San Diego sent Houston picks No. 72 and No. 125 in the 1988…
San Diego sent Houston picks No. 72 and No. 125 in the 1988 draft for pick No. 60, which became receiver Quinn Early. Early gave the Chargers three seasons and 739 receiving yards before developing into a bigger producer elsewhere. Houston used its choices on punter Greg Montgomery and cornerback Cris Dishman, with Dishman becoming a long-term starter and 43-interception NFL defender.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1988 third round pick (#60-Quinn Early)
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1988 third round pick (#72-Greg Montgomery)
- pick 1988 fifth round pick (#125-Cris Dishman)
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Moved Up
The Chargers targeted receiver Quinn Early and sent Houston the No. 72 pick plus No. 125 to reach No. 60. San Diego's own trade history records that exact two-for-one move. Early was immediately useful: he started 11 games as a rookie, caught 29 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns, and remained with the Chargers for three seasons before his career expanded in New Orleans and Buffalo.
What Houston Built From the Return
Houston used No. 72 on punter Greg Montgomery and No. 125 on cornerback Cris Dishman. Montgomery became a long-term NFL punter and spent his first six seasons with the Oilers. Dishman was the much bigger prize. He played 199 career games, started 167 and intercepted 43 passes, with the large majority of his prime coming for the Oilers franchise.
How the Correct Package Changes the Grade
The key to this trade is that pick No. 125 belonged to Houston's return, not to both teams. Once the package is read correctly, the value comparison changes sharply. Early was a legitimate contributor in San Diego and keeps the Chargers from receiving a poor grade, but the Oilers obtained two durable pieces and one of them became a long-term starting corner with major takeaway production.
Final Verdict
Houston wins comfortably. San Diego's B- recognizes three seasons of useful receiver play from Early, including immediate rookie production. The Oilers receive an A- because trading down produced a multi-year punter and a cornerstone defensive back in Dishman. The return was not merely deeper; it delivered far more sustained value to Houston than the Chargers captured from Early before he left.