Houston received Kansas City's 1987 sixth-round selection for…
Houston received Kansas City's 1987 sixth-round selection for Larry Moriarty and used No. 159 on linebacker Toby Caston. Caston played 90 NFL games over six seasons, beginning with the Oilers and later continuing with Detroit. His Houston role was not that of a star, but the sixth-round asset produced more sustained professional value than Moriarty's limited rushing contribution did for Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Larry Moriarty
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1987 6th round pick (159th overall, Toby Caston)
Trade Analysis
The Deadline Trade
Kansas City added Larry Moriarty from Houston on October 14, 1986, sending the Oilers a 1987 sixth-round draft choice. Moriarty was an experienced fullback and running back who could immediately fill depth needs. The Chiefs used him in ten games after the move, and he remained with Kansas City for the next two seasons.
Moriarty's Kansas City Production
The Chiefs did receive real service. Moriarty appeared in 31 regular-season games for Kansas City from 1986 through 1988. His rushing workload was limited, with 115 yards in 1986, 107 in 1987 and 62 in 1988. He therefore provided roster depth and availability rather than high-impact offensive production.
Houston's Draft Asset
The sixth-round choice became No. 159 overall in the 1987 draft. Houston selected linebacker Toby Caston. Caston went on to appear in 90 NFL games and made four starts over his career, beginning with the Oilers before later playing for Detroit. That is a solid career outcome from a sixth-round selection, even though much of the total came after Houston.
Comparing Team Value
Kansas City got three seasons from Moriarty, which keeps the Chiefs' grade respectable. Houston converted a veteran depth player into a draft choice that became a durable NFL linebacker. The Oilers' return was not spectacular, but it carried more long-term value and upside than the limited rushing role Moriarty filled in Kansas City.
Final Verdict
Houston Oilers Win. Houston earns a B-minus for turning Moriarty into the pick used on Toby Caston. Kansas City earns a C because Moriarty provided three seasons of depth but little offensive impact. The Oilers gain a modest edge through the stronger long-term asset.
Moriarty provided Kansas City three seasons of reserve backfield depth, while Caston's longer professional career gave Houston the stronger sustained return from the sixth-round selection, overall across the seasons that followed for both clubs.