The Rams traded the third-round selection that became kicker…
The Rams traded the third-round selection that became kicker Jeff Jaeger to Cleveland and received three later choices, used on Larry Kelm, Scott Mersereau and Fred Stokes. Jaeger kicked in only 10 games for the Browns before his long career continued elsewhere. Los Angeles obtained more direct roster value, especially from Kelm, and also received early contributions from Stokes before his career expanded with other clubs.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1987 fourth round pick (#109-Larry Kelm)
- pick 1987 fifth round pick (#136-Scott Mersereau)
- pick 1987 twelfth round pick (#332-Fred Stokes)
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1987 third round pick (#82-Jeff Jaeger)
Trade Analysis
Why Cleveland Moved Up
Cleveland consolidated three later choices into the third-round slot used on kicker Jeff Jaeger. For a contender, securing a targeted specialist could make sense, and Jaeger immediately handled the job for 10 games. The cost was meaningful, though: Los Angeles received a fourth, a fifth and a twelfth-round selection in return.
What Cleveland Received
Jaeger made 14 of 22 field-goal attempts as a rookie and converted all 33 extra points. His broader NFL career became long and productive, but almost all of that later value came with the Raiders and Bears rather than Cleveland. For this trade, the Browns received only his 1987 season before moving on.
What Los Angeles Received
The Rams used the incoming choices on Larry Kelm, Scott Mersereau and Fred Stokes. Mersereau did not become a Rams regular, but Kelm developed into a multi-year linebacker and Stokes contributed in his first two Los Angeles seasons before later building a long NFL career. The package therefore produced more than one usable roster piece and, most importantly, a sustained contributor in Kelm.
How the Value Settled
The trade demonstrates why multiple later picks can outperform one higher choice even when not every selection hits. Cleveland's choice became a good NFL kicker, yet his Cleveland tenure was brief. Los Angeles did not need all three selections to succeed; Kelm's staying power alone gave the Rams a stronger direct return, with Stokes adding more value at the margin.
Final Verdict
The Rams win with a B grade, while Cleveland receives a C+. Jaeger was not a bad selection, but the Browns captured only a fraction of his eventual career. Los Angeles turned the trade-down package into more total team value and a longer-lasting contributor.