Los Angeles acquired Washington's 1955 second-round choice…
Los Angeles acquired Washington's 1955 second-round choice and used No. 15 on Ron Waller, while Washington received Sam Baker. Waller became an immediate All-NFL-caliber rookie and played four seasons for the Rams. Baker developed into a valuable Washington kicker, punter and back, including Pro Bowl recognition, giving both clubs substantial return from the exchange.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1955 second round pick (#15-Ron Waller / Ronnie Waller)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Sam Baker (H.)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The July 1953 trade involved a veteran player and future draft capital, with Los Angeles acquiring Washington's 1955 second-round choice in exchange for Sam Baker. Draft histories trace the selection to No. 15, where the Rams chose Maryland back Ron Waller. The transaction produced unusually tangible value on both sides: Los Angeles gained a productive young runner, while Washington acquired a versatile player who later handled multiple special-teams roles.
What Los Angeles Rams Received
Los Angeles used the pick on Ron Waller, and the return arrived quickly. Waller appeared in 42 games for the Rams from 1955 through 1958 and earned prominent All-NFL recognition as a rookie. He contributed as a runner and receiver on a talented Los Angeles offense. A four-year tenure is not dynasty-length value, but the Rams received a good player from the exact selection they acquired.
What Washington Received
Washington received Sam Baker, whose usefulness extended beyond conventional backfield work. Baker became a regular kicker and punter and earned Pro Bowl recognition during his Washington years. His versatility helped the club in field position and scoring as well as from scrimmage. That breadth and longevity means Washington did substantially better than the earlier low grade implied.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Los Angeles deserves a B+ for converting the future pick into Ron Waller, an immediate standout who supplied four seasons of useful offense. Washington also earns a B+ because Baker developed into a multi-role contributor and Pro Bowl specialist. Neither side produced an overwhelming long-term advantage, and both acquired players who materially helped their teams in different ways.
Ron Waller delivered an outstanding rookie season and useful Rams production, while Sam Baker became a multi-role Washington contributor and Pro Bowl specialist, giving both franchises significant starting-level value from the same exchange. Both organizations therefore received genuine multi-year football value.