Denver used the acquired No. 174 selection on quarterback Tom…
Denver used the acquired No. 174 selection on quarterback Tom Brandstater. He did not appear in a regular-season NFL game, leaving the Broncos with little realized value from the higher pick they obtained. The D+ grade reflects that limited return, especially compared with Zack Follett's contribution for Detroit and the additional future fifth-round selection included on the Lions' side.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2009 6th round pick (174th overall, Tom Brandstater )
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2009 7th round pick (235th overall, Zack Follett )
- pick 2010 5th round pick (146th overall subsequently traded, Cam Thomas )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 2009-04-26, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions completed this exchange. Denver Broncos received 2009 6th round pick (174th overall, Tom Brandstater), while Detroit Lions received 2009 7th round pick (235th overall, Zack Follett); 2010 5th round pick (146th overall subsequently traded, Cam Thomas). Historical team, player, and draft records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare what each side actually gained.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver used the acquired No. 174 selection on quarterback Tom Brandstater. He did not appear in a regular-season NFL game, leaving the Broncos with little realized value from the higher pick they obtained. The D+ grade reflects that limited return, especially compared with Zack Follett's contribution for Detroit and the additional future fifth-round selection included on the Lions' side.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit received No. 235 in 2009, used on Zack Follett, plus a 2010 fifth-round choice later moved in the Cam Thomas chain. Follett contributed in Detroit while Denver's Tom Brandstater never appeared in a regular-season game. The B grade reflects the better realized player value plus the extra future asset, supporting a Detroit Lions Win verdict.
Value in Hindsight
Denver paid for the higher 2009 selection but received no regular-season production from Tom Brandstater. Detroit converted its return into Zack Follett plus another future choice, creating both immediate and additional value. The gap is not franchise-changing, but it is clear enough to make Detroit the winner.
Final Verdict
The final call is Detroit Lions Win. Denver Broncos earns a D+, and Detroit Lions earns a B. Those grades weigh the supported compensation, the quality and duration of the resulting contributions, and the practical football value each club ultimately realized from the exchange.