Miami sent veteran receiver Davone Bess plus two later picks…
Miami sent veteran receiver Davone Bess plus two later picks to Cleveland and received picks No. 104 and 164, which became linebacker Jelani Jenkins and running back Mike Gillislee. Jenkins developed into a multi-year Dolphins starter, giving Miami the best direct return. Bess lasted one season in Cleveland, while Armonty Bryant provided some defensive production. The Dolphins’ longer-lasting starting value creates the edge.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Davone Bess
- pick 2013 4th round pick (111th overall subsequently traded, Shamarko Thomas)
- pick 2013 7th round pick (217th overall, Armonty Bryant)
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2013 4th round pick (104th overall, Jelani Jenkins)
- pick 2013 5th round pick (164th overall, Mike Gillislee)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Miami was prepared to move on from veteran slot receiver Davone Bess and used him as part of a draft-weekend swap with Cleveland. The Dolphins sent Bess along with picks Nos. 111 and 217, receiving Nos. 104 and 164. Cleveland wanted an established receiver, while Miami sought younger and cheaper roster pieces through the draft.
What Each Side Actually Got
Miami selected linebacker Jelani Jenkins at No. 104 and running back Mike Gillislee at No. 164. Jenkins became the key return, developing into a regular defensive starter and spending four seasons with the Dolphins. Gillislee had a smaller Miami role before later success elsewhere. Cleveland received Bess, who caught 42 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns in 2013 but played only one season for the Browns. The seventh-round pick became defensive end Armonty Bryant, who supplied some pass-rush production. Pick No. 111 was subsequently moved.
How the Value Aged
Cleveland’s package was not empty. Bryant became a useful rotational defender, and Bess contributed for a season. Miami nevertheless secured the most durable team-specific asset in Jenkins. A fourth-round linebacker growing into a multi-year starter provided more sustained lineup value than Cleveland received from the veteran receiver portion of the deal.
Why the Margin Matters
The Dolphins’ edge should be meaningful but not extreme because Cleveland did find usable production from more than one asset. Miami wins on longevity and starting value, not because the Browns received nothing.
Final Verdict
Miami Dolphins Win. Miami earns a B+ for converting a veteran receiver and later picks into a multi-year starting linebacker plus depth. Cleveland receives a C- because Bess was short-lived, though Bryant’s contribution prevents the return from being a complete miss.