The Rams sent Harland Svare and Stan West to the Giants in…
The Rams sent Harland Svare and Stan West to the Giants in August 1955 for New York's 1956 first-round pick, which Los Angeles used on Joe Marconi at No. 6. Marconi became a useful multi-year back, while Svare became a starting linebacker on the Giants' 1956 championship team and remained part of a celebrated defense. Both clubs realized meaningful value, making an even result more defensible than the old lopsided grades.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1956 first round pick (#6-Joe Marconi)
New York Giants Received
- player Harland Svare
- player Stan West
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
Los Angeles moved Harland Svare and Stan West to New York in late August 1955 and received the Giants' 1956 first-round pick. Draft history identifies the selection as No. 6 overall, used by the Rams on Joe Marconi. The trade therefore exchanged two veteran players for a premium pick that Los Angeles successfully converted into a player who lasted in the league.
Why New York's Side Matters
Svare was not a throw-in. Giants history describes him as the starting left linebacker in Tom Landry's defense, and he started every game of the 1956 championship season, including the title-game rout of Chicago. He remained part of New York teams that returned to the championship game in 1958 and 1959. That level of contribution makes the old C- treatment for the Giants too harsh.
How Los Angeles Used the Pick
The Rams also did well. Marconi became a useful fullback and remained an NFL contributor for years. His very best recognition came later with Chicago, so Los Angeles should not receive credit for his entire career, but the Rams did convert New York's first-rounder into real on-field production rather than wasting the asset. That keeps their side comfortably above average.
Final Verdict
This moves to Even Trade with B+ grades on both sides. New York obtained a championship starter and defensive fixture in Svare, while Los Angeles turned the first-round pick into a productive back. Neither return was perfect or franchise-altering by itself, but both organizations received enough sustained value that declaring a decisive winner overstates the evidence.