Los Angeles received the No. 2 pick in the 1962 draft from…
Los Angeles received the No. 2 pick in the 1962 draft from New York and used it on quarterback Roman Gabriel; the Giants received star receiver Del Shofner and the No. 13 pick, used on Jerry Hillebrand. Gabriel became an MVP and long-term Rams quarterback, while Shofner earned three straight first-team All-Pro honors in New York and helped the Giants reach three consecutive NFL title games.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1962 first round pick (#2-Roman Gabriel)
New York Giants Received
- player Del Shofner
- pick 1962 first round pick (#13-Jerry Hillebrand)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
The Giants acquired receiver Del Shofner from Los Angeles in August 1961 and also received the Rams' first-round choice in the 1962 draft, No. 13 overall, later used on Jerry Hillebrand. In return, New York sent Los Angeles its own 1962 first-rounder. That selection landed at No. 2 overall, where the Rams chose North Carolina State quarterback Roman Gabriel. Both franchises converted the exchange into elite talent.
Why New York Loved Shofner
Shofner was extraordinary immediately. In each of his first three Giants seasons he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and earned first-team All-Pro honors, helping New York win three consecutive Eastern Conference titles. He gave Y.A. Tittle a premier deep threat and became one of the defining receivers of the early 1960s. The additional No. 13 pick only strengthened the Giants' side of an already productive deal.
How Gabriel Paid Off for Los Angeles
Gabriel eventually became the Rams' franchise quarterback. He spent 11 seasons with Los Angeles, made multiple Pro Bowls, and peaked in 1969 as the NFL's Most Valuable Player after leading the Rams to an 11-3 season. Quarterbacks of that caliber are exceptionally difficult to acquire, and Los Angeles obtained the draft position needed to select him by surrendering a star receiver at a position where it had more flexibility.
Final Verdict
This is an Even Trade with A grades on both sides. New York received an immediate All-Pro receiver who fueled three title-game runs, plus another first-round pick. Los Angeles secured the quarterback who would lead its offense for more than a decade and win league MVP honors. Either franchise could reasonably make the trade again, which is the clearest sign of a true win-win.