Los Angeles traded veteran receiver Harold Jackson to New…
Los Angeles traded veteran receiver Harold Jackson to New England for a 1979 third-round pick and a 1980 fourth-round pick. The selections became Mike Wellman and David Hodge, neither of whom approached Jackson’s impact for the Patriots. The Rams gained draft flexibility from an aging player, but the realized return remained modest.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1979 third round pick (#81-Mike Wellman)
- pick 1980 fourth round pick (#98-David Hodge)
New England Patriots Received
- player Harold Jackson
Trade Analysis
New England targeted a proven vertical receiver and paid two mid-round selections rather than premium draft capital. The Patriots acquired Harold Jackson from the Rams in August 1978 for a third-round pick in 1979 and a fourth-round pick in 1980. Los Angeles later used those selections on Mike Wellman and David Hodge.
Jackson provided exactly the type of veteran production New England was seeking. He became a regular starter immediately and remained a central receiving option through 1981. Patriots historical records list him with 64 appearances and 62 starts across his New England stints. His production included a 1,000-yard season in 1979 and multiple years as a dangerous downfield target, giving the Patriots a strong return on two non-premium selections.
The Rams’ picks did not create comparable value. Neither Wellman nor Hodge developed into a long-term Los Angeles cornerstone, so the theoretical benefit of turning an older receiver into two younger assets never materialized at a similar level. Los Angeles at least obtained multiple draft opportunities instead of losing Jackson without compensation, which keeps the grade out of failing territory.
New England earns an A- because it bought several seasons of starting receiver production at a manageable price and received a player whose role substantially exceeded the draft cost. The Rams receive a C because the transaction was understandable from an asset-cycle perspective, but the selected players did not replace Jackson’s realized value. The difference in actual contribution makes the Patriots the clear winner. Jackson’s immediate usefulness and multi-season starting role make the difference especially straightforward.