Los Angeles obtained the 1955 second-round choice used on…
Los Angeles obtained the 1955 second-round choice used on tackle Sid Fournet by sending defensive back Herb Rich to New York. Fournet gave the Rams two seasons and useful line depth, but Rich became an immediate Giants playmaker, producing five interceptions in 1954 and six more in 1955. New York clearly captured the stronger near-term and sustained return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1955 second round pick (#20- Sid Fournet )
New York Giants Received
- player Herb Rich
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The September 1954 exchange converted an established defensive back into future draft capital for Los Angeles. Draft-transaction records tie the Giants' 1955 second-round selection, No. 20, directly to Herb Rich, and the Rams used it on LSU tackle Sid Fournet. Both sides therefore acquired legitimate NFL talent, making the trade a useful example of why draft position alone cannot determine a historical verdict.
What Los Angeles Rams Received
Los Angeles used the pick on Sid Fournet, who made the Rams and appeared in 23 games over the 1955 and 1956 seasons. He started eight times and continued an NFL career beyond Los Angeles. That is credible value from a second-round choice, and it prevents the Rams from receiving a poor grade. Still, Fournet did not become a long-term cornerstone for the club that acquired the pick.
What New York Giants Received
New York received Herb Rich and obtained an immediate defensive contributor. NFL career records show five interceptions for the Giants in 1954 and six in 1955, giving New York 11 takeaways from him in the first two seasons after the trade. Rich remained with the Giants through 1956 and supplied both secondary experience and playmaking at a time when New York was building toward championship contention.
Final Verdict
New York Giants Win. Los Angeles got a real NFL player from the pick, so a C+ fairly recognizes Fournet's two useful Rams seasons. Rich, however, generated much more direct value for New York, including 11 interceptions in his first two Giants seasons. That production and multi-year role justify an A- for the Giants and reverse a verdict that had overvalued the second-round selection itself.
Fournet gave Los Angeles two seasons of useful line depth, while Rich immediately became a productive Giants defensive back with repeated interception production.