Los Angeles turned three fringe players into the 1954…
Los Angeles turned three fringe players into the 1954 fourth-round pick used on Lester McClelland, but McClelland never played an NFL game. Pittsburgh got the only realized production: Nick Bolkovac appeared in 17 Steelers games and scored 57 points, while Bill Hegarty played one Pittsburgh game and George Porter never reached an NFL regular-season game. That gives Pittsburgh the stronger hindsight return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1954 undisclosed draft pick (possibly #43-Lester McClelland)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player George Porter
- player Bill Hegarty
- player Nick Bolkovac
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Los Angeles sent George Porter, Bill Hegarty and Nick Bolkovac to Pittsburgh on May 26, 1953 for a 1954 draft choice. Historical draft-trade research labels the exact pick unconfirmed, but the Steelers' record says a choice went to Los Angeles and Rams draft history identifies No. 43 Lester McClelland as coming from Pittsburgh. That cross-check is strong enough to resolve the listed asset without pretending the documentation is perfect.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams used No. 43, a fourth-round selection, on Syracuse tackle Lester McClelland. Pro Football Reference's Rams draft history credits McClelland with zero NFL games, so Los Angeles realized no regular-season production from the pick. The trade therefore did not turn three outgoing players into a contributor, despite successfully converting the package into a specific draft selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh's three-player return was uneven but produced one useful piece. George Porter, a 1953 Rams draft choice, never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Bill Hegarty played three NFL games in 1953, only one of them for Pittsburgh. Nick Bolkovac supplied the substance: he appeared in 17 Steelers games over 1953 and 1954, made one start, converted seven field goals and 30 extra points, and scored 57 points.
Value in Hindsight
This was not a blockbuster, but Pittsburgh extracted actual on-field value while Los Angeles did not. Bolkovac's two seasons and kicking production comfortably outweigh a drafted player who never appeared, with Hegarty adding a small amount of service. The uncertainty surrounding the historical ledger is disclosed rather than hidden, while the independent team records point to the same No. 43 outcome.
Final Verdict
The Rams receive a D+ because the acquired pick is now traceable but produced no NFL contribution. Pittsburgh earns a B- for getting two seasons and 57 points from Bolkovac plus one Hegarty appearance. Pittsburgh Steelers Win is the supported hindsight verdict.