Minnesota traded up in the fifth round of the 2008 draft to…
Minnesota traded up in the fifth round of the 2008 draft to select USC quarterback John David Booty at No. 137. Green Bay received the picks that became tackle Breno Giacomini at No. 150 and quarterback Matt Flynn at No. 209. Booty never became an NFL regular, while both Packers selections produced substantially longer careers.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 2008 5th round pick (150th overall, Breno Giacomini )
- pick 2008 7th round pick (209th overall, Matt Flynn )
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2008 5th round pick (137th overall, John David Booty )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 27, 2008, Minnesota moved up thirteen places in the fifth round to take quarterback John David Booty at No. 137. Green Bay received pick No. 150 and an additional seventh-rounder, No. 209. The Packers used those choices on offensive tackle Breno Giacomini and quarterback Matt Flynn. The structure was simple: Minnesota paid an extra late pick to secure its preferred developmental passer.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Booty arrived from USC with recognizable pedigree and a chance to grow behind Minnesota’s veteran options. The bet never paid off on Sundays. He did not establish himself as an NFL starter or meaningful long-term backup, so the Vikings received little practical value from the move up. That result is especially costly in hindsight because Minnesota surrendered two opportunities to make the one selection.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay did far better with the volume. Giacomini developed into a starting-caliber tackle and built a lengthy career that extended well beyond his time with the Packers. Flynn became a useful reserve quarterback and produced several memorable starts, including productive stretches when pressed into action. Neither was a franchise cornerstone in Green Bay, but both became legitimate NFL players from the two selections.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round trades are often judged by whether a team creates usable depth. Green Bay did that twice. Minnesota’s attempt to target a quarterback is understandable, but Booty never gave the Vikings the payoff required to justify consolidating two picks into one. The Packers’ outcome also shows the benefit of accumulating chances in the middle and late rounds.
Final Verdict
Green Bay wins comfortably. Minnesota’s C+ acknowledges the reasonable process of targeting a developmental quarterback, but the on-field return was minimal. Green Bay’s B+ reflects two durable NFL careers from the acquired selections, making the Packers’ side clearly superior in hindsight.