San Francisco received Cleveland's 1965 first-round pick…
San Francisco received Cleveland's 1965 first-round pick after the Browns acquired veteran guard Ted Connolly. The 49ers used the No. 13 selection on defensive back George Donnelly, who played 33 games with 18 starts over three San Francisco seasons. Connolly played 10 games for Cleveland in 1963 without a start.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Ted Connolly
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1965 first-round pick (#13-George Donnelly)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Both clubs document the transaction. Cleveland's official draft history says its 1965 first-round choice was traded to San Francisco for guard Ted Connolly. The 49ers trade history describes the same compensation as the 1965 No. 1 pick received when Cleveland signed Connolly. ProSportsTransactions identifies the choice as No. 13 overall, later used on George Donnelly.
Cleveland Return
Connolly was an established veteran and former Pro Bowler by the time Cleveland acquired him, but his Browns tenure was brief. Pro Football Reference records 10 appearances in 1963, no starts and three approximate-value points. He did not play another NFL season after 1963.
San Francisco Return
The 49ers converted Cleveland's first-rounder into Illinois defensive back George Donnelly at No. 13 in the 1965 draft. Donnelly played 33 games over three San Francisco seasons, starting 18. He became a starting free safety in 1966 and recorded two interceptions that year. Pro Football Reference credits him with eight San Francisco AV.
Hindsight Comparison
Cleveland received one season of reserve-line service from Connolly. San Francisco waited two drafts for the return but ultimately received three seasons and 18 starts from Donnelly. The first-round asset created more realized franchise value than the Browns obtained from Connolly.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win. A B grade reflects a first-round pick that became a multi-year starting defensive back rather than a star; Cleveland receives a C for a useful veteran whose Browns contribution was limited to 10 games and no starts.