San Francisco moved from No. 13 to No. 11 for tackle Anthony…
San Francisco moved from No. 13 to No. 11 for tackle Anthony Davis, sending Denver an additional fourth-round pick. Davis became a 71-game starter and helped the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII, so San Francisco received real value. Denver's two incoming picks fueled a larger draft chain that produced Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and capital used in the Tim Tebow move, creating the stronger overall return.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2010 1st round pick (13th overall subsequently traded, Brandon Graham )
- pick 2010 4th round pick (113th overall subsequently traded, Aaron Hernandez )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2010 1st round pick (11th overall, Anthony Davis )
Trade Analysis
Why San Francisco Moved Up
The 49ers traded picks No. 13 and No. 113 to Denver for No. 11 in the 2010 draft, then selected Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis. San Francisco wanted a long-term right tackle for a roster that was about to become a contender. Davis delivered substantial value, starting 71 games and helping anchor the line during the club's run to Super Bowl XLVII.
What Denver Did With No. 13
Denver immediately moved No. 13 to Philadelphia for No. 24 and two third-rounders, Nos. 70 and 87. The Broncos used No. 87 on Eric Decker, who became a productive starting receiver. Pick No. 70 later entered the package Denver used to acquire the first-round choice for Tim Tebow, extending the value of the original move-down.
How No. 113 Helped Produce Demaryius Thomas
The extra fourth-round pick was even more important. Denver packaged No. 113 with No. 24 to move up to No. 22, where it selected Demaryius Thomas. Thomas became a four-time Pro Bowler, a central target for Peyton Manning and one of the best receivers in Broncos history. That outcome alone gives the fourth-round premium enormous hindsight value.
Why This Trade Still Matters
San Francisco should not be treated as a loser simply because Denver's chain was exceptional. Davis was a legitimate multi-year starter at an important position. The difference is that Denver converted a two-pick return into several pieces that shaped its offense for years.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win. The Thomas-Decker-led chain earns Denver an A+. San Francisco receives a B because Davis successfully filled the role the 49ers traded up to address. This is a strong deal for both teams, with Denver's downstream value creating the decisive edge.