Quote:How many games are acceptable to lose intentionally?  

 

Why not just trade up for a "once in a decade player" in those rare instances and win games instead? 

 

I'll take the wins over draft position. 

Because not everyone who is in position to take a once in a decade player is willing to trade down no matter how much you offer them.

 

In 1983, San Diego offered the Colts THREE (3) first round picks in the draft deemed to be the best all time in the effort to obtain John Elway.

 

Baltimore said no.

 

Eventually, post draft, Elway forced the Colts' hand by refusing to sign with them and threatening to play baseball.

 

But it doesn't change the fact that a team in position to take a great player at the most important position didn't trade down.

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