Denver traded picks No. 141 and No. 186 to Green Bay for No.…
Denver traded picks No. 141 and No. 186 to Green Bay for No. 129 and No. 204, then selected tight ends Julius Thomas and Virgil Green. Thomas became a two-time Pro Bowler and major red-zone weapon during Peyton Manning's record-setting Denver years, while Green built a long career as a in-line tight end. Green Bay's D.J. Williams and D.J. Smith provided only limited returns, making Denver the clear winner.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2011 4th round pick (129th overall, Julius Thomas)
- pick 2011 7th round pick (204th overall, Virgil Green)
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 2011 5th round pick (141st overall, D.J. Williams )
- pick 2011 6th round pick (186th overall, D.J. Smith )
Trade Analysis
Why Denver Made the Move
Denver traded fifth-round pick No. 141 and sixth-round pick No. 186 to Green Bay for fourth-round pick No. 129 and seventh-round pick No. 204. The Broncos used both acquired selections on tight ends, taking Julius Thomas and Virgil Green. At the time, Thomas was a developmental basketball convert with very limited college football experience, while Green offered a more traditional tight-end profile.
How Julius Thomas Changed the Return
Thomas developed slowly before exploding once Peyton Manning's Denver offense reached full strength. He became a major red-zone target, posted consecutive 12-touchdown seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections. His athleticism created matchup problems during one of the most productive offensive stretches in league history. That peak alone gave Denver outstanding value for a fourth-round choice.
What Virgil Green Added
Green never produced Thomas-like receiving numbers, but he supplied a different kind of value. He remained in the league for many years as an in-line reserve tight end and special-teams contributor. Getting a long NFL career from the seventh-round portion of the return made an already successful trade even stronger.
What Green Bay Received
The Packers selected tight end D.J. Williams at No. 141 and linebacker D.J. Smith at No. 186. Neither became a long-term starter or major contributor in Green Bay. Their combined production fell well short of the peak Thomas reached and the longevity Green provided.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win. Thomas' two-Pro Bowl peak and Green's durable supporting role justify an A+ for Denver. Green Bay receives a D because neither acquired player generated enough sustained value to offset what the Broncos created from both of their selections.