San Francisco moved out of the first round in 1988, sending…
San Francisco moved out of the first round in 1988, sending pick No. 26 to the Raiders and receiving Dokie Williams plus picks No. 33 and No. 102. The 49ers turned those selections into Danny Stubbs and punter Barry Helton, both contributors to championship teams. The Raiders drafted Scott Davis, who produced 27.5 sacks in 75 games for the franchise, leaving both sides with substantial value.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1988 first round pick (#26-Scott Davis (Michael))
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Dokie Williams
- pick 1988 second round pick (#33-Daniel Stubbs / Danny Stubbs)
- pick 1988 fourth round pick (#102-Barry Helton)
Trade Analysis
Why San Francisco Traded Back
San Francisco surrendered the No. 26 pick but expanded one premium selection into a veteran receiver and two choices, including No. 33. The 49ers used that second-rounder on defensive end Danny Stubbs and the fourth-rounder on punter Barry Helton. For a roster already built to contend, the move created multiple avenues for immediate help rather than concentrating the value in one late first-round player.
What the Raiders Found at No. 26
The Raiders selected defensive end Scott Davis, and he justified the move. Davis played 75 games for the franchise, started 48 and recorded 27.5 sacks. He reached double-digit sacks in 1990 and remained a significant defensive contributor into the early 1990s. That production gives the Raiders a strong return even though they paid more total assets to move into the first round.
How San Francisco's Package Performed
Stubbs played every game in each of his first two seasons with the 49ers and produced 10.5 sacks across 1988 and 1989. Helton handled the club's punting for three seasons, appearing in 47 games for San Francisco. Both were part of a team that won consecutive Super Bowls. Dokie Williams added another veteran piece, even if he was not the centerpiece of the return.
Final Verdict
The Raiders received the best single long-term contributor in Davis, while San Francisco spread its return across multiple players who helped championship rosters. Both strategies worked. The trade therefore deserves B grades on each side rather than forcing a winner: Oakland secured a productive pass rusher, and the 49ers turned one pick into useful depth and special-teams value without sacrificing their title window.