Ricky Williams was a top draft prospect. His award-winning college career saw him go as one of the more wanted players at the 1999 NFL Draft. One team very intrigued with Williams was the New Orleans Saints because of his college production, and all signs pointed to him having a similar impact at the NFL level. The conditions surrounding the 1999 NFL Draft had New Orleans anxious to sign Williams and help their team into a brighter future. 

Details of the Trade

In the 1999 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints traded all their draft picks to acquire the right to select Ricky Williams with the #5 overall pick in a move that has yet to be matched. They traded eight picks in all, including two first-rounders, to the Washington Redskins for spot #5 of the draft. The trade package spanned many drafts, including veteran trades and other forms of compensation.

Effect and Consequence of the Trade

The trade had wide-reaching ramifications for the roster, draft capital, and what it meant for New Orleans in the future at the time. It changed everything about who would be on the team and what resources we could offer to acquire in future drafts. The trade for Williams was initially panned as a desperation move. Still, it jump-started New Orleans' defense with ripple effects that would eventually change how the team operated for years.

Legacy and Lessons Learned

The Ricky Williams trade was riddled with both great and bad views. As aggressive as the deal was for New Orleans, it led many to wonder about how sustainable that is of a high-stakes move. The Williams trade represents a draft move of the NFL-type case history, able to clarify some basic rules about drafting and begin charting the high costs of digging for gold.

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