New Orleans moved from pick 16 to 13 for tackle Jammal Brown,…
New Orleans moved from pick 16 to 13 for tackle Jammal Brown, sending Houston a future third-rounder in addition to the lower first. Brown became a two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro for the Saints. Houston selected Travis Johnson at 16 and later Eric Winston at 66; Winston became a durable starting tackle. Both clubs created substantial value, making the exchange unusually balanced in hindsight.
Houston Texans Received
- pick 2005 1st round pick (16th overall, Travis Johnson)
- pick 2006 3rd round pick (66th overall, Eric Winston)
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2005 1st round pick (13th overall, Jammal Brown)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The Saints wanted to secure Oklahoma tackle Jammal Brown before another team could take him and paid Houston to move from pick 16 to 13. The Texans accepted the small move down because it preserved a first-round selection while adding a valuable 2006 third. It was a classic trade in which one team prioritized a specific premium prospect and the other prioritized total draft capital.
What the Returns Produced
New Orleans selected Brown at 13 and quickly installed him as a starting tackle. He became a two-time Pro Bowler and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2006, giving the Saints high-end line play through the 2008 season. Houston used pick 16 on defensive tackle Travis Johnson, whose career was disappointing for a first-rounder, but the extra 2006 third became Eric Winston, who developed into a durable multi-year starting right tackle.
How the Value Developed
Brown was the best individual player produced by the exchange during his peak, and elite left-tackle play justifies paying a premium. Houston's return was broader. Johnson did not become the hoped-for defensive centerpiece, but Winston supplied years of dependable starting snaps at another premium position. The combination gives the Texans enough value to prevent the Saints' All-Pro hit from turning the deal into a one-sided win.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This is the kind of trade that works for both roster-building philosophies. New Orleans identified a player worthy of moving up and got elite performance. Houston accepted a modest slide, missed on one first-rounder but hit strongly on the added future pick. Because each club came away with a foundational tackle and meaningful service, an even verdict best reflects the full return.
Final Verdict
Even Trade is the best fit. Houston Texans earns a A-, while New Orleans Saints earns a A-. Those grades reflect the cost paid, the direct production received, the length and quality of each contribution, and any important downstream value created from draft capital.