Decreased NFL Draft Depth Gives Rasul Douglas’s Trade with the Packers More Nuance
Rasul Douglas wasn’t merely dealt by the Green Bay Packers to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round selection. Buffalo also received a fifth-round pick from them. Here’s why the Packers might not find it to be a major factor.
The Green Bay Packers traded star cornerback Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills during the NFL trade deadline because their season was not progressing quickly. The official agreement was for Buffalo to receive a third-round pick in exchange for Douglas and a fifth-round pick.
General manager Brian Gutekunst stated at the time that the Bills contacted “out of the blue” and “the offer was kind of too good to pass up,” even though the Packers had no intention of trading their best back-end playmaker, Douglas.
He said, “We felt it was in the best interests of the Packers.” “Obviously, losing a talented player is a short-term loss. That is difficult. However, when considering things more broadly, it will work out best for us.
“It was just too good for us to pass up, anytime you get a third-round pick that’s going to be in the top-100, probably going to be in the top-50 players you have on your board.” We hope the best for him. He did a great job for us while he was here, and we’re thrilled about the chances it gives some other guys.
In that statement, Gutekunst omitted the information that the Packers were also giving up a fifth-round pick.
As per the traditional Jimmy Johnson trade-value formula, the third-round selection that Green Bay acquired from Buffalo at position 91 overall is valued at 136 points. Worth 27.8 points, the fifth-round pick that the Packers traded back to Buffalo is ranked No. 159 overall. By using those point values, the Packers effectively acquired Douglas in exchange for a third-round compensatory selection, which is equal to the 98th overall pick.
In light of this, the fifth-round selection seems insignificant, even though Green Bay also selected receiver Dontayvion Wicks with the 159th overall pick in the 2023 draft. His effect throughout his freshman year was unquestionably significant.
In addition, this is the reason why, at least in theory, the math favors Green Bay.
Less underclassmen than usual joined the 2024 NFL Draft as a result of the NIL money flood into collegiate sports. In actuality, the following lists the underclassmen from the previous ten drafts: