Cleveland Browns received 2017 4th round pick (126th overall,…
Cleveland Browns received 2017 4th round pick (126th overall, Howard Wilson) and 2017 7th round pick (252nd overall, Matthew Dayes) from Denver Broncos, sending 2017 5th round pick (145th overall, Jake Butt) and 2017 5th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, DeAngelo Yancey) the other way. With no durable impact gap large enough to separate the sides, an even mid-level grade is the most supportable verdict. That outcome supports a C grade for Cleveland Browns, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2017 4th round pick (126th overall, Howard Wilson )
- pick 2017 7th round pick (252nd overall, Matthew Dayes )
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2017 5th round pick (145th overall, Jake Butt )
- pick 2017 5th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, DeAngelo Yancey )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 2017-04-29, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos completed a deal in which Cleveland Browns received 2017 4th round pick (126th overall, Howard Wilson) and 2017 7th round pick (252nd overall, Matthew Dayes), while Denver Broncos received 2017 5th round pick (145th overall, Jake Butt) and 2017 5th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, DeAngelo Yancey). The comparison centers on what each original club actually obtained from the exchange. Later moves matter only when they identify the value attached to an asset that changed hands.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland Browns received 2017 4th round pick (126th overall, Howard Wilson) and 2017 7th round pick (252nd overall, Matthew Dayes) from Denver Broncos, sending 2017 5th round pick (145th overall, Jake Butt) and 2017 5th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, DeAngelo Yancey) the other way. With no durable impact gap large enough to separate the sides, an even mid-level grade is the most supportable verdict. That outcome supports a C grade for Cleveland Browns, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver Broncos received 2017 5th round pick (145th overall, Jake Butt) and 2017 5th round pick (175th overall subsequently traded, DeAngelo Yancey) from Cleveland Browns, sending 2017 4th round pick (126th overall, Howard Wilson) and 2017 7th round pick (252nd overall, Matthew Dayes) the other way. With no durable impact gap large enough to separate the sides, an even mid-level grade is the most supportable verdict. That outcome supports a C grade for Denver Broncos, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Value in Hindsight
Cleveland and Denver records agree on the 2017 draft-day exchange: Denver received Nos. 145 and 175, while Cleveland received Nos. 126 and 252. The resulting players produced limited direct value for both original clubs, and Denver later moved No. 175 in another trade. With no durable impact gap large enough to separate the sides, an even mid-level grade is the most supportable verdict.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Cleveland Browns receives C, while Denver Broncos receives C. Neither original club created enough separation in direct value to justify a winner, so equal grades fit the evidence. The grades remain proportional to the size and certainty of the exchange, rewarding real value while keeping a measured distinction between a clear edge and an overwhelming win.