Atlanta traded the No. 3 pick in the 1967 draft to San…
Atlanta traded the No. 3 pick in the 1967 draft to San Francisco for Bernie Casey, Jim Wilson and Jim Norton. The 49ers used the selection on Steve Spurrier. Casey refused to play for Atlanta and was quickly redirected to the Rams, while Wilson and Norton produced limited Falcons value. Spurrier never became a star quarterback, but San Francisco still received the stronger durable return.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Bernie Casey
- player Jim Wilson
- player Jim Norton
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1967 first round pick (#3-Steve Spurrier (Sr.))
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On the opening day of the 1967 common draft, Atlanta sent the No. 3 overall selection to San Francisco for receiver Bernie Casey, lineman Jim Wilson and defensive end Jim Norton. The 49ers used the pick on Heisman Trophy quarterback Steve Spurrier. Falcons and league histories agree on the three-player package and the draft-day timing.
Why Atlanta's Return Unraveled
Casey was the most accomplished player in the incoming group, but he did not want to continue his career in Atlanta because of his developing acting plans. The Falcons traded him to the Rams in July, where he immediately became a Pro Bowl receiver. Wilson and Norton stayed longer but did not create enough value to compensate for losing a top-three selection. Atlanta therefore failed to capture the strongest part of the package.
How Much San Francisco Actually Won
Spurrier did not become the franchise quarterback the No. 3 pick implied. He spent much of his 49ers career behind John Brodie and contributed extensively as a punter, with only intermittent starting opportunities at quarterback. That keeps San Francisco's grade in the B range rather than turning this into a major draft triumph.
Final Verdict
The premium draft slot carried far more upside than the veteran package Atlanta ultimately retained. San Francisco wins, but modestly. The 49ers obtained more durable value from Spurrier than Atlanta received from the veterans it acquired, especially after Casey refused to stay. Still, Spurrier's limited quarterback impact prevents a high grade. A B- for San Francisco and D+ for Atlanta captures a favorable but imperfect outcome.