The 2007 Marcus Thomas Trade: Broncos Move Up, Vikings Bank Future Value
Denver moved up for defensive tackle Marcus Thomas, while Minnesota turned the move down into two late picks and a future third-rounder that later became part of a much bigger roster-building chain.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2007 sixth-round pick, No. 176 overall ( Rufus Alexander )
- pick 2007 seventh-round pick, No. 233 overall ( Chandler Williams )
- pick 2008 third-round pick, No. 73 overall
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2007 fourth-round pick, No. 121 overall ( Marcus Thomas )
Trade Summary
Minnesota sent pick No. 121 to Denver for selections Nos. 176 and 233 plus a 2008 third-round choice that became No. 73. The Vikings' two 2007 selections produced little direct value, but the future third later became part of the package used to acquire Jared Allen. Denver used No. 121 on Marcus Thomas, who played five seasons and started 34 games for the Broncos.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On April 29, 2007, Minnesota sent the No. 121 overall selection to Denver. The Broncos used it on defensive tackle Marcus Thomas. In return, the Vikings received No. 176, No. 233 and Denver's 2008 third-round choice, which became No. 73 overall.
What Denver Received
Thomas gave the Broncos a meaningful return for moving three selections. He spent five seasons in Denver, appeared in 76 games and made 34 starts along the defensive line. A fourth-round pick becoming a multi-year rotational player and part-time starter is solid realized value, even if he never developed into a star.
Minnesota's Immediate Picks
The Vikings used No. 176 on linebacker Rufus Alexander and No. 233 on receiver Chandler Williams. Neither became a significant long-term contributor for Minnesota. Looking only at those two choices would make Denver the obvious winner.
Why the Future Third Changes the Grade
The 2008 third-rounder matters because Minnesota later included No. 73 in the package sent to Kansas City for Jared Allen. Kansas City ultimately used that selection on Jamaal Charles, but Charles was not a Vikings acquisition and should not be credited directly to Minnesota. Minnesota's value came from using the pick as part of the price for Allen, who became an elite pass rusher for the Vikings.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive a B. Denver turned the deal into five useful seasons from Thomas. Minnesota missed on the two late 2007 selections but retained a valuable future third that helped complete a major veteran acquisition. The different paths produced enough value on both sides to leave the original trade essentially even.
Marcus Thomas played 76 games and started 34 for Denver, while Minnesota's immediate late-round selections produced little but the future third-rounder later became part of the package used to acquire Jared Allen.