Washington traded picks No. 82, No. 137 and No. 165 to the…
Washington traded picks No. 82, No. 137 and No. 165 to the Rams in the 1988 draft for No. 66, used on running back Mike Oliphant. Los Angeles found a useful defensive lineman in Mike Piel, who played 50 Rams games with 13 sacks. Washington's value became larger one year later when it traded Oliphant straight up for Earnest Byner, turning the acquired asset into a major multi-year contributor.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1988 third round pick (#82-Mike Piel)
- pick 1988 fifth round pick (#137-James Washington (McArthur))
- pick 1988 sixth round pick (#165-Jeff Knapton)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1988 third round pick (#66-Mike Oliphant)
Trade Analysis
Why Washington Moved Up
Washington acquired the 66th pick in the 1988 draft from the Rams and used it on running back Mike Oliphant. Los Angeles received three choices: No. 82 Mike Piel, No. 137 James Washington and No. 165 Jeff Knapton. On draft day alone, the Rams had the attractive quantity side, while Washington was concentrating three selections into one targeted third-round player.
What the Rams Received
Piel became a solid direct return. NFL records show he played 50 games for the Rams, started 25 and recorded 13 sacks from 1989 through 1992. James Washington later built a long NFL career, although most of his notable production came after leaving the Rams. The Los Angeles package therefore produced real value, especially through Piel, and deserves a strong grade rather than being treated as a failed haul.
How Oliphant Changed Washington's Outcome
Oliphant's greatest value to Washington came through the next transaction. On April 23, 1989, Washington traded him straight up to Cleveland for Earnest Byner. Contemporary reporting described Byner as a 26-year-old back who had led Cleveland in both rushing and receiving the previous season. Byner then became a major Washington contributor, turning the No. 66 asset into far more value than Oliphant's own rookie production alone would show.
Final Verdict
The Rams did well enough to earn a B because Piel supplied four productive seasons and the package created additional opportunities. Washington, however, converted its acquired pick into Oliphant and then, one year later, into Byner without adding another asset in the swap. That downstream conversion lifts Washington to B+. The Rams received good value, but Washington extracted the more consequential long-term return. The verdict is Washington Commanders Win.