Denver acquired defensive tackle Ellis Johnson from Atlanta…

The Exchange

Denver acquired veteran defensive tackle Ellis Johnson from Atlanta during the 2004 season for a conditional 2005 fifth-round draft choice. The condition ultimately produced No. 160 overall, which Atlanta used on linebacker Michael Boley. Some transaction materials place the move several days earlier than the legacy page date, but the direct assets and the resulting draft choice are clear. Denver Broncos Return Johnson gave Denver immediate defensive-line depth and appeared in 13 games for the Broncos in 2004. That made the acquisition useful for a team trying to strengthen a veteran roster during the season. The limitation was duration. Johnson did not become a long-term Denver fixture, so the Broncos received a short burst of experienced play rather than several seasons of value. Atlanta Falcons Return Atlanta turned the conditional fifth-rounder into Boley, who became a four-year starter for the Falcons and later continued as a long-term NFL linebacker. That is an excellent result from a fifth-round selection. Boley's athleticism and sustained starting role gave Atlanta years of defensive value from a pick acquired for a veteran whose Denver contribution lasted only one season. Value in Hindsight The difference is longevity and the quality of the selected player. Denver received what it sought in 2004, so the trade was not pointless, but Atlanta transformed a future mid-to-late selection into a durable starter. Boley's career far outlasted Johnson's Broncos tenure and created considerably more cumulative value. The conditional nature of the pick does not change the result because the condition was realized. Final Verdict Atlanta earns a B+ and Denver a C. The Falcons won by converting a veteran into the pick used on Michael Boley, a multi-year starter with a long NFL career. Denver received useful short-term depth from Johnson, which keeps the Broncos from a poor grade, but one season of contribution cannot match the sustained value Atlanta realized from No. 160.