Los Angeles moved up to No. 9 in the 1981 draft and selected…
Los Angeles moved up to No. 9 in the 1981 draft and selected linebacker Mel Owens, who spent nine seasons with the Rams, played 122 games, started 91 and recorded 26.5 sacks. Washington received Nos. 20, 52 and 105, led by guard Mark May, a long-term starter on championship teams. Both clubs converted the exchange into major multi-year value, making an Even Trade the fairest result.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1981 first round pick (#9-Mel Owens)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1981 first round pick (#20-Mark May (Eric))
- pick 1981 second round pick (#52-Jarvis Redwine)
- pick 1981 fourth round pick (#105-Richard Turner)
Trade Analysis
Why the Rams Moved Up
Los Angeles wanted linebacker Mel Owens and used the ninth overall pick to secure him. That decision worked. Owens spent his entire nine-year career with the Rams, appeared in 122 games and started 91. He became a regular starter by 1983 and produced 26.5 career sacks, including nine in 1985.
What Washington Received
Washington moved down to No. 20 and added second- and fourth-round selections. The first-round pick became guard Mark May, who developed into a long-term starter and an important member of the offensive lines that powered Washington's championship teams. The extra selections also gave Washington more opportunities from one premium asset.
How the Two Cornerstones Compare
Owens supplied the Rams with nearly a decade of starting linebacker play. May supplied Washington with similarly durable offensive-line value and started well over 100 games for the franchise. Because both players became meaningful long-term starters at positions their teams valued, the top of each return was a major success.
Why the Extra Picks Do Not Create a Blowout
Washington received more total selections, but the trade should not be judged by pick count alone. Los Angeles used the premium slot successfully instead of wasting the move-up. Owens's 91 starts and sustained production gave the Rams exactly the type of long-term return a top-10 selection should provide.
Final Verdict
Both teams earn an A-. Washington's move down produced Mark May and additional draft capital, while Los Angeles landed Mel Owens and kept him as a defensive starter for nine seasons. Each organization can point to a central contributor from the deal, and the realized value is close enough to call this an Even Trade.