Cleveland moved down from pick No. 20 to No. 23 and also…
Cleveland moved down from pick No. 20 to No. 23 and also received pick No. 103. At No. 23 the Browns selected Ozzie Newsome, who became a Hall of Fame tight end and one of the defining players in franchise history. The longer view produces a A+ grade for Cleveland Browns. Cleveland receives an A+ and Los Angeles a C+.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1978 first round pick (#23-Ozzie Newsome)
- pick 1978 fourth round pick (#103-Pete Pullara)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1978 first round pick (#20-Elvis Peacock)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland Browns received 1978 first round pick (#23-Ozzie Newsome) and 1978 fourth round pick (#103-Pete Pullara), while Los Angeles Rams received 1978 first round pick (#20-Elvis Peacock). The transaction is best judged by the football value those assets ultimately produced for the teams that acquired them, rather than by draft position or name recognition alone.
What Cleveland Browns Received
Cleveland moved down from pick No. 20 to No. 23 and also received pick No. 103. At No. 23 the Browns selected Ozzie Newsome, who became a Hall of Fame tight end and one of the defining players in franchise history.
What Los Angeles Rams Received
Los Angeles moved up to pick No. 20 and selected running back Elvis Peacock. Peacock reached the NFL and contributed, but his production and longevity did not approach the value Cleveland received from Newsome.
How the Value Developed
The fourth-round addition, used on Pete Pullara, was secondary to the central outcome. Cleveland moved down only three spots and still landed an all-time franchise player. That combination of draft efficiency and elite realized value creates a huge gap even before considering the extra pick.
Why the Difference Matters
The important distinction is realized team value. Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams each acquired something usable, but the length, role and quality of the resulting contributions were not equal. That difference is what drives the hindsight grades without exaggerating the importance of a standard-tier transaction.
Final Verdict
Cleveland receives an A+ and Los Angeles a C+. The Rams acquired the player they targeted and did not suffer a total loss, but the Browns turned a small move down the board into Ozzie Newsome plus another selection. In hindsight, this is a decisive Cleveland win.