San Diego moved up with New York in the 1989 draft, receiving…
San Diego moved up with New York in the 1989 draft, receiving second-round pick No. 51 and selecting quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver. The Giants received Nos. 64, 93 and 175, which became Bob Kratch, Lewis Tillman and Dave Popp. Tolliver started 19 games over two Chargers seasons, but Kratch and Tillman supplied longer New York service and both were part of the 1990 Super Bowl championship roster.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1989 second-round pick (No. 51, Billy Joe Tolliver )
New York Giants Received
- pick 1989 third-round pick (No. 64, Bob Kratch)
- pick 1989 fourth-round pick (No. 93, Lewis Tillman)
- pick 1989 seventh-round pick (No. 175, Dave Popp)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During the 1989 draft, San Diego acquired New York's second-round selection at No. 51 and used it on quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver. The Giants received three picks in return: No. 64, used on offensive lineman Bob Kratch; No. 93, used on running back Lewis Tillman; and No. 175, used on Dave Popp. The trade therefore exchanged one higher quarterback opportunity for three later chances in the same draft.
Los Angeles' Return
Tolliver represented the premium-position upside that motivated the move. He started five games as a rookie, then 14 in 1990. Across those two Chargers seasons he showed flashes but also threw more interceptions than touchdowns, and San Diego moved on before he became a long-term answer. The pick was not wasted in the sense of never producing starts, but it did not solve the quarterback position for a meaningful span.
New York's Return
Kratch and Tillman gave the Giants useful roster depth across multiple seasons. Kratch remained with New York through 1993 and was part of the offensive-line group around the 1990 championship team. Tillman also spent five seasons with the Giants, accumulated more than 1,400 rushing yards for New York and shared in the Super Bowl XXV season. Popp was the least consequential piece, but the first two picks created durable value.
Value in Hindsight
Trading up for a quarterback can justify an aggressive price if the player becomes a long-term starter. Tolliver did not reach that threshold in San Diego. The Giants spread the risk across three choices and received multiple seasons from two of them. New York's edge is not based merely on quantity; Kratch and Tillman actually stayed on the roster and contributed during a championship window, while the Chargers were searching again at quarterback after a short trial.
Final Verdict
New York Giants Win. The Giants receive a B+ for turning one second-rounder into several years of service from Kratch and Tillman plus another selection. San Diego gets a C+ because Tolliver did start 19 games and had real quarterback upside, but the move did not produce a lasting starter. New York's deeper, championship-era return wins in hindsight.