Los Angeles traded defensive back George Youngblood to…
Los Angeles traded defensive back George Youngblood to Cleveland for the Browns' 1968 third-round pick, No. 74 overall. The Rams quickly bundled that selection with a first-rounder and a 1969 second-rounder to acquire star defensive tackle Roger Brown from Detroit; Detroit later used No. 74 on Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders. Youngblood spent only part of one season in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player George Youngblood
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1968 third round pick (#74, later included in the Roger Brown trade to Detroit; Detroit selected Charlie Sanders)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Rams sent defensive back George Youngblood to Cleveland on August 28, 1967 for the Browns' 1968 third-round pick, No. 74 overall. Cleveland's draft history and draft-transaction records agree on the round and selection. Los Angeles did not ultimately use the pick itself; days later, the Rams included it with their 1968 first-rounder and 1969 second-rounder in the trade for Detroit defensive tackle Roger Brown.
Why the Pick Had More Value Than Its Final Name
Detroit eventually selected Hall of Fame tight end Charlie Sanders at No. 74, but Sanders should not be credited as a Rams player outcome. The value Los Angeles actually realized was transactional: the pick helped complete the package for Roger Brown, an established star defensive lineman. That distinction keeps the history accurate while still recognizing that the Youngblood return became meaningful leverage.
How Cleveland's Side Played Out
Youngblood appeared in 11 games for Cleveland in 1967 and was gone soon afterward, also spending time with New Orleans and Chicago. The Browns therefore surrendered a third-round asset for less than a full season of meaningful roster value. Even without assigning Sanders directly to Los Angeles, that is a poor exchange.
Final Verdict
The Rams win clearly. They turned a short-tenure defensive back into a third-round pick that immediately helped secure Roger Brown. Cleveland received little lasting value and gave up useful draft capital. An A- for Los Angeles and D for Cleveland reflects the successful asset conversion without falsely treating Charlie Sanders as a Rams draft selection.