Minnesota moved up two spots in the 2004 second round for…
Minnesota moved up two spots in the 2004 second round for linebacker Dontarrious Thomas, sending New Orleans picks 50 and 151 for No. 48. Thomas became a useful multi-year Viking, but the Saints selected Devery Henderson at 50 and later used pick 151 in another trade that helped add 2005 second-round capital. Henderson’s long tenure and championship-era production give New Orleans the stronger return.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2004 2nd round pick (48th overall, Dontarrious Thomas)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2004 2nd round pick (50th overall, Devery Henderson)
- pick 2004 5th round pick (151st overall; later traded with pick 81 to Washington)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Minnesota wanted to move from No. 50 to No. 48 in the 2004 second round and targeted Auburn linebacker Dontarrious Thomas. New Orleans was willing to slide back two spots because the Vikings added the 151st overall choice. The structure was simple: Minnesota paid a fifth-rounder to secure its preferred defender before another club could intervene.
What the Returns Produced
Thomas became a regular part of Minnesota’s defense and special teams during four seasons with the Vikings. He gave the club useful snaps and starting experience, so the move was not a failure. New Orleans selected LSU receiver Devery Henderson at No. 50. Henderson became one of the NFL’s better deep threats, spent eight seasons with the Saints and remained a significant part of the offense during the franchise’s 2009 championship run.
How the Extra Pick Added Value
The fifth-rounder mattered beyond the player eventually selected at No. 151. New Orleans later packaged that choice with pick No. 81 in a deal with Washington, receiving pick No. 139 and a 2005 second-rounder. That later transaction expanded the value created by moving down, while Minnesota had already concentrated its return in Thomas.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is a strong example of why small draft-day moves can produce a wide gap over time. Minnesota got a serviceable linebacker, but New Orleans found a long-term offensive weapon and preserved flexibility with the extra pick.
Final Verdict
New Orleans Saints Win. The Saints earn an A- for Henderson’s longevity, big-play production and the added value of pick 151. Minnesota earns a C+ because Thomas contributed, but the cost of moving up two places ultimately proved expensive.