NFL Draft Day is supposed to be about hope and potential, but every so often, it becomes the stage for chaos that reshapes the league. One bold trade can turn a franchise around—or haunt it for decades. From blockbuster quarterback moves to surprise deals that built dynasties, draft day trades are where legends are made and mistakes are immortalized.
Some of these moves were instant home runs, while others took years to reveal their actual impact. Either way, they left a mark that still echoes through NFL history. Let’s count down the top 20 draft day trades that changed everything.
20. Vikings Trade Up for Herschel Walker (1989)
Not a draft day trade, but the Vikings gave up a mountain of picks for Herschel Walker in what turned out to be a massive win for the Cowboys. Dallas flipped that haul into the foundation of a dynasty.
19. Rams Trade Up for Tavon Austin (2013)
The Rams moved up to grab Tavon Austin, hoping he’d become a game-changing weapon. Instead, he became a cautionary tale for those who trade up for gadget players.
18. Bills Trade Up for Sammy Watkins (2014)
Buffalo jumped up to fourth overall to take Watkins, passing on Khalil Mack and Mike Evans in the process. The move didn’t exactly age well.
17. Giants and Chargers Swap Eli Manning and Philip Rivers (2004)
Eli didn’t want to play in San Diego, so the teams pulled off a massive swap. The result? Two long careers, two Super Bowl rings (both Eli’s), and a lot of what-ifs.
16. 49ers Trade Up for Jerry Rice (1985)
San Francisco traded up to snag a wide receiver from Mississippi Valley State—and ended up with the greatest one ever. Sometimes the boldest move is the smartest one.
15. Browns Trade Up for Trent Richardson (2012)
Cleveland thought they had their franchise back when they moved up to grab Richardson. They didn’t—he was traded away a year later for a pick that didn’t do much either.
14. Chiefs Trade Up for Patrick Mahomes (2017)
Kansas City moved up to No. 10 and landed the quarterback who would change the course of the league. Not a bad use of assets, huh?
13. Saints Trade Entire Draft for Ricky Williams (1999)
Mike Ditka gave away the farm for one player and posed with Ricky Williams in matching wedding attire. It was fun at the time—and an absolute disaster in hindsight.
12. Jets Trade Up for Mark Sanchez (2009)
New York jumped up to grab the Sanchez, and for a hot second, it worked. But things unraveled quickly, and the trade now feels more like a tabloid headline than a smart move.
11. Rams Trade Up for Jared Goff (2016)
The Rams gave up a huge haul to take Goff first overall. They made a Super Bowl with him, then shipped him out for the guy who won it.
10. Raiders Trade Pick That Becomes Larry Fitzgerald (2004)
Oakland sent away the pick that ended up becoming Fitzgerald in a deal for a short-term upgrade. Arizona said thanks and walked away with a legend.
9. Eagles Trade Up for Carson Wentz (2016)
Philadelphia made a big move to grab Wentz, who helped them reach a Super Bowl, kind of. Injuries and inconsistency quickly turned this into a rollercoaster.
8. Falcons Trade Up for Julio Jones (2011)
Atlanta went all-in on an elite receiver, and it paid off in highlight reels for nearly a decade. The price was steep, but Julio made it worthwhile.
7. Giants Trade for Lawrence Taylor Pick (1981)
New York made sure they landed LT, and the rest is history. He became one of the most feared defenders the game has ever seen.
6. Cowboys Get Multiple Picks in Herschel Walker Deal (1989)
Yes, this one’s back—but from the other side. Dallas fleeced Minnesota and flipped that war chest into Aikman, Emmitt, and Jimmy Johnson’s ring collection.
5. Buccaneers Trade Steve Young to the 49ers (1987)
Not a draft day trade, but Tampa Bay moved on from Steve Young too soon, and the Niners scooped him up. All he did was win an MVP and a Super Bowl.
4. Chargers Trade Up for Ryan Leaf (1998)
San Diego thought they were getting the next great quarterback. What they got instead was one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
3. Ravens Land Pick for Ray Lewis (1996)
Baltimore’s draft haul in their inaugural season included a trade that let them grab Ray Lewis. That move shaped their entire identity for the next two decades.
Read More: 10 Times a NFL Team’s “All In” Move Blew Up Instantly
2. Seahawks Trade First-Rounder for Percy Harvin (2013)
Seattle dealt a first for Harvin, hoping he’d be a game-changer. He was, for one Super Bowl return, before things fell apart fast.
Read More: The 15 Most Shocking NFL Trades That Completely Backfired
1. Cowboys Trade for the Pick That Became Emmitt Smith (1990)
Dallas made a savvy move to acquire Emmitt Smith. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher was the final piece of a dynasty puzzle.
Read More: The 18 Most Questionable Trades in Sports History
