Denver sent pick No. 71 to the Giants for No. 76 and No. 164.…
Denver sent pick No. 71 to the Giants for No. 76 and No. 164. New York used No. 71 on cornerback Aaron Robinson, whose career was derailed by injuries after limited playing time. Denver used No. 164 on safety Jamar Johnson and, more importantly, retained No. 76 as valuable currency for a second trade later that night. Even without crediting the later players directly here, Denver preserved far more value than New York realized from Robinson.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2021 3rd round pick (76th overall subsequently traded, Paulson Adebo )
- pick 2021 5th round pick (164th overall, Jamar Johnson )
New York Giants Received
- pick 2021 3rd round pick (71st overall, Aaron Robinson)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Denver traded the 71st pick in the 2021 draft to the Giants for pick No. 76 and pick No. 164. New York used No. 71 on UCF cornerback Aaron Robinson. Denver later selected safety Jamar Johnson at No. 164 and did not make a selection at No. 76, instead using that pick in a separate trade with New Orleans. This exact exchange therefore centers on whether the Giants gained enough by moving up five places to justify surrendering another pick.
Why Denver Won
The Broncos preserved value on both pieces of their return. Johnson did not become a major contributor, but the fifth-round selection still represented an extra roster opportunity. More importantly, No. 76 remained a valuable third-round asset that Denver could immediately move again. That second trade is evaluated separately, yet the ability to turn around and use No. 76 as currency shows why moving down was valuable. Denver retained flexibility rather than tying the entire return to one prospect.
How New York Fared
Robinson's career was heavily disrupted by injuries. He appeared in only 11 games for the Giants and never developed into the stable starting corner the team hoped it was securing by moving up. Injuries are not predictable, and the initial decision to target a press-man corner with desirable physical traits was understandable. In a retrospective grade, however, the limited availability matters. New York concentrated two picks into one player and received very little lasting production.
Final Verdict
Denver earns a B+ and the Giants a D. The Broncos did not hit on Jamar Johnson, but they still gained an extra selection and retained the third-round pick as valuable trade currency. New York received only a brief, injury-limited tenure from Robinson after paying to move up. The contrast between preserved draft flexibility and minimal realized player value gives Denver a clear win.