Los Angeles sent quarterback Rudy Bukich to Washington in…
Los Angeles sent quarterback Rudy Bukich to Washington in September 1957 and received two premium draft choices: Washington's 1958 first-rounder and 1959 second-rounder. Those selections became Lou Michaels at No. 4 overall and Buddy Humphrey at No. 16. Bukich gave Washington only a short stay, while Los Angeles converted one expendable quarterback into two significant shots at young talent.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1958 first round pick (#4-Lou Michaels)
- pick 1959 second round pick (#16-Buddy Humphrey)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Rudy Bukich
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
The Rams moved Rudy Bukich to Washington on September 9, 1957, and received Washington's first-round choice in the 1958 draft plus its second-round choice in 1959. Draft-trade records trace those selections to Lou Michaels at No. 4 overall in 1958 and Buddy Humphrey at No. 16 overall in 1959. For Los Angeles, the attraction was obvious: one veteran quarterback turned into two early selections across consecutive drafts.
Why the Value Tilted
Bukich had already spent time with the Rams and was entering a journeyman phase of his career. Washington acquired a player capable of helping at quarterback, but not a long-term franchise solution. Los Angeles, meanwhile, used the first-rounder on Michaels, a highly regarded Kentucky lineman who became an immediate NFL contributor, and still retained a second premium selection the following year. Even without treating every later career accomplishment as value created solely by this transaction, the draft capital gap was substantial.
How the Outcome Aged
The deal looks stronger for the Rams because the return was not a speculative late-round package. A top-four selection and a second-rounder gave Los Angeles real roster-building flexibility. Washington's side can be understood as a team paying for immediate quarterback help in an era when experienced passers were difficult to acquire, but Bukich's brief tenure did not justify the combined price in hindsight.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles keeps the A- because it converted a movable veteran into two valuable draft assets and realized useful talent from the package. Washington remains at C-: Bukich had legitimate NFL ability, but the acquisition cost was too high relative to the duration and impact of his stay. The Rams won the exchange without needing an exaggerated downstream claim.