Seattle sent the 1982 fifth-round pick that became No. 117…
Seattle sent the 1982 fifth-round pick that became No. 117 and Wally Kersten to the Rams for Jim Jodat. Jodat immediately became Seattle’s starting fullback, producing 632 rushing yards, 190 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in 1980; he finished his two-year Seahawks stay with 28 games and substantial backfield work. Kersten played only three games for Los Angeles in 1982 without a start. Seattle clearly received the stronger realized return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1982 fifth round pick (#117-Wally Kersten)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Jim Jodat
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 26, 1980, Los Angeles sent fullback Jim Jodat to Seattle for the Seahawks’ 1982 fifth-round pick. The draft-trade chain identifies that selection as No. 117, which the Rams used on Minnesota tackle Wally Kersten. Because both assets are fully traceable, this trade can be judged on realized production rather than generic draft-value language.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams used No. 117 on Kersten. His Los Angeles tenure was extremely limited. Pro Football Reference and NFL records show only three regular-season appearances in 1982, all as a reserve, with zero starts. He provided depth and special-teams work but never developed into a sustained offensive-line role for the Rams. A fifth-round choice yielding three games merits a D+ in hindsight.
Seattle Seahawks Return
Seattle received immediate backfield value from Jodat. In 1980 he started 13 games, rushed 155 times for 632 yards and five touchdowns, and caught 26 passes for 190 yards and another score. The Seahawks themselves still cite his 632 rushing yards and six total touchdowns when discussing notable players in franchise history. Jodat returned in 1981 for 12 more games, adding 106 rushing yards, 52 receiving yards and another rushing touchdown.
Value in Hindsight
Seattle obtained two seasons and a productive starting campaign from a player the Rams no longer needed. Los Angeles converted the pick into a tackle who appeared only three times. The difference is large even after accounting for the modest fifth-round acquisition cost.
Final Verdict
Seattle wins, B+ to D+. Jodat delivered immediate starting production and more than 800 scrimmage yards in his first Seahawks season, while Kersten’s Rams career consisted of three reserve appearances.