Minnesota traded the second pick in the 1985 draft to Atlanta…
Minnesota traded the second pick in the 1985 draft to Atlanta for selections No. 4 and No. 60. The Falcons used No. 2 on elite guard Bill Fralic, while the Vikings selected Chris Doleman at No. 4 and Tim Meamber at No. 60. Fralic became an outstanding lineman, but Doleman's Hall of Fame pass-rushing career gives Minnesota the slight edge in a trade that benefited both teams.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1985 first round pick (#2-Bill Fralic)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1985 first round pick (#4-Chris Doleman)
- pick 1985 third round pick (#60-Tim Meamber)
Trade Analysis
This trade worked unusually well for both teams because each club landed the player it wanted near the top of a strong 1985 draft. Atlanta sent Minnesota the fourth overall pick and a third-round selection, No. 60, to move up to No. 2. The Falcons selected Pittsburgh guard Bill Fralic. Minnesota stayed in the top four and selected another Pittsburgh star, Chris Doleman, then used No. 60 on Tim Meamber.
Fralic justified Atlanta's confidence. He quickly became one of the NFL's best guards, earning multiple Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. Moving up two spots for an elite offensive lineman is a defensible use of a third-round pick, and an A- reflects how well the primary acquisition worked.
Minnesota's return was even better. Doleman became a Pro Football Hall of Famer, recorded 150.5 career sacks and earned eight Pro Bowl selections. Much of that value came with the Vikings, where he developed into one of the league's premier pass rushers. Meamber was not a comparable star, but the extra selection was a bonus attached to the player who ultimately had the greater career.
The Vikings earn an A+ because they moved down, gained another pick and still landed a Hall of Fame defender. Atlanta receives an A- because Fralic was an excellent result rather than a failed gamble. Minnesota wins narrowly on Doleman's exceptional career value, not because the Falcons made a bad trade.
The third-round pick also matters to the structure even though Meamber was not the reason Minnesota won. The Vikings reduced their draft position by only two spots, added another selection and still secured the player who became the most accomplished defender in the transaction.