Indianapolis acquired linebacker Dave Ahrens from St. Louis…
Indianapolis acquired linebacker Dave Ahrens from St. Louis on August 27, 1985, for a 1986 tenth-round pick. Ahrens appeared in 44 regular-season games for the Colts over three seasons and started 10 games in 1986. St. Louis used the No. 255 selection on receiver Wes Smith, who played only one NFL game. Indianapolis converted a late pick into substantially more usable roster value and wins the exchange.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1986 tenth round pick (#255-Wes Smith)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Dave Ahrens
Trade Analysis
The Late-Round Exchange
Indianapolis acquired veteran linebacker Dave Ahrens from the St. Louis Cardinals on August 27, 1985, in return for a future draft choice. Colts draft history identifies the compensation as their 1986 tenth-round selection. St. Louis eventually exercised that acquired pick at No. 255 overall and selected East Texas State receiver Wes Smith. The documented pick path makes the package straightforward on both sides.
Ahrens Became Useful Colts Depth
Ahrens was not a star acquisition, but Indianapolis received real and repeatable roster value. He played all 16 games in both 1985 and 1986, then appeared in 12 games in 1987. His best season with the Colts came in 1986, when he started 10 games and recorded two sacks. Across the three seasons, that is 44 regular-season appearances and meaningful starting work from a player acquired for a tenth-round choice.
St Louis Got Almost Nothing From the Pick
The Cardinals used No. 255 on Wes Smith. Pro Football Reference’s draft record credits Smith with one NFL game, in 1987, and no starts or recorded receiving production. That does not make the trade a major loss for St. Louis because the surrendered asset was a very late pick, but it does create clear hindsight separation. Indianapolis turned low-cost draft capital into several seasons of usable linebacker play.
Final Verdict
The scale should remain modest because neither side risked a premium asset, yet the result is no longer truly even. Ahrens gave Indianapolis three seasons, 44 appearances, and a 10-start year, while Smith produced only one NFL game. That difference supports an Indianapolis Colts Win, with a B grade for Indianapolis and a C for the Cardinals.