Detroit received wide receiver Freddie Scott and Baltimore's…
Detroit received wide receiver Freddie Scott and Baltimore's 1978 fourth-round pick at No. 107. The Lions used the pick on guard Homer Elias, who played seven seasons for Detroit, appeared in 96 games, and started 87, becoming the defining long-term asset in the exchange. The hindsight grade is A-, with the overall verdict recorded as Detroit Lions Win.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Freddie Scott
- pick 1978 fourth round pick (#107-Homer Elias)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Herb Orvis
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit Lions received Freddie Scott and 1978 fourth round pick (#107-Homer Elias), while Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts received Herb Orvis. The deal is judged by what those assets actually produced after the exchange, including supported downstream draft outcomes.
What Detroit Lions Received
Detroit received wide receiver Freddie Scott and Baltimore's 1978 fourth-round pick at No. 107. The Lions used the pick on guard Homer Elias, who played seven seasons for Detroit, appeared in 96 games, and started 87, becoming the defining long-term asset in the exchange.
What Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts Received
Baltimore acquired veteran defensive tackle Herb Orvis. Orvis supplied experienced defensive-line help, but his Colts tenure did not approach the seven seasons of starting offensive-line value Detroit obtained from Elias, even before considering Scott's contribution.
How the Value Developed
Detroit won through both quantity and durability. A veteran receiver plus the pick that became a seven-year starting guard created a much stronger return than the Colts received from Orvis. That comparison focuses on the contribution each acquiring club actually received rather than treating the original draft slot or veteran reputation as value by itself.
Why the Difference Matters
This was a standard-tier transaction, so the grades should reflect the size of the practical football difference without turning a useful role player into a franchise-defining asset. Longevity, starting responsibility, production, and any well-supported downstream pick result all matter. The side with the better combination of those outcomes deserves the stronger grade, while a short or empty return remains near the middle or lower end of the scale.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions receives a A- and Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts receives a C+. The final call is Detroit Lions Win. Detroit won through both quantity and durability. A veteran receiver plus the pick that became a seven-year starting guard created a much stronger return than the Colts received from Orvis.