The 2010 Jahvid Best Trade: Detroit Chased Explosiveness, Minnesota Found Everson Griffen
Detroit moved back into the first round for Jahvid Best. Minnesota moved down and came away with Chris Cook, Everson Griffen and another late pick, giving the Vikings the stronger long-term return.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 2010 1st round pick (30th overall, Jahvid Best)
- pick 2010 4th round pick (128th overall, Jason Fox)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2010 2nd round pick (34th overall, Chris Cook)
- pick 2010 4th round pick (100th overall, Everson Griffen)
- pick 2010 7th round pick (214th overall, Mickey Shuler)
Trade Summary
Detroit moved into the first round for Jahvid Best, while Minnesota moved down and received the picks used on Chris Cook, Everson Griffen, and Mickey Shuler. Best flashed major talent before concussions ended his career. Griffen became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the Vikings' leading pass rushers, giving Minnesota the stronger long-term outcome.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Detroit moved into the final portion of the 2010 first round and acquired picks No. 30 and No. 128 from Minnesota. The Lions used No. 30 on running back Jahvid Best and No. 128 on offensive tackle Jason Fox. Minnesota received No. 34, No. 100 and No. 214, using those selections on Chris Cook, Everson Griffen and Mickey Shuler.
Why Detroit Made the Move
Best was one of the most explosive offensive players in the class. Detroit wanted speed around Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and was willing to sacrifice extra capital to secure the Cal running back before the first round ended. Best flashed exactly that upside, including a 163-yard rushing performance during Detroit's 5-0 start in 2011.
The problem was health rather than talent. A concussion in the sixth game of the 2011 season effectively ended Best's NFL career. Detroit's own retrospective lists only 22 career games, a painful outcome for a player acquired with first-round capital.
Why Minnesota Won the Long Game
Cook became a starting cornerback, but Griffen was the difference-maker. Selected 100th overall, he developed into a multiple-time Pro Bowl pass rusher and a long-term fixture on Minnesota's defensive line. Getting that caliber of player in the fourth round dramatically changed the value of the trade-down.
The Long-Term Legacy
Detroit's process was understandable and the injury outcome was unusually harsh. Still, trade evaluations have to account for realized value. Minnesota gained more selections and converted one of them into a high-level defender with a long career.
Final Verdict
The Minnesota Vikings Win verdict is strong. Best's talent keeps the Lions' decision from looking foolish in process, but Griffen's longevity and peak production gave Minnesota far more durable value.