Denver acquired receiver Mike Pritchard and a 1995…
Denver acquired receiver Mike Pritchard and a 1995 seventh-round pick from Atlanta on April 24, 1994, while the Falcons received a 1994 third-rounder and Denver's 1995 first-round choice. Pritchard became a productive Broncos receiver, but Atlanta's future first was later used in the Chris Doleman trade. Both teams found value; the premium draft asset gives Atlanta the stronger overall result.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1994 3rd round pick (99th overall, Alai Kalaniuvalu )
- pick 1995 1st round pick (11th overall, subsequently traded to Minnesota)
Denver Broncos Received
- player Mike Pritchard
- pick 1995 7th round pick (222nd overall, Byron Chamberlain)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Denver wanted an established receiver and acquired Mike Pritchard from Atlanta during the 1994 draft, also receiving a 1995 seventh-round choice. Atlanta received the 99th pick in 1994 plus Denver's 1995 first-rounder. That future first was the central asset: it gave the Falcons enough premium capital to pursue another veteran move immediately, while Denver chose to turn future draft value into present receiving help for its offense.
What Each Team Received
Pritchard became a legitimate contributor for Denver and was part of a career that totaled 422 receptions, 5,187 yards and 26 touchdowns. The 1995 seventh-rounder became tight end Byron Chamberlain. Atlanta used the No. 99 pick on Alai Kalaniuvalu and, more importantly, included Denver's future first-rounder in the separate trade with Minnesota that brought defensive end Chris Doleman and the pick used on receiver Bert Emanuel. The first therefore retained substantial transactional value for Atlanta.
How the Value Developed
The trade worked better for Denver than a simple pick chart might suggest because Pritchard supplied real NFL receiving production. Atlanta still gains the edge because a future first-rounder is a major return for a veteran receiver, and the Falcons quickly leveraged that asset in a deal that added an elite pass rusher and another draft choice. Credit belongs to the value Atlanta actually controlled, not to Derrick Alexander, whom Minnesota eventually selected after receiving the pick.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta earns a B+ for extracting a first-round asset and using it productively in a follow-up transaction. Denver earns a B- because Pritchard was a useful receiver and the Broncos also received a late pick. This is a good example of a trade that can favor one side without making the other side a loser in practical roster terms.