Minnesota sent Philadelphia picks No. 196 and No. 240 in the…
Minnesota sent Philadelphia picks No. 196 and No. 240 in the 2016 draft to move up to No. 188 for tight end David Morgan. The Eagles selected Blake Countess and Alex McCalister. Morgan played 38 NFL games and became a useful run-game tight end for the Vikings, giving Minnesota the best direct return in the exchange.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2016 6th round pick (188th overall, David Morgan )
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2016 6th round pick (196th overall, Blake Countess )
- pick 2016 7th round pick (240th overall, Alex McCalister )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Minnesota moved up eight spots in the sixth round of the 2016 draft, sending Philadelphia picks No. 196 and No. 240 for pick No. 188. The Vikings selected tight end David Morgan. Philadelphia used the acquired selections on defensive back Blake Countess and edge defender Alex McCalister. The price was modest, but the deal still created a clean test of whether one targeted player could outperform two later opportunities.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Morgan became a useful role player for Minnesota. He appeared in 38 NFL games, contributed in the run game and on special teams, and added 16 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. His statistical production was never the point of his roster spot; the Vikings valued his physical work as an extra run-game piece in heavier offensive packages. Getting multiple seasons from a sixth-round tight end gave Minnesota a solid return on the small move-up.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia gained two selections but did not turn them into comparable Eagles production. Countess continued to have an NFL career after leaving Philadelphia, yet he did not become a lasting contributor for the team that drafted him. McCalister likewise failed to establish a meaningful Eagles role. The extra selection gave Philadelphia more chances, but the two-player package did not create the kind of depth advantage that can make a trade-down successful.
Value in Hindsight
This is a good example of a modest trade-up working without producing a star. Minnesota spent a seventh-round pick to secure a specific sixth-round target and then kept that player in a useful role for several seasons. Philadelphia's additional opportunity did not generate enough direct club value. Morgan's 38 games and specialized offensive role are not headline results, but they are meaningful relative to the low draft cost.
Final Verdict
Minnesota wins, B- to C. Morgan supplied several seasons of useful work and clearly outperformed the direct Eagles value from Countess and McCalister. The margin is meaningful for a late-round exchange, though the limited stakes keep the grades in the middle range.