Dallas moved tackle Paul Dickson and its 1962 first-round…
Dallas moved tackle Paul Dickson and its 1962 first-round pick to Cleveland during the 1961 draft for the Browns' No. 13 selection, then used it on Bob Lilly. Lilly became the first draft choice in Cowboys history, a Hall of Famer, and the foundation of the Doomsday Defense. Cleveland still received a top-four future pick that became Gary Collins, making its return respectable.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Paul Dickson
- pick 1962 first round pick (#4-Gary Collins)
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1961 first round pick (#13-Bob Lilly)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
Dallas entered its first full college draft without its original first-round selection because that pick had gone to Washington for Eddie LeBaron. When Cleveland made the No. 13 choice available, the Cowboys sent tackle Paul Dickson and their 1962 first-round pick to the Browns. Contemporary accounts describe a lengthy negotiation during the December 27, 1960 draft before Dallas finally secured the selection.
Why the Value Tilted
The Cowboys used No. 13 on TCU defensive lineman Bob Lilly, their first draft pick as a franchise. Lilly became the central figure of Dallas' emerging defense, earned repeated All-Pro honors, played 196 games, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When one transaction directly produces a player of that stature for his entire professional career, the acquiring side has an unusually strong case for the highest grade.
How the Outcome Aged
Cleveland's side was not a failure. The future first-rounder became the fourth overall pick in 1962, used on Gary Collins. Collins developed into a productive receiver and punter for the Browns and scored three touchdowns in Cleveland's 1964 NFL Championship victory. Paul Dickson also had NFL value, although his Cleveland stay was brief before another trade. A B reflects a real return that would look good in most deals.
Final Verdict
Dallas earns an A+ and the win because Lilly became a Hall of Fame franchise pillar and the symbol of the Cowboys' early defensive identity. Cleveland earns a B because the Browns converted the pick into Collins and received additional veteran value. This is not a case where one side got nothing; it is a case where Dallas acquired a historically exceptional player whose impact outweighed an otherwise solid package.