Minnesota traded its 1983 second-round pick to Philadelphia…
Minnesota traded its 1983 second-round pick to Philadelphia for defensive tackle Charlie Johnson in August 1982. Johnson became an immediate Vikings starter, making 38 starts across three seasons and recording six sacks in the portion of his career with modern sack data. Philadelphia used No. 46 on linebacker Jody Schulz, who played 44 games for the Eagles but had a much smaller defensive role. Minnesota received the stronger team-specific value.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Charlie Johnson (a)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1983 second round pick (#46-Jody Schulz)
Trade Analysis
Why Minnesota Wanted Johnson
The Vikings traded their 1983 second-round choice to Philadelphia for veteran defensive tackle Charlie Johnson in August 1982. Minnesota's official draft history confirms that the missing No. 46 selection in 1983 had been sent to the Eagles for Johnson. The Vikings were buying a proven interior defender rather than waiting for a rookie.
What Minnesota Received
Johnson stepped into the lineup immediately. He started seven of nine games in 1982, all 16 in 1983 and 15 of 16 in 1984. Across three Vikings seasons he made 38 starts in 41 games. NFL statistics also credit him with six sacks in those Minnesota years, along with an interception and two fumble-recovery touchdowns.
How Philadelphia Used the Pick
The Eagles selected linebacker Jody Schulz at No. 46. Schulz appeared in 44 games for Philadelphia from 1983 through 1987. His recorded defensive production included 1.5 sacks and one interception, and he functioned much more as depth than as the full-time starter Johnson became in Minnesota.
Why the Vikings Win
Second-round picks carry substantial value, so Philadelphia's decision to convert an older player into one was sensible. The actual outcome, however, favored Minnesota. The Vikings received three seasons of near-continuous starting work, while the selected player never matched that role.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a B+ and Philadelphia a C+. Johnson's 38 starts supplied exactly the veteran certainty the Vikings paid for. Schulz gave the Eagles several seasons of roster depth, but the difference in starting impact makes Minnesota the winner.