Oakland acquired Tom Maxwell plus Baltimore’s 1972 fourth-…
Oakland acquired Tom Maxwell plus Baltimore’s 1972 fourth- and seventh-round selections, sending Bill Laskey and a 1972 second-round pick to the Colts. The fourth-rounder became Dave Dalby, who spent 14 seasons with the Raiders, started more than 120 games and won three Super Bowls. Baltimore used its second-rounder on Jack Mildren, but that return could not match Dalby’s extraordinary longevity and championship value.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Bill Laskey
- pick 1972 second round pick (#46-Jack Mildren)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Tom Maxwell / Tommy Maxwell
- pick 1972 fourth round pick (#100-Dave Dalby)
- pick 1972 seventh round pick (#178-Dennis Pete)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Oakland and Baltimore exchanged Tom Maxwell, Bill Laskey and three 1972 draft choices on July 7, 1971. The Raiders received Maxwell, Baltimore’s fourth-round pick and a seventh-round pick. The Colts received Laskey and Oakland’s second-round selection. The relevant choices became Jack Mildren at No. 46, Dave Dalby at No. 100 and Dennis Pete at No. 178.
Why the Fourth-Round Pick Changed Everything
Dalby transformed an ordinary-looking fourth-round asset into the best result in the transaction. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Raiders, played more than 200 games, became a long-term starting center and won three Super Bowls. That kind of longevity at a core offensive-line position is exceptional value for any draft choice, much less one selected 100th overall.
What Baltimore Received
The Colts held the higher pick and selected Mildren, a celebrated college quarterback who transitioned to defensive back in the NFL. He played all 28 games over two Baltimore seasons and started 13, then moved to New England. Laskey was a veteran linebacker, but neither incoming piece gave Baltimore a long-term asset comparable to Dalby.
How the Hindsight Standard Applies
At the moment of the deal, Baltimore’s second-round pick was the premium draft chip. The final value curve went the opposite direction because Oakland’s lower selection produced a championship-era fixture. Maxwell himself was not the reason the Raiders won; Dalby was.
Final Verdict
Oakland wins clearly. Dalby’s 14 seasons, extensive starting work and three championships dwarf the Colts’ shorter returns from Mildren and Laskey. The Raiders earn an A. Baltimore still received legitimate NFL value and therefore merits a C+, rather than a failing grade, but the long-term difference is substantial.