Cleveland’s 1953 third-round pick became guard Gene…
Cleveland’s 1953 third-round pick became guard Gene Donaldson, who played 11 games for the Browns in his lone NFL season. Detroit received Robert Lee “Bob” Smith, the Texas A&M fullback whose rights Cleveland had owned; after military service, Smith played 15 games for the Lions and was part of the 1953 championship team. Detroit gets a modest edge, C to C-, and the verdict is Detroit Lions Win.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1953 third round pick (#37- Gene Donaldson )
Detroit Lions Received
- player Robert Smith
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland’s official draft history identifies the 1953 No. 37 selection used on guard Gene Donaldson as a choice acquired from Detroit for back Robert Smith. The name is not the veteran Detroit defensive back already on the Lions roster. A 1953 Texas A&M newspaper identified the traded player as former Aggies All-America fullback Bob Smith and reported that Detroit had obtained him from Cleveland for a draft choice in 1952 before Smith entered military service.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland used the acquired third-rounder on Donaldson, a Kentucky guard. His Browns tenure was short but real: Pro Football Reference credits him with 11 regular-season games in 1953, his only NFL season. He was also on Cleveland’s postseason roster for the 1953 championship game. The pick therefore produced one season of reserve-line depth rather than a long-term starter.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit’s Robert Smith was Robert Lee “Bob” Smith, the Texas A&M fullback selected by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 1951 draft. After his military service, he joined Detroit in 1953. Pro Football Reference credits Smith with three games and one start that season, then 12 games in 1954. Across the two seasons he rushed nine times for 52 yards and caught one pass for 11 yards. Texas A&M’s official history also places him on Detroit’s 1953 NFL championship team.
Value in Hindsight
Neither return became a major long-term piece, but Detroit received slightly more usable service. Donaldson’s Cleveland career ended after 11 games in one season. Smith lasted two seasons, appeared in 15 regular-season games, started once, contributed limited offensive production, and was part of a championship roster. The identity resolution matters because attributing the deal to Detroit’s established defensive back would badly distort the trade.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win, narrowly. Detroit receives a C for Smith’s two seasons and championship-roster service; Cleveland receives a C- for Donaldson’s one-year reserve contribution. The difference is modest, but the verified player identity and actual team tenures support a small Detroit advantage.