Los Angeles sent guard Dan Nugent to Washington for future…
Los Angeles sent guard Dan Nugent to Washington for future second- and third-round selections in the 1980 draft. The second-rounder became No. 50 Irv Pankey, who played 144 games and started 117 for the Rams. With another third-round asset also included, Los Angeles turned one useful lineman into far greater long-term roster value.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1980 second round pick (#50-Irvin Pankey / Irv Pankey)
- pick 1980 third round pick (#77) [later traded with Charle Young and 1980 fourth round pick (#98-David Hodge) to San Francisco 49ers for 1980 third round pick (#58-Jewerl Thomas) and 1983 third round pick (#63-Jamie Williams)]
Washington Commanders Received
- player Dan Nugent (a)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington acquired guard Dan Nugent from Los Angeles in September 1976. The Rams received future second- and third-round choices in the 1980 draft, a significant amount of delayed capital for an offensive lineman. The second-round selection eventually became No. 50 Irv Pankey.
What Washington Received
Nugent provided real service rather than a brief cameo. Career records show 58 games and 24 starts during his Washington tenure, including all 16 starts in 1978. That makes Washington's side respectable: the club paid future picks for a player who became a regular part of its offensive line.
What Los Angeles Received
Pankey became the major payoff. Pro Football Reference lists 150 career games and 122 starts, including 144 games and 117 starts with the Rams. Los Angeles therefore obtained a long-term offensive tackle from the second-rounder alone. The Rams also controlled the additional third-round choice and later used it in another transaction.
Why the Rams Still Win
Washington acquired a useful starter, which prevents a harsh grade. Los Angeles simply created more years of value. Pankey's long run as a Rams lineman exceeded Nugent's Washington tenure, and the extra third-round asset added another layer of flexibility beyond the player-for-player comparison.
Historical Context
Future picks also imposed a waiting cost on Los Angeles, yet the Rams were rewarded for that patience. By 1980, the delayed second-rounder had become a foundation piece on the offensive line.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles receives an A- and Washington receives a B-. The Rams won because the future picks produced a long-term starter in Irv Pankey plus additional draft value, even though Nugent gave Washington several useful seasons.