Los Angeles received the 1988 twelfth-round selection…
Los Angeles received the 1988 twelfth-round selection associated with Jeff Beathard plus a 1989 eleventh-round choice tied to Willie Griffin. Those late-round assets did not turn into meaningful direct Rams production. The package gave Los Angeles extra draft opportunities, but the eventual football return was too small to create a clear advantage in a deal built entirely around late selections.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1988 twelfth round pick (#333-Jeff Beathard (a))
- pick 1989 eleventh round pick (#290-Willie Griffin)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1988 twelfth round pick (#315-Wayne Ross)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1988-04-25, Los Angeles Rams received 1988 twelfth round pick (#333-Jeff Beathard (a)) and 1989 eleventh round pick (#290-Willie Griffin), while Washington Commanders received 1988 twelfth round pick (#315-Wayne Ross). The value question is not which side collected more names or nominal draft slots, but what those assets actually produced for the clubs that controlled them. The completed historical research makes the direct return on each side clear enough to compare without crediting later transactions that required separate consideration.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received the 1988 twelfth-round selection associated with Jeff Beathard plus a 1989 eleventh-round choice tied to Willie Griffin. Those late-round assets did not turn into meaningful direct Rams production. The package gave Los Angeles extra draft opportunities, but the eventual football return was too small to create a clear advantage in a deal built entirely around late selections.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington moved up within the final round of the 1988 draft and used the acquired No. 315 selection on Wayne Ross. Ross did not establish an NFL regular-season career, leaving Washington without meaningful direct playing value from the move. Because the Rams' later selections also failed to create substantial production, Washington's limited return does not meaningfully separate the two sides.
Value in Hindsight
The best way to judge this exchange is by the football value directly created by the original consideration. Los Angeles received the 1988 twelfth-round selection associated with Jeff Beathard plus a 1989 eleventh-round choice tied to Willie Griffin. Washington moved up within the final round of the 1988 draft and used the acquired No. 315 selection on Wayne Ross. That comparison keeps later moves separate and gives proper weight to starting service, useful depth, longevity, and the actual results of the draft capital involved.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams receives a C- and Washington Commanders receives a C-. The verdict is Even Trade. The grade spread reflects the scale of the direct return: a decisive edge where one club secured sustained production, a narrower edge where the difference was modest, and equal marks when neither side created enough value to separate itself.