Washington sent a future 1981 third-round pick to the Rams…
Washington sent a future 1981 third-round pick to the Rams for three draft choices spanning 1977 and 1978. The transaction record associates the future third, with a probability qualifier, with No. 66 Robert Cobb, who played only six games for the Rams. Washington's package included the choice connected to Don Hover, who later played 32 NFL games, producing the stronger return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1981 third round pick (probably #66-Robert Cobb / Bob Cobb)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1977 seventh round pick (#190-Reggie Haynes)
- pick 1977 ninth round pick (#246-Mike Northington)
- pick 1978 eighth round pick (probably #219-Don Hover)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 3, 1977, Washington acquired a seventh-round and ninth-round choice in that year's draft plus a 1978 eighth-round selection from the Rams. Los Angeles received Washington's future 1981 third-round pick. The historical transaction source marks the later third-round identity as probable rather than certain, so that qualifier must remain part of the evaluation.
What Washington Commanders Received
Washington's package included the 1977 selections associated with Reggie Haynes and Mike Northington and the 1978 eighth-round choice associated with Don Hover. Hover went on to appear in 32 NFL games with seven starts, providing the clearest realized playing value among Washington's linked selections.
What Los Angeles Rams Received
The future third is associated, with the source's probability qualifier, with No. 66 Robert Cobb in the 1981 draft. Cobb appeared in only 11 NFL games overall and only six for the Rams, so the likely downstream return produced little direct value for Los Angeles.
How the Value Developed
Washington spread its return across three chances and obtained at least one useful NFL contributor. The Rams consolidated the exchange into a future third-round asset, but the likely selection attached to that pick did not become a meaningful Los Angeles player.
Why the Difference Matters
The uncertain downstream link prevents an overly aggressive grade, but it does not erase the documented package or Washington's stronger realized outcome. The evaluation keeps the probability qualifier visible rather than presenting the 1981 selection as absolute fact.
Final Verdict
Washington receives a B- and the Rams receive a D+. The final call is Washington Commanders Win because the multi-pick return created more supported football value than the Rams' likely third-round outcome.