Tampa Bay sent picks No. 36 and No. 101 to Denver for No. 31…
Tampa Bay sent picks No. 36 and No. 101 to Denver for No. 31 and No. 126, using the first-rounder on Doug Martin. The fourth-rounder was then paired with another pick in a move that produced Lavonte David. Denver landed Derek Wolfe and Omar Bolden, with Wolfe becoming a championship starter. Both teams created value, but Martin plus the David trade chain gives Tampa Bay the higher ceiling.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2012 2nd round pick (36th overall, Derek Wolfe)
- pick 2012 4th round pick (101st overall, Omar Bolden )
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2012 1st round pick (31st overall, Doug Martin )
- pick 2012 4th round pick (126th overall subsequently traded, Jared Crick )
Trade Analysis
Why Tampa Bay Came Back Into Round One
The Buccaneers had already moved down earlier in the first round, but Doug Martin remained a target. Tampa Bay sent No. 36 and No. 101 to Denver for No. 31 and No. 126, then used No. 31 on the Boise State running back. The move cost the Buccaneers a slide in the fourth round rather than another premium selection.
What Denver Gained
Denver used No. 36 on Derek Wolfe and No. 101 on Omar Bolden. Wolfe became the clear prize on the Broncos' side. He started for most of seven seasons, supplied interior pass rush, and was part of the dominant defense that won Super Bowl 50. Bolden was a reserve defensive back and special-teams contributor. That combined return comfortably clears the bar for a successful trade-down.
How Tampa Bay Multiplied the Value
Martin exploded for 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a rookie and later produced another 1,400-yard season, earning first-team All-Pro recognition in 2015. Tampa Bay also did not simply spend No. 126. The Buccaneers combined it with No. 68 to acquire No. 58 from Houston, where they selected Lavonte David, one of the franchise's best modern defenders.
Why Both Sides Grade Well
Denver should not be punished for passing on Martin when Wolfe became a championship-caliber starter. The Buccaneers' advantage comes from creating two premium outcomes from the assets they acquired and subsequently moved.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win. Tampa earns an A+ for Martin and the David trade chain. Denver receives a B+ because Wolfe alone made the move worthwhile, even if the total Tampa return aged better.