Miami paid a 2016 sixth-rounder plus 2017 third- and…
Miami paid a 2016 sixth-rounder plus 2017 third- and fourth-round picks to move up for Leonte Carroo at No. 86. Carroo caught only 12 passes for 192 yards in three Dolphins seasons. Minnesota kept trading the acquired capital, turning it into multiple later opportunities instead of one player. The Vikings' return was indirect, but the amount of usable draft value clearly surpassed Miami's result.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 2016 3rd round pick (86th overall, Leonte Carroo)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2016 6th round pick (186th overall subsequently traded, Jakeem Grant ), 2017 3rd round pick (86th overall subsequently traded, Kareem Hunt ) and 2017 4th round pick (128th overall subsequently traded, Josh Malone )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Miami traded pick No. 186 in 2016 plus its 2017 third- and fourth-round selections to Minnesota for pick No. 86, where the Dolphins selected Rutgers receiver Leonte Carroo. Minnesota did not simply use the incoming choices on the players eventually associated with those original pick numbers. The Vikings moved the assets again, creating additional selections and roster opportunities across the 2016 and 2017 drafts.
Why Minnesota Won
Carroo never supplied the receiving payoff Miami expected from an aggressive move. He played three seasons for the Dolphins but caught only 12 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. That is a very small return for a package containing three draft choices, including future Day 2 capital. Minnesota gained the more valuable commodity: optionality. The Vikings could move picks, combine them and take multiple roster shots instead of tying the whole investment to one receiver.
How the Return Aged
The trade tree requires careful attribution. Pick No. 186 ultimately returned to Miami in another deal and became Jakeem Grant. The 2017 No. 86 choice was later dealt to Kansas City, which selected Kareem Hunt, and No. 128 moved through another transaction before Cincinnati selected Josh Malone. Those players were not all Vikings. Minnesota's advantage comes from how it repeatedly converted the incoming capital into additional selections, including choices used on its own players, rather than from claiming every downstream name.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns an A- and Miami a D. The Dolphins paid heavily for a receiver who barely contributed, while the Vikings preserved and multiplied draft flexibility through subsequent trades. Vikings Win.