San Francisco acquired tackle Bob Cross from the Rams for its…
San Francisco acquired tackle Bob Cross from the Rams for its 1957 third-round pick, which Los Angeles used at No. 27 on George Strugar. Cross gave the 49ers two seasons of useful line play, while Strugar appeared in 57 games with 32 starts for the Rams. Both sides received legitimate value, but Los Angeles obtained the longer-lasting contribution.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1957 third round pick (#27- George Strugar )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Bob Cross / Bobby Cross
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The 49ers acquired tackle Bob Cross from Los Angeles in September 1956 and sent the Rams their third-round choice in the 1957 draft. San Francisco media guides preserve the basic transaction, while the draft trail identifies the pick as No. 27 overall. The Rams used it on Washington lineman George Strugar. This was a classic veteran-for-pick trade: San Francisco bought immediate offensive-line help, and Los Angeles accepted future draft value.
What Los Angeles Received
Strugar became a durable Rams defensive lineman. Pro Football Reference credits him with 57 games and 32 starts during his Los Angeles tenure. That is meaningful mid-round value, especially because he stayed with the club for several seasons rather than serving as a short-term reserve. The Rams effectively turned a player they were willing to move into a young lineman who provided a larger body of service.
What San Francisco Received
Cross also helped his new team. He played for the 49ers during the 1956 and 1957 seasons and was part of their offensive line rather than a player who disappeared immediately after the trade. The cost—a third-round pick—was material but not extravagant for a veteran tackle who could step into the lineup. That makes the 49ers’ side defensible even with hindsight.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/Cleveland/St. Louis Rams Win, narrowly. Strugar’s five Rams seasons, 57 games and 32 starts produced the longer and larger direct return. Cross nevertheless gave San Francisco useful near-term line play, so a harsh grade would overstate the difference. Los Angeles earns a B+ for converting the pick into a multi-year contributor, while San Francisco earns a B for receiving legitimate service at a position of need. This is the kind of trade where both teams can reasonably like the outcome even though the Rams finished slightly ahead.