The Giants climbed from No. 91 to No. 85 and used the pick on…
The Giants climbed from No. 91 to No. 85 and used the pick on wide receiver Ramses Barden, sending Philadelphia No. 91 and No. 164. Barden stayed four seasons but produced only 29 receptions for 394 yards and no touchdowns in 29 games. New York obtained the player it wanted, yet the limited return makes the two-pick move-up difficult to defend in hindsight.
New York Giants Received
- pick 2009 third-round pick (No. 85, Ramses Barden )
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2009 third-round pick (No. 91; later traded to Seattle)
- pick 2009 fifth-round pick (No. 164; later traded to New Orleans)
Trade Analysis
The Move Up for Ramses Barden
On April 26, 2009, New York sent Philadelphia picks No. 91 and No. 164 to acquire pick No. 85. The Giants selected Cal Poly receiver Ramses Barden. Philadelphia did not simply make selections with the incoming choices; it used both as trade currency, continuing to move around the board and creating additional draft opportunities.
What the Giants Got
Barden was a distinctive prospect at 6-foot-6, but the production never matched the investment. Across four seasons with New York, he appeared in 29 regular-season games, started once, and finished with 29 receptions for 394 yards and no touchdowns. He provided depth and occasional size on the perimeter, yet he never developed into the meaningful receiving piece New York hoped to secure by moving up.
How Philadelphia Used the Return
The Eagles received No. 91 and No. 164. Philadelphia later sent No. 91 to Seattle in another move that brought back multiple selections, including future draft capital. The club also dealt No. 164 to New Orleans for additional late-round value. Those follow-on moves make the original return more valuable than judging the two pick numbers in isolation: Philadelphia preserved optionality and multiplied opportunities.
Why the Value Separated
A six-slot climb in the third round is reasonable when the chosen player becomes a dependable starter. Barden did not. Philadelphia, meanwhile, accepted a small move down and gained another asset without giving up a proven veteran. Even though the Eagles' downstream picks did not produce a singular star from this branch, the transaction gave them materially more usable draft capital.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia earns a B- for converting one slot into two movable assets. New York gets a C- because Barden contributed only sparingly. The Eagles win the trade.
Philadelphia retained greater flexibility after Barden produced little Giants receiving value.