Denver acquired veteran left tackle Tony Jones for the 58th…
Denver acquired veteran left tackle Tony Jones for the 58th pick in the 1997 draft. Jones became a cornerstone on both Broncos Super Bowl championship teams and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1998. Baltimore used the pick on safety Kim Herring, who became a legitimate NFL starter and later won a Super Bowl with the Ravens. Both clubs received high-quality value suited to their timelines.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick 1997 2nd round pick (58th overall, Kim Herring)
Denver Broncos Received
- player Tony Jones
Trade Analysis
Why Denver Wanted Tony Jones
Denver was building around John Elway and Terrell Davis and needed veteran protection more than another developmental draft pick. Tony Jones brought extensive starting experience and immediately solved a premium offensive-line position. He became the Broncos' left tackle during their back-to-back Super Bowl championship seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1998.
What Baltimore Did With the Pick
The Ravens received the 58th overall selection and used it on Penn State defensive back Kim Herring. Herring went on to play 98 NFL games and became a meaningful part of Baltimore's defense. He later started during the Ravens' 2000 championship season, giving the franchise real long-term value from the pick acquired for an older veteran.
How the Timelines Fit Both Teams
The trade matched each club's competitive window. Denver needed a proven veteran tackle immediately and got one of the key pieces of a championship line. Baltimore, still building a young roster after the franchise's move from Cleveland, converted a veteran into a top-60 selection and found a player who remained useful into its rise as a defensive power.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Denver receives an A because Jones was exactly the veteran addition a contender needed and directly contributed to two titles. Baltimore earns an A- because Herring became a long-term starter and championship contributor at a much younger age. Denver won the short-term championship equation, while Baltimore succeeded at converting veteran value into a productive draft asset. This is a rare exchange where both strategies worked.