Minnesota acquired receiver Al Denson from Denver for…
Minnesota acquired receiver Al Denson from Denver for defensive back John Charles and a 1972 fourth-round pick that became No. 102 and linebacker Tom Graham. Denson's Vikings stay was brief, while Graham developed into a multi-season Denver starter after arriving through the exchanged pick. With Charles also included in the package, the Broncos turned one veteran into substantially more lasting value and win the deal.
Denver Broncos Received
- player John Charles
- pick 1972 fourth round pick (#102-Tom Graham)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Al Denson
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota acquired veteran receiver Al Denson from Denver on April 23, 1971. The Broncos received defensive back John Charles and the Vikings' 1972 fourth-round choice. Minnesota's own draft history traces that selection to the trade, and Denver used it at No. 102 overall on linebacker Tom Graham. That downstream pick outcome is central to judging the exchange.
What Minnesota Got
Denson had been a productive receiver earlier in his career, but his Vikings tenure was short. He appeared in only a small number of games for Minnesota and never became a meaningful part of the club's long-term passing attack. For a team that was already a contender, the move was an understandable veteran-depth gamble, yet the on-field return did not justify surrendering both a player and a future fourth-round pick.
What Denver Got
Charles gave Denver one immediate asset, but Graham is what separates the transaction. The fourth-round linebacker became a regular Broncos contributor and started extensively across the 1972, 1973 and 1974 seasons. Denver's own historical material remembers Graham as a starter during that period. Turning a future fourth-rounder acquired in the deal into a multi-season starter created substantially more lasting value than Minnesota received from Denson.
How the Value Separated
This is a strong example of a secondary draft asset becoming the most important part of a trade. Minnesota sought a known veteran and received only a brief stay. Denver accepted a less glamorous package and ultimately produced a starting linebacker from the pick, while also receiving Charles.
Final Verdict
Denver wins clearly. B+ recognizes Graham's multi-season starting value plus the additional player return. Minnesota falls to C- because Denson's short Vikings tenure did not come close to matching what the surrendered package became.