves. Jacksonville was seeking additional pass rush and believed Groves' athleticism justified paying extra draft capital to prevent another club from taking him before its original second-round slot.
What Jacksonville Received
Groves played two seasons for Jacksonville, appearing in 32 games and making seven starts. He recorded 2.5 sacks before the Jaguars traded him to Oakland in 2010. That is disappointing production for a second-round edge defender acquired through a move-up. He remained in the league afterward, but most of his later value came for other organizations.
How Tampa's Extra Assets Developed
Tampa Bay used No. 58 on receiver Dexter Jackson, who was a major miss. The difference came from the added capital. Pick No. 158 was used in further maneuvering that helped produce defensive tackle Dre Moore and linebacker Geno Hayes, while the 2009 seventh-rounder became E.J. Biggers. Hayes and Biggers both became meaningful Buccaneers defensive contributors.
Why This Trade Still Matters
A trade-down can survive a miss on the first selection when the additional choices create useful players. Tampa did not draft well at No. 58, but the complete package generated multiple contributors. Jacksonville paid the premium and did not receive comparable production from Groves, so the full asset chain matters much more than simply comparing the two second-round names.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win. Tampa earns a B+ because the complete return ultimately produced useful defensive starters despite the Dexter Jackson miss. Jacksonville receives a D+ because Groves never justified the move-up cost during his two seasons with the Jaguars. The extra selections are what turn the trade decisively toward Tampa Bay.