Washington moved Henry Childs to the Rams only days after…
Washington moved Henry Childs to the Rams only days after acquiring him and received Los Angeles’ 1982 third-round pick at No. 61 plus a seventh-round choice at No. 172. Childs gave the Rams seven starts, 12 catches, 145 yards and one touchdown in 1981. Washington’s third-round selection became Carl Powell, who never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, but the two-pick return still favored Washington’s asset management.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Henry Childs
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1982 third round pick (#61-Carl Powell)
- pick 1982 seventh round pick (#172-Edmund Nelson)
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
Washington traded tight end Henry Childs to Los Angeles on May 5, 1981, less than a week after obtaining him from New Orleans. Draft-transaction records identify the Rams’ return as a 1982 third-round pick that became No. 61 and a 1982 seventh-round choice that became No. 172. Contemporary Washington reporting also described the Rams compensation as multiple future choices, confirming that Childs was quickly converted back into draft capital rather than retained for the season.
What Washington Received
The third-rounder became wide receiver Carl Powell at No. 61. Powell signed with Washington but did not make the regular-season roster and never appeared in an NFL game, so the most visible pick did not produce on-field value. The seventh-round choice was another usable asset in Washington’s broader draft holdings. This verdict does not credit Washington with Edmund Nelson’s later Pittsburgh career; it values the pick itself and the fact that Washington obtained two selections for a player it had held only briefly.
What Los Angeles Received
Childs did play for the Rams, but the return was short-lived. He appeared in seven games, started all seven, and caught 12 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown in 1981. He did not remain with Los Angeles beyond that season. The Rams therefore received real but modest production for a third-rounder plus another pick.
Final Verdict
Washington wins narrowly on asset management rather than draft execution. Powell’s failure to make the NFL prevents a stronger grade, but turning Childs into two picks after only days of ownership was still favorable process. Los Angeles received one partial season of starting tight-end play and little lasting value. Washington earns a B-; the Rams receive a C.