Denver acquired Tom Domres from Houston for the 1972…
Denver acquired Tom Domres from Houston for the 1972 sixth-round choice that became No. 136 Elmer Allen. Domres immediately started all five games he played for Denver in 1971 and returned for 11 more appearances in 1972. That usable two-season line contribution gave the Broncos more realized football value than the Oilers generated from the late-round selection.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Tom Domres
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1972 sixth round pick (#136-Elmer Allen)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1971-10-23, Denver Broncos received Tom Domres, while Houston Oilers received 1972 sixth round pick (#136-Elmer Allen). The trade is judged by the football value each club actually realized from the assets it controlled after the exchange. When a draft choice cannot be tied confidently to a later selection, the asset remains described at the level the historical evidence supports.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired Tom Domres from Houston for the 1972 sixth-round choice that became No. 136 Elmer Allen. Domres immediately started all five games he played for Denver in 1971 and returned for 11 more appearances in 1972. That usable two-season line contribution gave the Broncos more realized football value than the Oilers generated from the late-round selection.
Houston Oilers Return
Houston sent Tom Domres to Denver and received the 1972 sixth-round choice that became No. 136 Elmer Allen. Allen did not create a return comparable to the immediate playing time Domres supplied for the Broncos, who started him in all five of his 1971 appearances and used him again in 1972. The Oilers therefore finish on the weaker side of a modest transaction.
Value in Hindsight
Domres was not a long-term cornerstone, but the timing matters. Denver acquired him during the 1971 season and immediately used him as a starter in every game he played, then received another 11 appearances the next year. Houston's sixth-round return became Elmer Allen without producing a comparable payoff. For the modest price involved, two seasons of useful line service are enough to separate the teams and support Denver's B- grade without inflating the significance of the trade.
Final Verdict
The final call is Denver Broncos Win. Denver Broncos earns B-, and Houston Oilers earns C. Those grades reflect the supported package, the documented post-trade production, and the relative football value each side ultimately realized from this exchange.